*** THIS IS A METRO ATLANTA-BASED POSITION ***
The Executive Chef leads consumer inspired culinary innovation and creativity in new menu platforms. Culinary is the heartbeat of the Zaxbys Brand from our signature tenders to sandwiches and fresh Zalads, we offer guests a wide range of chicken options. Plus, there is enormous opportunity to extend the menu into new areas such as sides, desserts and premium beverages. We are looking for a chicken expert that is also a well-rounded chef to lead the future of Zaxbys menu!
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from and reports directly to: Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Essential duties may include but are not limited to the following:
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Drive all aspects of culinary innovation including testing and menu category development
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Provide menu strategy leadership across consumer need state identification, product development and commercialization
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Ability to work with vendor partners to develop products, establish specifications and build procedures to ensure consistency & quality at scale
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Oversee all test kitchen operations and future-state design to ensure facilities are utilized as an effective tool for development of new products, and the refinement of existing products
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Work cross functionally with Operations and Finance partners to assess cost & feasibility of innovation projects, ensuring that both consumer and business objectives are met.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENT
Less than 25% required
QUALIFICATIONS
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Consumer inspired culinary innovation in QSR, chicken preferred.
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Strong poultry understanding ranging from supply chain to cooking techniques.
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Knowledgeable on cost drivers and COGS optimization, while maintaining quality standards
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Manufacturer/vendor experience a plus
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Stage gate innovation experience starting with consumer need state identification to concept to R&D through commercialization across the system
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Creativity in new menu platforms, including desserts, sides, premium beverage
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Experience in culinary brief development to enroll vendor partners on industry-leading innovation
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Commitment to consumer inspire innovation that serves the needs and tastes of the guests we serve, including pre-market and after use product satisfaction
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Ability to bring a product to life at scale, including procedures that deliver consistent product experiences in QSR environment
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Working knowledge of restaurant operations and equipment solutions to enable innovation
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Setting standard of excellence for quality: product specs, recipes and procedures
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Leading through influence & Collaboration strong communication skills and ability to work cross functionally with marketing, operations, supply chain, etc.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES
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Education: Bachelors degree in Food Science, Culinary, Marketing, Business Administration (or similar course of study) required OR equivalent in-depth industry and job specific skills acquired through a combination of formal instruction and on-the-job training
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Experience: 10+ years of related work experience
STANDARD HOURS
Monday Friday
8:00 AM 5:00 PM
REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY
Up to 40% remote work; Hybrid Work Schedule 3 days in office
Brand: Zaxby's
Address: 1040 Founders Blvd Athens, GA - 30606
Property Description: 1 - Zaxbys Franchising LLC
Property Number: 1
