Kinder's Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces

Culinary Development Manager

Walnut Creek, CA · Exec

Sponsorship not specified$135k-$155kDetected 1 day ago

SparkInventory ManagementLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationProblem SolvingPublic SpeakingOrganizational SkillsFood SafetyFood Science

About the role

Kinder's is seeking an experienced and creatively driven Culinary Development Manager to join our team of passionate culinary professionals working hard to bring the future of flavor to consumers everywhere.
The Culinary Development Manager will be a critical leader in contributing to our culinary development engine.
This is a high-impact role responsible for supporting innovation cycles and driving culinary gold-standard formulation through the creation, testing, and refinement of new products and flavor profiles.

Drive culinary development of new flavor profiles and products for assigned segments of the Kinder's portfolio (e.g., sauces, seasonings)
Develop and iterate recipes from bench-top prototypes to culinary gold-standard formulations ready for scale-up and transition to R&D/Product Development
Support internal tastings, cuttings, and competitive benchmarking to inform product direction and refinement
Partner with R&D/Product Development to support product evaluation, sensory documentation, and readiness for commercialization
Serve as a culinary partner to Innovation, Product Development, and Commercialization to move products from concept to launch
Collaborate with Culinary Operations, Sourcing, and R&D/PD to evaluate and qualify new ingredients
Maintain detailed documentation of formulations, processes, and development learnings
Most of our work happens in the office to spark creativity and community, but we also offer flexibility so team members have the autonomy to work outside the office when needed to support their work-life balance and personal commitments.

Strong understanding of flavor systems, ingredient functionality, and food processing fundamentals
Familiarity with ingredient sourcing, efficient kitchen operations, and inventory management
Strong understanding of food safety principals and regulatory basics
ServSafe certification required (or ability to obtain within 60 days
Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high variability environment
Experience developing recipes from concept through execution, with attention to consistency and scalability
Strong communication skills with ability to collaborate effectively across functions
Growth mindset with an excitement to learn (and teach)
Low ego with a strong sense of humility
Energized by bringing brands to life through food and creating memorable flavor experiences
Collaborative and solutions-oriented, with a creative approach to problem solving
Comfortable leading when needed and supporting when it best serves the team

5+ years of professional culinary experience (restaurant, catering, or CPG/product development environments preferred)
Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, food science, or related field preferred (or equivalent hands-on experience)

The expected starting salary range for this role is $135,000- $155,000 per year.
We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on the location of the role.
The amount a particular employee will earn within the salary range will be based on factors such as relevant education, qualifications, performance and business needs.
We offer a range of total rewards that may include paid time off, 401k, bonus / incentive eligibility, equity grants, competitive health benefits, and other family-friendly benefits, including parental leave.

We offer a range of total rewards that may include paid time off, 401k, bonus / incentive eligibility, equity grants, competitive health benefits, and other family-friendly benefits, including parental leave.
Kinder's benefits vary based on eligibility and can be reviewed in more detail during the interview process.

Represent Kinder's culinary perspective in interactions with customers, including buyers and other partners
We aren't trying to be average - we want to do exceptional things, and we are willing to work hard to achieve them.
We're a people-first company built on connection, collaboration, and balance.

Kinder's is an equal opportunity employer.
equal opportunity employer.
If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law, and you need any accommodation during the

applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, citizenship, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing,

This listing is sourced directly from Kinder's Premium Quality Seasonings & Sauces's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.