Culinary Process Chef /Test Kitchen Manager
CAVA - Support Center
Culinary Process Chef /Test Kitchen Manager
CAVA - Support Center
Full Time
Coins Icon Competitive salary
Culinary Process Chef /Test Kitchen Manager
CAVA - Support Center

Full Time
Coins Icon Competitive salary
Skills
culinary operations
Job description

Company Profile:

At CAVA we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day. We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that’s been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards something big, together.



We foster a culture built on five core values:

  • Generosity First, Always: We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service of others.
  • Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious.
  • Act with Agility: We welcome change; it’s the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt.
  • Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility.
  • Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose.


Culinary Process & Test Kitchen Manager:

We are seeking a skilled and innovative individual to fill the combined role of Test Kitchen Manager and Culinary Process Chef. In this role, you will be responsible for managing our test kitchen facility, overseeing the development and execution of culinary experiments, and ensuring the seamless integration of new recipes and processes into our culinary operations. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of culinary techniques, strong organizational and managerial skills, and a passion for creating exceptional food experiences.


What You’ll Do:

  • Test Kitchen Management:
  • Manage and maintain the test kitchen facility, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and compliance with safety standards.
  • Oversee the procurement and management of kitchen equipment, tools, and supplies necessary for conducting culinary experiments.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish and prioritize culinary research and development objectives.
  • Develop and manage the test kitchen budget, including ingredient costs, equipment maintenance, and staffing requirements.
  • Maintain working schedule of showings, product development, and vendor meetings.
  • Manage innovation samples in & out of test kitchen.


2. Culinary Experimentation:

  • Design and execute culinary experiments to develop and refine new recipes, techniques, and products.
  • Collaborate with the culinary team to conduct sensory evaluations and gather feedback on experimental dishes.
  • Analyze and interpret data from culinary experiments, identifying trends, insights, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Maintain meticulous records of experimental processes, recipe variations, and results to facilitate knowledge transfer and future replication.


3. Culinary Process Development

  • Manage initial workload of culinary documentation; including, but not limited to: recipes, recipe costing, yield conversions, and specifications.
  • Work closely with the culinary team to streamline existing recipes and processes for scalability, efficiency, and consistency.
  • Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for culinary processes, including recipe creation, production, and plating.
  • Conduct ongoing process audits to ensure adherence to established SOPs and identify areas for improvement.
  • Collaborate with the production and quality assurance teams to implement new processes and ensure successful product launches.


4. Team Leadership and Collaboration

  • Lead and inspire a team of culinary professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and support.
  • Foster a collaborative and creative environment within the test kitchen, encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, research and development, and operations, to support product innovation and launch initiatives.
  • Stay updated on emerging culinary trends, techniques, and ingredients, and incorporate relevant findings into the test kitchen activities.



The Qualifications:


  • Proven experience in culinary management, recipe development, and culinary experimentation.
  • In-depth knowledge of culinary techniques, ingredients, and industry trends.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
  • Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with keen attention to detail.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and present ideas effectively.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Proficient computer skills, including knowledge of recipe management software and Microsoft Office suite.



Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
  • Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details
  • For certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
  • Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable
  • Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner




What we offer:

  • Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*
  • Early Wage Access!*
  • Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
  • 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
  • Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
  • Free CAVA food
  • Casual work environment
  • The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand


*Indicates qualifying eligible positions only


CAVA – Joining “A culture, not a concept”



As an equal opportunity employer, CAVA considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law.


Company Profile:

At CAVA we make it deliciously simple to eat well and feel good every day. We are guided by a Mediterranean heritage that’s been perfecting how to eat and live for four thousand years. We prioritize authenticity, curiosity and the pursuit of excellence in everything we do. We are working towards something big, together.



We foster a culture built on five core values:

  • Generosity First, Always: We lead with kindness. Our best work happens when we act in service of others.
  • Constant Curiosity: We are eager to learn, grow, and explore beyond the obvious.
  • Act with Agility: We welcome change; it’s the only constant. We embrace, adjust, adapt.
  • Passion for Positivity: We greet each day with warmth and possibility.
  • Collective Ambition: We have high aspirations that are achieved when we work together with a shared purpose.


Culinary Process & Test Kitchen Manager:

We are seeking a skilled and innovative individual to fill the combined role of Test Kitchen Manager and Culinary Process Chef. In this role, you will be responsible for managing our test kitchen facility, overseeing the development and execution of culinary experiments, and ensuring the seamless integration of new recipes and processes into our culinary operations. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of culinary techniques, strong organizational and managerial skills, and a passion for creating exceptional food experiences.


What You’ll Do:

  • Test Kitchen Management:
  • Manage and maintain the test kitchen facility, ensuring cleanliness, organization, and compliance with safety standards.
  • Oversee the procurement and management of kitchen equipment, tools, and supplies necessary for conducting culinary experiments.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish and prioritize culinary research and development objectives.
  • Develop and manage the test kitchen budget, including ingredient costs, equipment maintenance, and staffing requirements.
  • Maintain working schedule of showings, product development, and vendor meetings.
  • Manage innovation samples in & out of test kitchen.


2. Culinary Experimentation:

  • Design and execute culinary experiments to develop and refine new recipes, techniques, and products.
  • Collaborate with the culinary team to conduct sensory evaluations and gather feedback on experimental dishes.
  • Analyze and interpret data from culinary experiments, identifying trends, insights, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Maintain meticulous records of experimental processes, recipe variations, and results to facilitate knowledge transfer and future replication.


3. Culinary Process Development

  • Manage initial workload of culinary documentation; including, but not limited to: recipes, recipe costing, yield conversions, and specifications.
  • Work closely with the culinary team to streamline existing recipes and processes for scalability, efficiency, and consistency.
  • Develop and document standard operating procedures (SOPs) for culinary processes, including recipe creation, production, and plating.
  • Conduct ongoing process audits to ensure adherence to established SOPs and identify areas for improvement.
  • Collaborate with the production and quality assurance teams to implement new processes and ensure successful product launches.


4. Team Leadership and Collaboration

  • Lead and inspire a team of culinary professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and support.
  • Foster a collaborative and creative environment within the test kitchen, encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, research and development, and operations, to support product innovation and launch initiatives.
  • Stay updated on emerging culinary trends, techniques, and ingredients, and incorporate relevant findings into the test kitchen activities.



The Qualifications:


  • Proven experience in culinary management, recipe development, and culinary experimentation.
  • In-depth knowledge of culinary techniques, ingredients, and industry trends.
  • Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
  • Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with keen attention to detail.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions.
  • Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and present ideas effectively.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Proficient computer skills, including knowledge of recipe management software and Microsoft Office suite.



Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to maintain stationary position to be able to operate a computer and other office equipment
  • Must be able to identify, analyze and assess details
  • For certain positions, must be able to occasionally move or transport items up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to communicate with others and exchange information accurately and effectively
  • Constantly positions self and move about to support ordinary restaurant or food production support or office operations, as applicable
  • Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner




What we offer:

  • Competitive salary, plus bonus and long-term incentives*
  • Early Wage Access!*
  • Unlimited PTO, paid parental leave, plus paid opportunities to give back to the community
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Telemedicine, Pet Insurance plus more!
  • 401k enrollment with CAVA contribution
  • Company-paid STD, LTD, Life and AD&D coverage for salaried positions*
  • Free CAVA food
  • Casual work environment
  • The opportunity to be on the ground floor of a rapidly growing brand


*Indicates qualifying eligible positions only


CAVA – Joining “A culture, not a concept”



As an equal opportunity employer, CAVA considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status, genetic information or any other characteristic or protected classes as defined by federal, state, or local law.