Commercialization Chef

Founded in 2013, Home Chef is the leading meal solutions company with both a retail and online presence. Available online at homechef.com and in retail at more than 2,100 Kroger grocery stores, Home Chef is committed to inspiring and enabling more people to cook simple, delicious meals, no matter how busy they are.

In 2023, Home Chef introduced a new brand, Tempo! Tempo features a rotating selection of ready-to-heat meals delivered directly to your door. These meals are better-for-you versions of familiar favorites, designed to save you time and reduce stress while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our Tempo menu includes options that are protein-packed, fiber-rich, calorie and carb conscious, keto-friendly, and dietitian-approved.

Similar to our recipes, we recognize that variety is the spice of life, and therefore, our employees also bring their uniqueness and color to our fantastic team. We’re eager to work with humble team players and pragmatic next-level thinkers to innovate on Home Chef’s offerings.

The Commercialization Chef for Tempo plays a key role in bridging the gap between culinary innovation and operational execution. This role ensures that recipes developed by our corporate R&D chefs can be successfully and consistently produced at scale within our manufacturing facilities. You’ll work closely with both Production Executive Chefs and R&D teams to troubleshoot, refine, and support the commercialization of new Tempo recipes.

Detailed Responsibilities

Collaborate with R&D to Ensure Successful Recipe Execution and Culinary Quality Across Tempo Facilities:

• Collaborate closely with R&D chefs to understand recipe concepts and requirements for scaling while maintaining taste, quality, and consistency
• Participate in R&D samplings, selection committee, and performance board and provide feedback to both R&D and production about improvement opportunities 
• Identify and communicate opportunities to improve the commercialization and output quality of new and existing recipes 
• Ensure premium quality, consistency, and execution across facilities

Partner with Plant Chefs and Production Teams for Ongoing Support and Improvement:

• Train and guide plant kitchen teams during new recipe implementation
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to production teams to facilitate continuous improvement in recipe execution and process efficiency
• Facilitate discussions with plant Executive Chefs to troubleshoot top Problem Ingredients and align on standardized procedures
• Travel to sites regularly and provide vacation and leave coverage for Executive Chefs
• Monitor recipe adherence and troubleshoot issues in real time
• Align with Production Executive Chefs to adapt SOPs and process flows as needed
• Build strong relationships with plant stakeholders to drive collaboration and accountability

Support Training and Continuous Improvement Initiatives:

• Review meal ratings weekly and assess areas for performance improvement
• Proactively identify opportunities for innovation and optimization to enhance product quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to share updates and ensure alignment
• Develop SOPs, training guides, and visual aids for new recipe rollouts
• Develop training plans based on new R&D techniques that will be rolled out to production teams

This position requires 50% travel. 

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed for this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• Culinary associate’s degree required
• 6+ years’ experience in a commissary kitchen and high-volume food preparation with 2+ years leadership experience
• Fluent in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
• Familiarity with USDA/FDA guidelines
• Skills in planning, organizing, prioritizing, and executing projects and activities
• Passion for helping people achieve their goals and improve themselves
• Knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, SQF, and USDA regulations

 

More About Us

Perks and Benefits

• Candidates can experience Home Chef as a customer - enter promo code PEOPLE30 for $30 off your first order!
• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance available
• Paid holidays, sick time and vacation time
• 401k program