R&D Manager

Location Type: On-site

Industry:

Company: JFE Franchising, Inc.

Who are we:

We are part of the Wonderfield Group which includes the YO!, Taiko, Bento, AFC Sushi, and SNOWFOX/SNOWFRUIT brands – we operate more than 1500 kiosks, 60 restaurants, our grab and go sushi is available in over 3,700 locations and we have 50 major retail partners.

Our key markets are the USA, Canada, and the UK with additional geographic presence in Europe and Australia. Our JFE Franchising, Inc brands are:

• SNOWFOX – the franchisor of over 1,000 full-service sushi kiosks in 25 states throughout the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska
• SNOWFRUIT – the franchisor of over 1,000 fresh cut fruit and Vegetable throughout the U.S. – Refreshingly, Crips and Flavourful!

We Believe in Better Food For Everyone, The Japanese Way…

We continue to capitalize on consumer trends, spearheading category growth by bringing our proposition to more people around the world across more channels, in more locations, on more occasions and in more innovative ways. We are committed to purposeful progress and profit for the benefit of our people, our communities and our planet and we have a clear ESG strategy that delivers progress against nine UN sustainability development goals.

Our Purpose:

We Believe in Better Food For Everyone, The Japanese Way

We continue to capitalize on consumer trends, spearheading category growth by bringing our proposition to more people around the world across more channels, in more locations, on more occasions and in more innovative ways. We are committed to purposeful progress and profit for the benefit of our people, our communities and our planet and we have a clear ESG strategy that delivers progress against nine UN sustainability development goals.

Our Values:

Own it

• We are accountable and make no excuses.
• We always look to improve
• We take the initiative and are courageous and confident

Care about it

• We do the right thing, avoiding unnecessary shortcuts
• We act with integrity and respect our communities, people and our plant

Make it Exceptional

• We build relationships and make people smile
• We say thank you
• We’re positive and kind

Win Together

• We’re open minded an inclusive.
• We communicate with clarity.
• We take time to look out for others and to celebrate the good stuff.

Overview of the role:

The R&D Manager is responsible for assisting in the development and administration of all new products and product specifications, new product launching, the procurement of food product

commodities, communication with potential and existing suppliers of product, food costing and menu generation, preparing product for marketing purposes, and all other needs as designated by the Corporate Chef.

3 Best Things about the job

• Exciting and ever-changing work environment. Workdays could look different as far as needs for the business goes.
• Potential to be a more hands-on opportunity, with tasks requiring both desktop and

bench top work.

• Firsthand experience in creating product launches from an idea, to on grocery store

shelves.

Key Accountabilities:

• Provide assistance with new product launches through various tasks as directed by the Corporate Chef
• Working with and assisting the Corporate Chef in any projects.
• Assist in testing and finalizing samples.
• Assist in preparing documents such as menus, formulations, POG’s and specifications.
• Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and motivating work environment.
• Keep up with current market trends involving diets, food influences, ingredients,

nutrition, nutrients and recipe trends.

• Be able to work independently in the kitchen and fulfill business needs when the Corporate Chef is traveling or out of the office.
• Assist in creation of recipes using current and future products as ingredients for Marketing purposes.
• Maintain clear communication with suppliers for ingredient and sample ordering/ purchasing.
• Assist the Corporate Chef and QA Director in development of product specifications; provide recommendations for ingredient specifications.
• Test new supplier ingredients for viability within a recipe.
• Aid in the improvement of current products or product lines.
• Use logic and reasoning to approach a problem, identify solutions, and draw conclusions.
• Clean, maintain, operate, and sanitize kitchen equipment, as necessary.

Please note: Minimal overnight travel (up to 20%) by land and/or air for the purpose of trade shows or employee trainings as needed.

What you’ll need:

• Previous culinary or food industry experience is preferred, but other areas of

experience will be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or culinary,

food product development or related field; or one to two years related experience and/ or training in a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Proficient personal computer skills including electronic mail, record keeping, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, MS Office, etc.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong ethical leadership abilities.
• Ability to achieve moderately physical demands.
• Ability to plan, multi-task and manage time effectively.
• Strong writing and record keeping ability for product specifications and formulations.
• Strategic and creative mindset.

Compensation: $55,000 + bonus (if applicable)