Test Kitchen Assistant

People Inc. Food Studios is a cutting-edge culinary and creative facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. This state-of-the-art establishment boasts 28 professionally equipped test kitchens, 13 photo studios, a prop and styling studio, an outdoor grill/BBQ station, and an expansive showcase kitchen and tasting room designed for demonstrations and events. Serving as a pivotal hub for culinary innovation, People Inc. Food Studios leverages the expertise of a skilled team of test kitchen professionals, stylists, and photographers to produce thousands of world-class recipes, images, videos, and other related content annually. These outputs cater to the diverse platforms of People Inc., including their print, digital, and social media outlets, making the studio a central place for food content creation and culinary media in the country.

The role of Test Kitchen Assistant at People Inc. Food Studios is critical in supporting the production and development of culinary content. This fully onsite position requires the candidate's daily physical presence at the Birmingham studio, emphasizing the cooperative and fast-paced nature of the work environment. The assistant will collaborate closely with Recipe Testers and Developers, assisting in recipe development, conducting nutritional analyses, managing grocery shopping, and contributing to video shoots and taste tests across numerous brands managed by People Inc. The diverse scope of the job demands a highly organized individual who thrives under pressure and enjoys contributing to various stages of recipe creation and food styling.

Key responsibilities include managing market orders and grocery shopping, stocking shared pantries and cold storage areas, and supporting the Test Kitchen Coordinator to ensure kitchen resources are well-maintained and readily available. Another significant aspect of the role is developing, testing, and preparing recipes, complemented by writing engaging hooks, scripts, and on-camera dialogue for hosted social video content. The assistant is responsible for delivering meticulously annotated recipes, inclusive of style content, nutritional data, and photographic documentation for all projects undertaken. Beyond recipe testing and development, the assistant plays a consultative role during photo shoots to guarantee that the food presentation aligns with the intended creative vision and may also assist with food styling tasks as required. Administrative duties such as filing expense reports for accounting purposes further solidify the essential support this position provides to the culinary team.

Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree, ideally coupled with a culinary degree or extensive professional cooking experience. They must demonstrate proficiency in recipe writing and troubleshooting, backed by a strong understanding of various cuisines, cooking techniques, and kitchen equipment. A passion for digital media and social platforms is crucial, reflecting the studio’s commitment to multi-channel content production. The role demands creativity paired with scientific precision, meaning the candidate must care deeply about both the aesthetic and flavor components of food. Adaptability, resourcefulness, and a collaborative spirit are vital, as the assistant must navigate frequent changes in direction and workflow, excelling at multitasking and self-motivation to meet tight deadlines.

People Inc. Food Studios is committed to equal employment opportunity, embracing diversity and inclusion across all facets of employment and offering reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. The company also participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm employment eligibility for new hires.