John Soules Foods
Culinary Innovation Specialist
Location:
Corporate office, Tyler, TX
Reports To:
Culinary Innovation Director
Department:
Culinary and R&D Department
Travel:
Some travel required per month
Normal Work Schedule:
8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some weekend work required
Company Overview Johnson Soules Foods is a family‑owned food company with nearly 50 years of history. It is a leading national producer of ready‑to‑eat and ready‑to‑cook chicken and beef products, including the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. The company serves a broad portfolio of high‑quality products across the US via retail, food‑service distributors, and restaurants. With approximately $1 billion in annual sales, it employs more than 2,000 people and operates three manufacturing facilities.
Job Summary The Culinary Innovation Specialist will develop consumer‑centric meal solutions that align with the brand’s quality standards and market trends. This role blends culinary artistry with strategic product development, playing a vital part in new and improved product creation and commercialization for both foodservice and retail channels.
Key Responsibilities
Support the development of new protein‑based product concepts and meal solutions that align with brand strategy and growth objectives.
Translate culinary trends, market insights, and consumer data into innovative product ideas.
Partner with R&D, Marketing, and Sales teams to bring concepts to market—from ideation to scale‑up and commercialization.
Conduct competitive benchmarking and assist with tasting sessions to analyze flavor profiles, textures, and ingredients.
Create culinary prototypes, iterate based on sensory testing and feedback.
Collaborate with procurement to source ingredients and ensure cost‑effective formulations.
Support customer presentations, trade shows, and ideation sessions with foodservice and retail clients.
Maintain deep knowledge of current and emerging food trends, ingredients, cooking methods, and consumer preferences.
Qualifications
Culinary degree or relevant culinary certification required; bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, food science, or related field preferred.
3+ years of experience in culinary product development, preferably in protein‑based foods or CPG.
Strong understanding of food safety standards, HACCP, and food production processes.
Excellent presentation, communication, and sensory evaluation skills.
Ability to work cross‑functionally and thrive in a fast‑paced, innovative environment.
Passion for food, flavor, and creating memorable eating experiences.
Work Environment & Physical Demands Professional office setting with standard office equipment. Employees may be exposed to fumes, mechanical parts, vibration, and cold temperatures. Tasks include standing, walking, sitting, and occasional lifting. Reliance on computer work and reliable transportation required.
Benefits
Vacation; Sick days; Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
401(k) with company match; Telemedicine; Onsite clinic (Tyler and Valley)
Free annual health screening; STD and LTD; Life insurance
Career development through continuous learning and development opportunities
Equal Employment Opportunity Soules Foods is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. Applicants with disabilities needing accommodation during the application process can contact Human Resources. Soules Foods participates in the E‑Verify program where required by law.
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Corporate office, Tyler, TX
Reports To:
Culinary Innovation Director
Department:
Culinary and R&D Department
Travel:
Some travel required per month
Normal Work Schedule:
8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with some weekend work required
Company Overview Johnson Soules Foods is a family‑owned food company with nearly 50 years of history. It is a leading national producer of ready‑to‑eat and ready‑to‑cook chicken and beef products, including the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. The company serves a broad portfolio of high‑quality products across the US via retail, food‑service distributors, and restaurants. With approximately $1 billion in annual sales, it employs more than 2,000 people and operates three manufacturing facilities.
Job Summary The Culinary Innovation Specialist will develop consumer‑centric meal solutions that align with the brand’s quality standards and market trends. This role blends culinary artistry with strategic product development, playing a vital part in new and improved product creation and commercialization for both foodservice and retail channels.
Key Responsibilities
Support the development of new protein‑based product concepts and meal solutions that align with brand strategy and growth objectives.
Translate culinary trends, market insights, and consumer data into innovative product ideas.
Partner with R&D, Marketing, and Sales teams to bring concepts to market—from ideation to scale‑up and commercialization.
Conduct competitive benchmarking and assist with tasting sessions to analyze flavor profiles, textures, and ingredients.
Create culinary prototypes, iterate based on sensory testing and feedback.
Collaborate with procurement to source ingredients and ensure cost‑effective formulations.
Support customer presentations, trade shows, and ideation sessions with foodservice and retail clients.
Maintain deep knowledge of current and emerging food trends, ingredients, cooking methods, and consumer preferences.
Qualifications
Culinary degree or relevant culinary certification required; bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, food science, or related field preferred.
3+ years of experience in culinary product development, preferably in protein‑based foods or CPG.
Strong understanding of food safety standards, HACCP, and food production processes.
Excellent presentation, communication, and sensory evaluation skills.
Ability to work cross‑functionally and thrive in a fast‑paced, innovative environment.
Passion for food, flavor, and creating memorable eating experiences.
Work Environment & Physical Demands Professional office setting with standard office equipment. Employees may be exposed to fumes, mechanical parts, vibration, and cold temperatures. Tasks include standing, walking, sitting, and occasional lifting. Reliance on computer work and reliable transportation required.
Benefits
Vacation; Sick days; Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
401(k) with company match; Telemedicine; Onsite clinic (Tyler and Valley)
Free annual health screening; STD and LTD; Life insurance
Career development through continuous learning and development opportunities
Equal Employment Opportunity Soules Foods is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. Applicants with disabilities needing accommodation during the application process can contact Human Resources. Soules Foods participates in the E‑Verify program where required by law.
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