Culinary Development, Associate Manager

Inspire is a renowned multi-brand restaurant company boasting a diverse portfolio that includes over 33,000 Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and SONIC restaurants worldwide. As one of the world’s iconic restaurant groups, Inspire is not just about serving food; it’s about creating memorable food experiences that bring people together. With hundreds of thousands of dedicated team members across the globe, the company strives to change how people eat, drink, and gather around the table, emphasizing that food is more than just a staple — it’s a flavorful experience meant to ignite and nourish.

This unique approach positions Inspire as an innovator and leader in the restaurant industry, continuously advancing its brands through culinary excellence, operational excellence, and a commitment to quality and guest satisfaction. Jimmy John’s, one of the key brands under the Inspire umbrella, stands out with its fresh ingredients and consistently high-quality food offerings designed to satisfy guests every time.

The role of Culinary Development Specialist within Inspire’s Jimmy John’s Culinary Team is critical in supporting the company’s long-term growth strategy. As part of this dynamic and collaborative team, the specialist will focus on product preparation, kitchen testing, and the seamless execution of culinary initiatives. This position demands a passionate individual who thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment and who can support the development and delivery of new menu items, special events, product showings, and taste panels.

Day-to-day responsibilities include managing product preparation and inventory within the Inspire Test Kitchen for Jimmy John’s, supporting the Culinary Development Team’s workstreams, and ensuring flawless execution of product presentations for internal and external stakeholders. The role also involves planning and organizing special events such as Inspire Board meetings, Executive Team meetings, focus group taste panels, photo shoots, TV commercials, and franchise conventions.

In addition to managing project logistics, the Culinary Development Specialist will be instrumental in conducting product analysis like cook temperature studies, recipe portioning, and product attribute measurements. Collaboration is key in this role, requiring coordination with cross-functional teams, vendor partners, and marketing to innovate new products from concept through commercialization.

The role includes a 20% travel component, covering supplier visits, industry events, culinary tours, and brand events. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree focused on Culinary Arts, Food Science, Food Technology, or a closely related discipline, with 1 to 3 years of experience preferably within restaurant culinary, operations, manufacturing, or food lab environments.

Overall, this position calls for a highly organized, strategic thinker with a passion for food and culinary arts, adept at managing multiple priorities and capable of thriving amidst ambiguity while maintaining high-quality standards and strong collaborative relationships. With substantial opportunities to innovate and inspire, the Culinary Development Specialist position offers a fulfilling career path for those committed to advancing culinary creativity within a top-tier multi-brand restaurant company.