Hearn Kirkwood a privately held manufacturer and marketer of fresh cut fruits and grab and go sandwiches salads, snacks, etc. that are sold to major retailers, c-stores and food service operators. Based in the Baltimore area, we are growing and poised to continue expanding. We are currently seeking an experienced Corporate Chef with manufacturing experience to lead the innovation and product development of new products. The qualified candidate will be an experienced Corporate Chef with an excellent reputation, have experience commercializing new fresh products and will be creative and capable to implement our new product vision to new and existing customers. This person will aggressively and proactively drive innovation for our customers. The ideal candidate must demonstrate success in consistently meeting and exceeding innovation and development goals.
- Identifying and educating the organization on current/future food trends, driving a food-forward culture.
- Responsible for new product development, innovation, and renovation for assigned categories.
- Lead and execute ideation 2x per year, 3 product launches per year.
- Create innovative new products and processes to maintain and grow a creative catalogue of products for our customers.
- Motivate and inspire his/her colleagues to reach a required level of culinary excellence.
- Understand the needs of both internal and external customers.
- Build and strengthen customer relationships.
- Present ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively to achieve the level of culinary excellence throughout the business.
- Must have a Culinary Science Degree and/or Food Science Degree or similar.
- Must have at least 5 years of hands-on culinary experience with similar products and proven successes.
- Must have a strong culinary and new food product development experience including commercialization in the manufacturing environment.
- Must have strong interpersonal, verbal, written and presentation communication skills.
- Must be highly motivated and self-directed individual able to work in fast-paced, changing environment.
- Must have strong knowledge of the consumer and foodservice marketplaces, including trends, practices, information and insights impacting the business.
- Should have strong knowledge of and commitment to SQF, food safety standards, nutritional labeling.
- Must be knowledgeable in Genesis Nutrition Software.
- Must be proficient with all Microsoft Office applications.
- Must be creative innovator who is not afraid to take risks, be resourceful, and entrepreneurial thinking.
- Must be an active member of RCA or similar Chef’s Association
- Be able to travel within the US to meet with customers and attend trade shows as needed etc.
