Director of Culinary Innovation

Position Summary

The Director of Culinary Innovation is responsible for the development, compliance and continuous improvement of Opaa!’s menus, recipes and culinary programs. This role ensures all offerings meet USDA and state regulatory requirements, align with company financial targets and drive student participation. This position leads the Chef Experience team, leveraging culinary programming, chef activations and student engagement strategies to enhance participation and enhance participation and elevate the Opaa! brand in the field. Demonstrate and promote behavior that is consistent with Opaa!’s Core Values of 1.) “Act in the Best Interest of the students, schools and communities we serve, 2.) Be honest in everything we do, 3.) Have a passion to serve others, and 4.) Commit to continuous improvement”.

Functions of the Job

Essential Functions

• Develop and maintain a corporate menu cycle aligned with USDA regulations and company cost targets.
• Oversee nutritional analysis of menu cycles and a la carte offerings; maintain accurate data within nutrition systems.
• Ensure all menus, recipes, and products meet federal and state compliance standards.
• Ensure appropriate administrative support/maintenance and training is administered for Opaa!’s menu planning and food production software.
• Monitor regulatory changes and proactively adjust menus and documentation.
• Serve as primary liaison with state agencies; provide required reporting and documentation.
• Support state audits by validating menu compliance and providing required documentation.
• Maintain up-to-date product labels and nutritional documentation on the Opaa! intranet.
• Lead the development, testing, and continuous improvement of recipes that meet nutrition, cost, and participation goals.
• Reformulate recipes as needed to ensure compliance, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Coordinate taste testing and consumer feedback for new menu items.
• Track market trends and student preferences to drive menu innovation.
• Establish standards for food presentation across all districts.
• Lead, develop, and oversee the Chef Experience Team to drive student engagement and participation across districts.
• Design and implement chef-driven programming (e.g., rotating chef events, “Dine with the Chef,” tasting events) to enhance the student experience.
• Ensure alignment between menu development and Chef Experience programming to maximize impact and consistency.
• Establish performance expectations, provide coaching, and evaluate team effectiveness based on participation and engagement metrics.
• Partner with Director of Training and Development to deliver culinary training programs and materials to ensure consistency in execution.
• Provide ongoing support and timely responses to field operations teams.
• Partner with Supplier Relations to establish product specifications and support product selection.
• Collaborate with school stakeholders (nurses, parents, administrators) to address special dietary needs.
• Oversee internal culinary initiatives and engagement programs (e.g., contests, campaigns).
• Attend all meetings as required by Opaa! Food Management.
• All other duties as assigned by Opaa! Food Management.

Marginal Functions: No marginal functions identified

Position Qualifications Requirements

Education: AS or BS Degree in Culinary Science, Nutrition, or other related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years experience in a similar position, in the food industry. School food service experience preferred. 
• Knowledge of kitchen production process and limitations.
• Knowledge of nutritional data software programs.
• Strong ability to integrate and communicate effectively, orally or in writing, with all levels of the organization, as well as government entities. Able to effectively write business correspondence and memos.
• Excellent follow-up skills.
• Ability to foster positive relationships and strong internal/external partnerships.
• Strong PC skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office. 
• Detail oriented with strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. 
• Strong planning, organizational, and project management skills.
• Must be able to travel, as required (est. 10% - 20%)

Opaa! is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.