Job Description
Join Culinary Labs Group at the forefront of gastronomic innovation! We're seeking a visionary Food & Beverage Innovation Director to lead R&D for our award-winning portfolio of concept restaurants and premium beverage brands. This role combines culinary creativity with strategic market analysis to develop next-generation dining experiences that redefine industry standards. You'll collaborate with Michelin-starred chefs, beverage mixologists, and tech innovators to create disruptive products that captivate global markets.
Why Culinary Labs? We offer an unparalleled platform for creative professionals to shape the future of food and beverage culture. Our state-of-the-art R&D facility features molecular gastronomy labs, sensory testing kitchens, and AI-driven flavor profiling systems. Enjoy competitive benefits including profit-sharing, sabbatical programs, and exclusive access to industry events worldwide.
Responsibilities
- Lead cross-functional R&D initiatives for novel food products, beverage formulations, and dining concepts
- Analyze global F&B trends, consumer behavior, and emerging technologies to inform innovation strategy
- Manage multi-million dollar R&D budgets and vendor relationships with premium suppliers
- Develop and execute go-to-market plans for new product launches across 15+ countries
- Oversee sensory testing protocols and consumer feedback integration into product development cycles
- Present innovation roadmaps to C-suite executives and investment partners
- Mentor a team of 15+ food scientists, product developers, and culinary specialists
Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years in senior F&B R&D leadership with premium restaurant or CPG brands
- Advanced degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, or related field (PhD preferred)
- Proven track record of launching award-winning food/beverage products (minimum 3 commercial successes)
- Expertise in molecular gastronomy, fermentation science, or sustainable food systems
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing R&D budgets exceeding $5M
- Fluency in English with proficiency in Mandarin or Japanese advantageous
- Certification in HACCP, ISO 22000, or equivalent food safety systems