Leo's Group Corporate Product Development Chef

**The Product Development Chef** of Leo's Group (Multi-Unit) will be responsible for initiating and implementing new product development projects, menu changes, and feature food items. They will report to Sean Hale, Corporate Chef of Leo's Group.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Initiating, planning and implementing new product development projects, menu changes, and feature food items
- Contribute to the overall success and growth of the company by developing high-quality, market-leading menu items
- Develop recipes and product specifications that meet production requirements and cost constraints
- Identify menu planning and engineering strategies and execute them with clear communication.
- Collaborating with the marketing department to determine strategies to increase social presence and in-store and off-premise sales.
- Utilize market research and real-time sales data to inform menu, product and feature development.
- Set comprehensive development goals for performance, profit optimization and growth.
- Collaborating with operations to develop general communications on new products, menu items, features or limited-time offerings.
- Identify products, systems and processes that will increase labour productivity and overall execution for culinary operations.
- Working with procurement and vendors on sourcing raw materials, ingredients, or new products.
- Working with company guidelines to create recipes and formulations for culinary operations
- Arranging and evaluating product sampling with the procurement team and vendors.
- Obtaining results and feedback from market tests and product evaluations.
- Identifying dietary restrictions and inclusive menu options, implementing and efficiently communicating changes.
- Creating and maintaining recipe, procedure, and internal communication documents
- Continue to support the evolution and growth of Leo’s takeout program.
- Establish and develop BOH recipe specifications and coaching with regionals.
- Promote Leo’s core values, company positivity, culture and future BOH vision.
- Identify opportunities for the culinary team to increase sales.
- Travel to markets quarterly, or whenever needed.
- Work closely with cross-functional teams to identify market trends and consumer needs
- Collaborate with suppliers to source ingredients and materials
- Maintain accurate records of product development and testing processes
- Conduct market research to gather insights and feedback on product development efforts
- Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to develop product packaging and marketing materials
- Manage the product development process from concept to launch
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in food science and technology
- Create presentations and reports to communicate product development progress to all levels of management
- Participate in industry events and trade shows to network and promote product development efforts
- Conduct quality assurance checks to ensure that finished products meet standards

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- 5 years of BOH management or culinary experience
- Familiarity with all aspects of BOH operations
- Ability to lead meetings and communicate data analysis, and ability to interface with all levels of staff with tact and diplomacy.
- Must be a collaborative team player and possess a strong ability to listen.
- Highly proactive style of work, with a demonstrated track record of developing innovative approaches.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- A strong understanding of menu development and ingredient sourcing.
- Experience working with market research and sales data to inform product development decisions.
- A passion for food and a desire to continuously learn and innovate.
- Understanding of food service distribution and supply chain management.
- Experience working with market research and real-time sales data to inform product development decisions.
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
- A willingness to relocate to or reside in Regina, SK.
- A culinary arts degree or equivalent certification is not necessary, but a huge plus
- Should possess proficiency in computer usage and a strong familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite. (Excel, Word and PowerPoint)
- Capable of effectively creating comprehensive, clear and detailed documents and reports.

**Salary will be based on experience and discussed Corporate + Benefits, Annual Bonus, and Leo's Livin' Perks**

**If you believe that this exciting and innovative culinary role is a good fit for you, please submit your resume and cover letter**

**If qualifications are met we'll be sure to get back to you**

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: $65,000.00-$72,500.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Store discount
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift
- Holidays
- Monday to Friday

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