Research Chef

**Company Overview**

At **YogenFruz**, we're in the business of spreading smiles—one swirl, scoop, or sprinkle at a time. As pioneers in frozen desserts and indulgent treats, our mission is to craft experiences as delightful as they are delicious. From iconic frozen yogurt and over-the-top sundaes to trend-forward novelties, we bring joy to every bite.

With beloved brands like **Pinkberry, Sweet Jesus, Swensen’s, Yogurty’s, and Yeh Yogurt** under our umbrella, we're looking for a **Research Chef** who lives and breathes innovation in frozen sweets.

**Position Overview**

We’re seeking a **creative, flavor-obsessed, and trend-savvy Research Chef** to lead new product development across frozen treats, indulgent snacks, and dessert-based beverages. This role blends culinary artistry with food science and consumer insight to transform fun, bold concepts into scalable retail and QSR products.

You'll be the creative engine behind new menu launches and retail innovations—from swirling vibrant frozen yogurt flavors to crafting dreamy sundaes, melt-worthy toppings, and craveable novelties.

**Key Responsibilities**
- **Flavor & Treat Innovation**: Dream up delicious new frozen desserts, soft-serves, toppings, sauces, mix-ins, and novelty treats that align with seasonal trends and consumer cravings.
- **Recipe Development**: Create scalable, cost-effective recipes for both retail (CPG) and QSR settings—think ice cream pints, frozen yogurt cups, swirled parfaits, frozen drinks, and baked inclusions.
- **Trend Translation**: Stay ahead of global dessert trends and translate them into on-brand innovations across our treat categories.
- **Sensory & Taste Testing**: Conduct internal tastings and consumer feedback sessions to fine-tune texture, appearance, flavor burst, and meltability.
- **Culinary Storytelling**: Work with marketing to help bring storytelling and visual flair to new launches. You don’t just make food—you make moments.
- **Cross-Functional Collaboration**: Work with R&D, supply chain, and operations to commercialize products, troubleshoot scaling issues, and ensure consistent quality.
- **Ingredient Sourcing**: Source bold, fun, and functional ingredients (e.g., freeze-dried fruits, syrups, inclusions) that enhance indulgence and innovation.

**Qualifications**
- Culinary Arts degree or equivalent experience in product development.
- 5-7+ years in culinary innovation, preferably in frozen desserts, ice cream, or indulgent snack categories.
- Experience in both QSR and CPG environments.
- Passion for creative flavor building, dessert textures, and fun food experiences.
- Knowledge of basic food science and manufacturing processes.
- Familiarity with compliance and food safety standards (CFIA/FDA/USDA).
- Collaborative and creative, with strong sensory skills and presentation abilities.

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

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care

Flexible language requirement:

- French not required

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Markham, ON L3R 8V2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- What is your salary expectation? (Provide a salary range.)
- How many years of experience do you have developing frozen desserts?

Work Location: In person