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Toast

Senior Manager, Culinary Innovation

Toast, Miami, Florida, us, 33222

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Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Direct message the job poster from Toast We are supporting our client, a

leading international QSR brand , in the search for a

Senior Manager, Culinary Innovation

— a passionate culinary leader who will shape the future of the brand’s menu and guest experience. This role combines

creative food leadership

with

strategic business impact , transforming emerging food trends into craveable, operationally viable products. The Senior Manager will guide innovation projects from concept to launch, ensuring every product delivers on taste, quality, and profitability. Key Responsibilities

Lead the development, testing, and commercialization

of new food and beverage products, platforms, and limited-time offers. Translate

global food and flavor trends

into relevant, on-brand innovations that excite guests and drive growth. Partner cross-functionally

with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, QA, and Finance to bring ideas from concept to market launch. Develop and manage

recipes, product specifications, and documentation , providing culinary approval for all product changes. Conduct

product evaluations, yield testing, and cost analyses

to balance creativity with unit-level economics. Collaborate with QA and Supply Chain to ensure

quality, food safety, and regulatory compliance

(HACCP, nutrition labeling, allergens, sodium reduction, etc.). Drive

menu engineering initiatives , identifying opportunities for innovation across both core and value platforms. Build and maintain

supplier relationships , sourcing new ingredients, technologies, and processes that enhance product quality and differentiation. Continuously

research and explore

emerging trends, preparation methods, and menu strategies to keep the brand at the forefront of the QSR landscape. Present new concepts to leadership and franchise partners, articulating clear

culinary rationale and business impact . Mentor and develop

junior culinary team members, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence. Strong

culinary foundation

with proven expertise in recipe development, product innovation, and food science. Deep understanding of

flavor trends, clean-label ingredients, and sensory evaluation methods . Experience in

product commercialization , supplier management, and quality assurance. Thorough knowledge of

food safety protocols and regulatory standards

(HACCP, FDA/USDA compliance, labeling requirements). Excellent

communication and presentation skills

with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders. Strategic thinker capable of balancing

creativity, operational feasibility, and financial discipline . Strong

leadership and coaching

abilities; proven experience managing and developing teams. Flexible, adaptable, and collaborative, with

high integrity and a growth mindset . Experience & Education

8+ years

of experience in culinary innovation, product development, or restaurant/R&D leadership. Degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or related field

(advanced training preferred). Multi-unit, QSR, or food manufacturing experience

strongly preferred. Metadata

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Project Management Industries: Food and Beverage Services and Restaurants Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Toast by 2x Get notified about new Culinary Manager jobs in

Miami, FL .

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