Sr Specialist, R&D - Culinary

Location: Hybrid position based at the hirify.global R&D Innovation Center in Glenview, Illinois, United States. On-site work is expected at least three days per week, with up to two virtual days per week.

New hire base salary: $77,800–$97,300 per year, plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus.

Company

hirify.global develops and manufactures food products, including sauces and condiments, through consumer-focused R&D and innovation.

What you will do

• Develop culinary products, recipes, and innovation pipeline opportunities for the Taste Elevation Platform, with a focus on sauces and condiments.
• Apply cooking techniques, food insights, sensory attributes, nutrition principles, and functional ingredients to product development.
• Create recipe strategies, package directions, performance tests, immersions, and culinary event concepts under manager guidance.
• Translate culinary concepts into scalable product opportunities based on consumer insights, technical feasibility, and business considerations.
• Partner with R&D, Marketing, Consumer Experience, and CIS on media content, photography, communications, and project decisions.
• Support consumer research workstreams and upstream innovation activities, including CLTs, HUTs, focus groups, trend scouting, and white-space identification.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, food science, nutrition, or a closely related field.
• At least two years of progressive culinary experience with demonstrated expertise in product development, cooking techniques, and flavor application.
• At least two 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.
• Strong communication, influencing, prioritization, critical thinking, and project management skills; ability to travel up to 15%.

Nice to have

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

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid flexibility based on business needs, with virtual work available up to two days per week.
• Healthcare coverage options including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid time off, company holidays, leave programs, flexible work arrangements, training, and recognition programs.
• Financial benefits including 401(k), life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability coverage.
• Wellbeing resources, employee assistance, family support, and learning opportunities for employees and eligible dependents.