Food Research and Development - Food Development Specialist

FOOD DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST | JOB DESCRIPTION 

SUMMARY 

At Magnolia, the Food Development Specialist is responsible for the development and testing of recipes assigned by management. This position works from Magnolia Headquarters in Waco, Texas. It reports to the Director of Food Research and Development and has no supervisory responsibilities. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and complete various rounds of recipe development, photography, recipe edits, and costing for all food projects* 
• Create meal plans and executes specialized meals for clients*  
• Order ingredients and equipment for all recipe testing  
• Conduct experiment, formulate improved food products, and analyze data for current offerings 
• Coordinate and supply training and support for all Magnolia food business units  
• Ensure food products meet strict health and safety guidelines 
• Assist in food styling for all food related projects  
• Facilitate clear and professional communication between R&D department and Magnolia food entities* 
• Assist the R&D team with grocery shopping and organization of kitchens and workspaces* 
• Assist with recipe testing as needed* 
• Attend monthly Safety Officer meetings, communicate safety issues, and schedule safety trainings with the team 
• Complete monthly purchasing report 
• Perform other duties as assigned 

*Metrics evaluated on Performance Review 

COMPETENCIES 

• Teamwork: Contribute to a team environment supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Work effectively with others, be a team player and contribute toward team goals. 
• Critical Thinking: Identify and communicate challenges in day-to-day activities. Ability to analyze data, trends, and patterns. 
• Expertise: Eye for detail, accuracy, and complete all tasks in a timely manner. Possess knowledge and skills related to specific area(s) and specialized tools and techniques relevant to specialization. 
• Communication: Actively engage in listening to teammates and guests and be open to feedback from guests, peers, and management. 
• Guest Focus: Ability to proactively understand and meet guest needs, ensuring a personalized and guest-centric experience. 
• Strategy and Goal Setting: Approach change with positivity and curiosity. Know your role in achieving team goals. 
• Hard skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Docs preferred. 

ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university preferred 
• 2-4 years of related work experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred 
• Texas Food Handler’s license required 
• Must be available to work weekends, nights, special events, and holidays as business needs require 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and arms to reach, handle, feel; utilize fine motor dexterity of fingers; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.