Project Manager, Product Development Chef

Culinary Innovation Position

This position creates, refines and assists in sourcing new recipes and products that align with the corporate strategy and vision, stay true to the brand essence and maintain venue/brand specific relevance under the direction of Denny's Director, Culinary Innovation. This position manages all Culinary projects including Cuttings, Photo/Commercial Shoots and items for Virtual Brands. This position supports Product Development, Purchasing, Marketing, Operations and Quality Assurance.

Essential Functions (Duties & Responsibilities)

1. Responsible for leading the culinary execution of internal/external catering events, product showings, training, focus groups, CLTs, and other events as assigned
2. Coordinates supplies for and supervises food stylist during most photoshoots to ensure recipe accuracy of photography as assigned.
3. Monitors competitor's products and keeps abreast of new trends and technologies in the industry. Uses that information in the development of menu items to ensure Denny's remains relevant in a changing consumer landscape.
4. Coordinates product demonstrations focus groups and product tests.
5. Supports the development of new products and improvement of existing products to meet consumer preferences as established through consumer research. This position uses scientific technology, as well as company and vendor capabilities to achieve results.
6. Sources and maintains vendor information for new ingredients, processes, and packaging.
7. Refines recipes and ingredient specifications to meet consumer preferences as established through sensory panels and marketing research.
8. Refines recipes for successful execution within operational and manufacturing limitations.
9. Establishes formulation and processing parameters to ensure product quality consistency.
10. Responsible for the accuracy, documentation, and data entry of working recipes, costs, yields, procedures, and other information as required.
11. Ensures proper inventory of office supplies for the product development department.
12. Assists in managing the cleanliness and maintenance of the test kitchen, equipment, and inventory. Understands that the standards for the test kitchen exceed those of a normal restaurant due to the visibility of the facility to outside parties.
13. Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirement

Culinary degree or related field or a combination of experience and education sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

• 7 - 10 years of experience in restaurant or food industry. Restaurant product development experience preferred. Food processing plant experience is a plus.
• 4 to 6 years of Product Development experience.
• ServSafe certificate preferred.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• A creative mindset
• Good verbal and organizational skills and a strong understanding of culinary principles.
• Ability to work as part of a team or individually.
• Must be able to work independently and in a very fast-paced and quickly changing environment.
• Must be flexible and have the ability to work within very tight time constraints.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Passionate about details and accuracy.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects at one time
• Strong solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work as part of a team or individually.
• Strong Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint skills.
• Must be able to operate and maintain industrial kitchen equipment.
• Must be able to work in a cold environment, 32 or below, for an extended period of time (this is required for inventory and cleaning of industrial freezers and coolers).
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time.
• Strong understanding of culinary principles with proven execution of those skills.
• Up to 25% to 30% travel may be required for conducting and monitoring tests.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

The typical pay range for this role is: Minimum: $79,000.00 - Maximum: $108,900.00

Please note that this range represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade within which the position falls. This job posting is not a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee as the actual pay will take into account a range of factors, including location and experience.

Denny's, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should contact 864-597-8000. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THIS NUMBER TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION.

Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please contact the DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.