Culinary and Product Development Manager

Position: Culinary and Product Development Manager

Department: Marketing

Reports to: Director of Marketing

Are you ready for a new challenge? Let's roll your career with MTY A delicious future awaits you #Letsroll #Tastyfuture

The MTY Group is a family whose heart beats to the rhythm of its brands and its employees.

Over the past 40 years, EXCELLENCE, ENTHUSIASM and INNOVATION have led us to success.

Today, we continue to look for talented professionals who want to work for a company that will offer them opportunities for growth and many rewarding experiences.

MTY offers its employees dynamic, unique and valuable professional experience.

· What we offer :

· 3 weeks' holiday

· Benefits from day one

· Flexible working hours

· Half day Friday (long year)

· Hybrid working arrangement

· Exciting activities

· Employee recognition awards

· 300 Health Care Spending Account/or welfare spending account.

· Continuing education reimbursement

· 2000 recommendation bonus

· Akira: telemedicine service

· Employee assistance program

· Annuel volunteering hours

MTY Group is seeking a talented, experienced, and hands-on Culinary and Product Development Manager specializing in product and menu innovation to join our dynamic team in the Quick Service and Fast Casual Industry. The position will lead research, development and introduction of new and/or improved existing menu items and products to support the goals of the brand. This position is not only responsible for taking a product from concept to commercialization but also to optimize in-store operational success and to improve store sales and profitability. This role will be responsible for the development and execution of processes, systems and training materials while supporting our ongoing restaurant operations in the field.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Lead on-going analysis and tracking of brand, category and market activity as related to new product launches and/or Limited Time Offerings and staying cognisant of gross margins, product costs, overall food costs and store P&L

· Develop and execute new menu items and limited time offers (LTOs) in conjunction with the Marketing Calendar and coordinated with Supply Chain, Operations and Marketing

· Support design, production, and distribution of Operations Guides for new innovations, LTOs, and operational processes

· Stay abreast of food and beverage trends and menu development strategy of competitors.

· Lead the development and testing of all packaging.

· Assist with preparation, styling, and guidance of menu items for photo and video shoots including ordering products and assistance to Marketing as required.

· Responsible for menu reengineering: ingredient and menu optimization, food cost reduction, menu offer improvement.

· Assist with POS programming and logistics as it relates to new products, LTOs and menu items.

· Identify opportunities and gaps for new products and/or revised products to support brand’s strategic initiatives.

· Support the identification and assessment of future and current training needs through ongoing analysis for Franchisees, Corporate Team Members, and location Team Members.

· Support creating a culture of continuous improvement and development in restaurant operations.

· Thoroughly understands all training materials and the methods for implementation.

· Suggests new training ideas to the Team.

· Assist in roll-out of new innovations (products), LTOs, and menu related processes by training the field team through a “train the trainer” and/or directly with franchisees.

· Demonstrates high standards of personal excellence by continually seeking ways to improve and setting & working to achieve goals.

· Function in the capacity of product-based project leader for product development programs from ideation/inception through introduction, full roll-out and post-launch evaluation.

· Coordinate all product field tests (live, in-store testing) and Senior Brand Team tasting/testing as well as consumer research.

· Compile, evaluate and analyze test results to provide recommendations and next steps (include food costs, margins, and overall effect on store P&L).

· Continuously monitor market developments / competitive trends and sources of supply with respect to nutrition for the brand’s menu and make recommendations for improvements.

· Develop and refine specifications for new and/or improved products; develop processing parameters at processor level, identify and establish quantifiable objective product standards.

· Work closely with Operations, Purchasing, and Marketing in communicating the technical information related to new product test programs. This includes ordering any products required for Research & Development and management of sample inventory.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Exceptional people development skills and experience

· Ability to multitask and perform in a fast paced, changing environment. Strong organizational and time management skills.

· Excellent communication, presentation and guest services skills and experience

· Effective problem-solving skills.

· Proficient in MS Office

· Culinary Expertise: Extensive experience as a Chef specializing in product innovation, with a deep understanding of consumer trends and cooking techniques. Proven ability to develop and execute new recipes.

· Innovation Processes: Expert knowledge in innovation processes including knowledge of third-party syndicated research, concept and sensory research, market tests and stage-gate approvals.

· Supply Chain Management: Ability to form (or leverage existing) vendor relationships; understanding of packaging, food cost, lead times, production and quality assurance.

· Quick Service and Fast Casual Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the foodservice industry and its operational requirements. Understanding of the challenges and opportunities specific to the industry.

· Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management skills. Experience in managing multiple locations or restaurant chains is an asset.

· Quality Focus: A strong commitment to delivering exceptional food quality and ensuring adherence to brand standards.

· Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, including operations, marketing, and purchasing.

· Hands on in the operation: This is not just an office position, you must be comfortable working in the restaurant (evenings and weekends as required) in a fast-paced and evolving environment, open to feedback, and able to adapt to changing priorities and market demands.

· Culinary Education: A culinary degree or equivalent qualification is preferred, but relevant experience and a strong culinary track record will also be considered.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This person must:

· Have use of a vehicle and a valid driver’s license.

· Be able to travel.

· Be able to work evenings and weekends (as required) and have a flexible schedule.

· Be able to work long hours at times to meet the requirements of the business.

If you are a passionate and innovative culinary professional with a deep understanding of food flavours and trends with a desire to make a significant impact in the Quick Service and Fast Casual Industry, we invite you to apply for the position of Culinary and Product Development Manager. Join our team and contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization.

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon a background check, including a criminal record check.