Director - International Culinary Innovation (Food R&D)

Location: Dublin, Ohio, United States; primarily in office at the hirify.global Restaurant Support Center at least 4 days per week. The role includes approximately 30% travel.

Salary: $154,000–$277,000 annually, plus a target annual bonus of 25% of base salary.

Company

hirify.global operates a global restaurant brand and franchise system with more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide.

What you will do

• Set the international culinary innovation strategy and long-term R&D vision for more than 30 global markets.
• Lead the full product development lifecycle, from ideation and prototyping through consumer and sensory testing, operational validation, scaling, and commercialization.
• Ensure products reflect brand standards while addressing regional tastes, operational requirements, supply-chain feasibility, and manufacturing readiness.
• Lead, inspire, and develop a global network of in-country chefs while building shared culinary and R&D standards.
• Partner with Brand Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, QA, Engineering, Finance, franchisees, and regional leadership.
• Represent global culinary innovation in media engagements, industry forums, innovation showcases, workshops, and executive discussions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary, Nutrition, or a related technical field.
• 15 years of combined experience in product development, restaurants, and education.
• Experience leading international culinary innovation, product development, or R&D programs.
• Strong organizational, communication, delegation, presentation, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Proficiency with Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work in the Dublin, Ohio office at least 4 days per week and travel approximately 30%.

Culture & Benefits

• Culture centered on openness, flexibility, inclusiveness, creativity, accountability, and collaboration.
• Parental leave and employee assistance program sessions.
• Company 401(k) match and additional benefits for restaurant support roles.
• Opportunity to influence culinary innovation across a global restaurant and franchise network.