Corporate Chef - Furmano Foods : Job Details

Furmano Foods is a single site manufacturer with 350 employees located in Northumberland, PA, celebrating our 104th year of providing delicious, wholesome foods! We are a family-owned, 4th generation, growth-oriented business driven to exceed our customers' expectations by practicing biblical principles, providing exceptional service, and progressing continuously.

Position Summary:

Furmano Foods is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Corporate Chef to lead our new product development and food science initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of culinary techniques, food science principles, and Foodservice Operator and Retail Consumer trends. This role requires a strategic thinker with the ability to manage tactical execution and detail in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Proven ability to manage projects from inception through commercialization working cross-functionally to achieve goals on timeline.

Education:

Preferred BS or advanced degree in Culinary Arts or Food Science. Active in industry associations and organizations.

Experience / Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years in product development, culinary research, or related field.
• Proven track record of successful product launches.
• Strong understanding of food science principles, techniques, and sensory evaluation.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Highly proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, and Outlook.
• Experience in Food Manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and data interpretation.

Skills / Abilities:

Proficient in recipe and menu development. Solid communication and presentation skills. Demonstrates the ability to win business.

Physical Demands:

Good physical and mental health, sound judgment, and high moral standards with a sincere desire to work with individuals from varied backgrounds. Travel approximately 25% of the time.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Product Development:
• Conceptualize, develop, and launch new food products aligned with company objectives and market trends.
• Work with VP Sales & Marketing, Marketing team, and New Product Development group to conduct thorough market research to identify consumer preferences and competitive landscapes.
• Lead the New Product Development group to develop and track the NPD pipeline.
• Work directly with customers to build customized products.
• Manage co-pack relationships and commercialization with third-party partners.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring products from concept to commercialization.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer testing to assess product quality and acceptability.
• Food Science:
• Apply food science principles to optimize product development.
• Research and implement new food technologies and ingredients.
• Ensure product integrity through ingredient and supplier evaluations.
• Team Leadership and Support:
• Foster a culture of innovation and experimentation within the team.
• Provide technical guidance and support to the culinary team.
• Business Acumen:
• Analyze product performance and profitability to inform future product strategies.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

• Employee discount• Paid time off

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior level

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Function: Management and Manufacturing

Industries: Food and Beverage Manufacturing