POSITION SUMMARY: 

Responsible for ingredient preparation and equipment maintenance, assisting the Research & Development (R&D) team in the development of the next great menu item. Supports the R&D department by conducting tests such as product hold/red time studies, temperature tests, and portioning tests. Also responsible for collecting accurate data using a scale, ruler, thermometer, and other lab equipment and type the data into Excel or other online programs to prepare a final report.

KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Maintains the cleanliness and organization of the test kitchen, test kitchen coolers and freezers, and all equipment and small wares. 

Ensures the test kitchen is kept clean in accordance with both Del Taco and county health department standards.

Performs testing on new products (hold time, temperatures, etc.).

Supports other departments (Training, Operations, etc.) as needed in the test kitchen.

Proactively recommends solutions and procedures to improve kitchen operations.

Sets up and breaks down cooking stations.

Receives, unpacks, records and properly labels incoming samples. Maintains a weekly sampling log.

Packs and ships outgoing packages.

Maintains the organization of equipment, inventory of food products and small wares in the test kitchen.

Accurately weighs and portions ingredients.

Assists R&D team with development and presentations.

Supports the team to maintain the R&D plans and timelines, including key tasks and milestones to meet project due dates. 

Performs technical functions, such as product yields, shelf life, time hold and improvements studies. 

Assists with taste tests (planning, prepping ingredients, cooking and cleaning).

Assists with gathering information and ingredients for photoshoots and commercials. Attends photo shoots as needed.

Attends special events that may require driving to another location, working in the evening and interacting with invited guests.

Performs other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required, assigned and directed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High School diploma or GED required.

Experience: 1-2 years related industry experience; prior restaurant experience preferred. 

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

Must work well with diverse groups and support a working team relationship.

Must be a self-starter and proactive in taking the initiative.

Must have a sense of urgency.

Ability to read, write and communicate in English. 

Operational hands-on knowledge of restaurant cooking and holding equipment.

Ability to manage multiple projects from start to finish while maintaining priorities and details.

Team Player, Detail-Oriented. 

Fast Learner and Problem Solver. 

Able to work independently and communicate with the team (verbal and written). 

Available to respond to requests quickly.

Requires time management to arrive on time, be prepared to start testing on time and finish in a timely manner.

Must pass ServSafe and Food Handler’s certifications.

Valid Driver’s License.

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook.

Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior.

Physical Requirements: Ability to speak/hear clearly in person and on the telephone. Ability to travel approximately 10%-20% of time as business needs require. Ability to operate a computer keyboard. 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: 

Jack in the Box, Inc. and its affiliates will make reasonable accommodations to allow a qualified individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities and to perform the essential functions of the job. This position description should be applied accordingly. This description of duties is not intended to be all-inclusive or to limit management’s discretion to 

assign other duties or responsibilities as necessary.