Culinary Innovation Specialist - Healthcare
6 days ago
Phoenix
Job Description Join Our REAL Food Mission! Culinary Innovation Specialist | Location: Phoenix, AZ 85008 Compensation: $85,000-$90,000 + 5% bonus annually | Full-Time Schedule: TBD Job Summary Join our healthcare culinary team and bring creativity to life as a Culinary Innovation Specialist! In this role, you’ll combine culinary innovation with operational excellence to deliver outstanding patient and guest experiences. You’ll manage recipe databases, support CBORD menus, ensure pricing accuracy in Volante, and lead improvements in safety, quality, and service. What You'll Do • Assist with developing and standardizing recipes across patient, retail, catering, and special event menus., • Ensure all recipes are accurately entered, costed, and maintained in CBORD and Jamix recipe database system., • Collaborate with executive chef and dietitian manager to align recipes with nutritional standards, therapeutic diet requirements, and seasonal menu strategies., • Create culinary documentation for production staff, including preparation guides, plating standards, and portion control instructions., • Support product and menu pricing strategies, including food cost modeling, yield analysis, and margin optimization., • Maintain pricing integrity in Volante POS, ensuring consistent retail pricing across all outlets., • Collaborate with procurement and finance teams to ensure accurate product cost updates and align pricing with organizational targets., • Implement pricing standardization frameworks for patients, retail, and catering menus to maintain cost control and revenue targets., • Conduct regular yield testing to validate recipe costs and portion sizes., • Analyze cost-per-plate metrics and recommend adjustments to improve profitability and reduce waste., • Provide monthly cost analysis reports with recommendations for menu mix optimization., • Perform weekly internal DNV, Maricopa County Health Department, and safety audits to ensure ongoing readiness and compliance., • Maintain inspection documentation and action plans for any deficiencies., • Champion a proactive culture of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance across the system, • Other duties as directed. What You Will Bring • Culinary degree or equivalent professional chef experience (minimum 5 years)., • Experience in healthcare or hospitality food service operations preferred., • Experience with diet office software and POS systems., • ServSafe Manager Certification or equivalent food safety credential., • Proven track record in recipe development, costing, and menu management, • Experience with regulatory audits and compliance programs., • Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills; able to interpret regulations and present information clearly., • Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screen. Who You Are People who do well on our team are service-minded and have a helpful, humble, and hungry nature. The ideal candidate has a can-do attitude, a spirit of curiosity, a bravery to try new things, a tendency to assume best intentions, and a hunger to learn and grow. We actively seek out team members who care deeply about the mission, passionately search for the answers to their questions, humbly lean on partners for help, tirelessly do what it takes, and reflect on their days with gratitude. At Thomas Cuisine, our people are purposeful. They care about food and quality and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our healthcare community. What We Offer! • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with several plan options to choose from, provided by Blue Cross. HSA and FSA Plans available., • Generous Accrued Paid Time Off and Leave Programs, such as Family Care Leave and Bereavement Leave, • 401K Retirement Plan-with company match, • On Demand Pay, • Voluntary Short-Term Disability, • Holiday Pay, • Life Insurance, • Employee Referral Bonus Program, • Employee Meal, • Discount Purchase Plans, Legal Services and Wellness initiatives and other benefits via our Employee Assistance Program, • A supportive, collaborative work environment, • Opportunities for growth Who We Are Founded in 1986, Thomas Cuisine is an award-winning, privately held contract food service company. We advocate the healing power of whole foods and believe in preparing scratch-made cuisine fresh each day. Our people are purposeful, they care about food and quality, and have a desire to make a positive impact in the world through REAL food. Embark on a rewarding culinary journey with us, where your skills will not only flourish, but also contribute significantly to the satisfaction and well-being of our growing community. Our commitment to you At Thomas Cuisine, we are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and where every individual feels a sense of belonging. We know that this commitment is an ongoing journey, and we will strive to improve and adapt as we grow. Our DEIB commitment is not just a statement but a living part of our company culture. REAL Food | Genuine Service | Enduring Relationships