Associate Manager, Culinary (Food Product Development)

Location: Glenview, Illinois, United States; hybrid schedule with at least three on-site days per week at the hirify.global R&D Innovation Center and up to two virtual days per week

New hire base salary: $89,800–$112,200 per year, plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus.

Company

hirify.global develops and manufactures food products and invests in R&D innovation across its meals, dessert, and hydration platforms.

What you will do

• Develop culinary products, recipes, package directions, and innovation concepts for frozen meals and hydration brands.
• Translate food trends and culinary insights into consumer-focused strategic presentations and product opportunities.
• Plan and execute recipe development, performance testing, immersions, culinary events, and related R&D projects.
• Develop consumer-driven recipe strategies and collaborate with Marketing on media content, photography, and communications.
• Support consumer research workstreams, including CLTs, HUTs, and focus groups, and apply findings to product learning.
• Contribute to innovation strategy, concept prioritization, product direction, and cross-functional decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, food science, nutrition, or a closely related field.
• At least four years of progressive culinary experience, including product development, cooking techniques, and flavor application.
• At least three years of experience in a corporate CPG or food manufacturing R&D environment.
• Working knowledge of food safety principles, including ServSafe.
• Experience with recipe management systems, PLM platforms, or SAP in a product development workflow.
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time, work hands-on in a kitchen, lab, or plant environment, and lift or carry ingredients and equipment up to 25–50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice to have

• RCA Certified Research Chef (CRC®) certification or an equivalent culinary R&D or product development certification.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangements based on business needs.
• Healthcare coverage including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid time off, company holidays, leave of absence programs, and flexible work arrangements.
• 401(k), life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and disability benefits.
• Training, learning opportunities, wellbeing programs, employee assistance, and family support programs.