Culinary Development, Associate Manager

Summary Supports the Culinary Development Team’s workstreams by executing product preparation and kitchen testing. Responsible for delivery and planning of product development food showings, special events, Inspire and AFA Board meetings, CLT’s, Executive Team meetings, focus group taste panels, and agency showings. Owns day-to-day product preparation, product ordering and inventory within Jimmy John’s areas of Inspire Test Kitchen. Leads execution of assigned new product development menu items, equipment and smallwares, and processes to support Jimmy John’s Culinary Team objectives. Culinary plays a critical role in advancing the brand’s strategy and long‑term growth – we win through high‑quality ingredients and flawless execution that guests can count on every time. Responsibilities Conduct organoleptic evaluations of test and production samples as assigned. Assist in the execution of product presentations for key stakeholders. Assist in the planning and execution of food preparation for product showings. Plan, execute, and disseminate information from analytical studies of test products, including cook‑temperature studies, product size/weight studies, recipe portioning studies, and measurement of other key product attributes. Manage and maintain Jimmy John’s test kitchen storage areas for product availability, ease of access, organization, and shelf life. Product Development Special Events (Internal) Manage and facilitate all Product Development special events and product showings for internal stakeholders such as Inspire Board, executive team, agency reviews, merchandising/ops reviews, company special events, pre‑production showings for photo shoots and TV commercials. Manage and organize labor needs for each event and manage the team and execution at the venue. Manage the setup of Test Kitchen or special facilities for food showings. Responsible for management of special food ordering requests for the test kitchen for product showings, taste panels, and photo shoots. Train event staff and other Culinary Team members for special events and cuttings. Product Development Special Events (External) Manage and execute external special events and product showings for all external stakeholders, including CLT’s, Focus Groups, Franchise Convention/Conference, photo shoots, TV commercials, and Agency Showings. Manage and organize labor needs for each event and manage the team for execution at each facility. Review Marketing team and Culinary Team prep sheet order guides and ensure correct product is ordered for all external events. Manage and train event staff and other Culinary Team members for external events and cuttings. Culinary Innovation & Product Development Inspires the team to push boundaries and strives to create the first in‑class, best‑in‑class, and/or only products of the target category offered in QSR. Responsible for translating culinary briefs into product innovation that drives new guest acquisition and industry‑leading guest satisfaction. Work with Insights Team to conduct consumer/guest research to understand consumer needs and product optimization, including execution/preparation of product for testing. Work with vendor partners to develop new products from concept to prototype, prototype to costed commercially viable sample, and through system commercialization process. Research culinary trends and competitive innovation. Includes 20% travel for supplier visits, industry events, research and culinary tours, and brand events. Education Qualifications Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree with concentration in Culinary Arts or Food Science / Food Technology or closely related scientific discipline. Experience Qualifications 1 to 3 years of experience preferred in restaurant culinary, restaurant operations, food manufacturing, or food laboratory. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Passion for food and culinary arts – deep interest in food and flavors. Collaboration – ability to work collaboratively across teams of varying backgrounds. Strategy and program development – ability to take an idea to execution while managing multiple priorities. Strong organization – balance multiple priorities, keep timelines and records, clear written and verbal communication. Thrives in ambiguity – ability to multi‑task and move quickly on tight timelines while maintaining strong work product and quality standards. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). #J-18808-Ljbffr