Believer Meats is an innovative start-up revolutionizing the food industry through the development and commercialization of cultivated meat products. Leveraging cutting-edge biotechnology, we aim to provide sustainable, ethical, and high-quality meat alternatives to consumers worldwide. As we near completion of a new plant and prepare for commercialization, we are seeking a Commercial Chef contractor for our team. There is potential for this role to become full time down the line.
JOB SUMMARY
We are looking for an innovative Commercial Chef to shape and deliver our culinary innovation and vision. In this dynamic, multifaceted role you will play a key role in executing tastings and demonstrations for key stakeholders to demonstrate our product. You will shape the culinary innovation process, create recipes, and use customer feedback to enhance existing products. You will collaborate with product development teams, marketing, and quality to align culinary creation with market trends and consumer preferences.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of culinary techniques, food science principles, and foodservice trends, and will have experience working with plant-based or alternative proteins. This role requires the ability to manage tactical execution and detail in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, collaborate with a range of internal and external stakeholders, and communicate effectively with customers.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support conceptualization and development of products aligned with company objectives, market trends, and foodservice customers insights
Work directly with customers to showcase products, which may include enhancing an existing item or building a new item through ideation and feedback
Play a key role in preparing and presenting samples and specifications for customer tastings
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product, Commercial, R&D) to bring products to customers.
Maintain recipe, inventory and process documentation.
Conduct performance testing of product within targeted customer equipment and recipes.
Conduct sensory evaluations, shelf-life testing and customer events to assess product quality and acceptability.
Analyze product performance to inform future product strategies.
QUALIFICATIONS:
BS or advanced degree in Culinary Arts preferred
7+ years of experience as a chef
Experience in a commercial kitchen or food company as corporate and/or development chef
Experience in plant-based or alternative proteins strongly preferred
Understanding of culinary techniques, food science principles, and foodservice operations
Innovative recipe and menu development skills
Solid communication and presentation skills.
Excellent listening skills. Able to absorb and incorporate feedback and make relevant suggestions on the fly.
Willing to travel as needed in US and potentially internationally – a schedule of tastings and events will be made available for planning purposes
Flexibility to work 10-30 hours per week on average- mostly daytime hours
Authorized to work in the US (Believer Meats is an E-Verify participant)
EEO STATEMENT
Believer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to age, race, color, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law with respect to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment.
We also provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals in accordance with applicable laws. If you need to inquire about accommodation during the application process or employment, please contact HR.