The Manager of Culinary and R&D at Jason’s Deli will support the Culinary Team with all aspects of menu testing including setup, deli communication, feedback collection, and survey creation & analysis. This person will participate in the test design process and will be the main point of contact for test delis throughout the testing period. The candidate will lead a quarterly Product Approval meeting in which all Consumer Insights and Test feedback are presented to the team.  This person will also manage quality assurance quarterly product cuttings, and maintain product specifications as required. 

Major Responsibilities

Menu Testing Program Management (70%)

Design and implement surveys, both internal and customer facingManage the Test Deli feedback matrix spreadsheet and all organization involvedAnalyze and translate test results into meaningful consumer insights Help maintain the feedback collection structureVisit test delis and collect data to measure success of testParticipate in the test design process to ensure unbiased and clean collection of data, deli feedback, and customer survey responsesIn partnership with the purchasing team, coordinate product shipments and test start datesIn partnership with the marketing team, coordinate shipping point of purchase materialsMust be able to independently handle the coordination of a wide range of activities and recommend appropriate solutionsOrganize and send weekly test email communication updatesOrganize and lead quarterly Test Deli Huddles to communicate expectations of upcoming tests. Participate in Culinary Team product evaluations and tastings

Quality Assurance Support (30%)

Organizes and maintains quarterly and bi-quarterly quality assurance product evaluations concerning product performance, product tastings, and product specifications for Culinary and Purchasing teamsConducts and records all vendor follow-ups on out of spec items to ensure conformanceConducts yearly specification checks of our top 100 items

Job Qualifications

Must have a college degree in Food Science, Culinary, Sensory Science, or experience in a related fieldMinimum 5-7 years experience required in role at a reputable companyThe ideal candidate will be able to learn new software systems quicklyMust be able to maintain good working relationships with peersMust be self motivated and an independent thinkerMust have excellent organizational and time management skillsMust be easy to work with and display a professional mentality with strong interpersonal skills.

Other Information

Some travel required (10%)This candidate will assist the staff in our Core Values workshops up to 4 times per year Included in this role is a monthly cell phone stipend and lunch provided Monday-Thursday while in the office. As a member of the Culinary and R&D Team, you will be expected to maintain a clean and safe test kitchen environmentAs a member of the Culinary and R&D Team, you will be expected to obtain and maintain a Texas State Food Safety CertificationMust complete deli training prior to starting the position

Essential Job Functions

Adaptability

The ability to work in an environment with temperature fluctuationsThe ability to share an officeThe ability to use equipment including copy machines, calculators, and computers, Google Suite, and deli specific equipment (Turbo Chef, Meat Slicer, etc.)

Mobility

The ability to bend and reach upwards and outwardThe ability to sit and stand for extensive periods of timeThe ability to lift 40 lbs

Reliability and Performance

The ability to maintain regular, predictable attendanceThe ability to travelThe ability to adhere to dress code and grooming standardsAbility to work in the office 4 or 5 days per week, as prescribed by your managerAbility to be at work before 9am and perform the functions of a full 8 hour work day

This document is confidential and prohibited from distribution outside of DMI, Inc./Franchise.