Test Kitchen Manager

Irving, TX, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Hourly

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Flexible spending account

Training and Development

Job Description

7-Eleven is a globally recognized leader in the convenience retail industry, operating over 86,000 locations worldwide, more than any other retailer. Established as an iconic family of brands, 7-Eleven has revolutionized the convenience, restaurant, and fuel sectors with cutting-edge innovation, always striving to be the first choice for customers. The company's mission revolves around empowering employees to "activate awesome" every day, enabling them to make meaningful impacts within their stores and communities. Joining 7-Eleven means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to growth, leadership, and shaping the future of convenience retail on a global scale.

The Test Kitchen Specialist role at 7-Eleven offers a unique opportunity to be a key contributor within the corporate test kitchen, supporting the food science and product development teams in creating innovative new offerings. This position is central to maintaining kitchen readiness, managing ingredients, organizing materials, and facilitating smooth kitchen operations essential for product trials, sensory evaluations, culinary demonstrations, and commercialization projects. The Test Kitchen Specialist ensures that all ingredients, equipment, and workspaces are prepared and fully stocked, thereby enabling Food Scientists, Product Developers, Culinary Specialists, and other team members to conduct their work efficiently and effectively.

This role demands an individual with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to food safety and quality. Responsibilities include receiving and preparing ingredients, assembling materials for product trials, maintaining kitchen cleanliness and organization, managing inventory, and coordinating with suppliers and vendors for timely procurement. Additionally, the specialist supports various project teams during kitchen trials and tasting sessions, assisting with setup and sample presentation for stakeholders. The role also involves routine equipment maintenance, sanitation, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Ideal candidates for this position have experience in commercial kitchens, food manufacturing, or test kitchen environments, along with familiarity with food safety standards, inventory management, and kitchen equipment operation. The role requires physical stamina to work in various kitchen environments, including refrigerated and freezer areas, and to handle lifting tasks of up to 50 pounds. Flexibility and adaptability are essential as the position may require working outside regular hours, including weekends.

Working at 7-Eleven as a Test Kitchen Specialist means joining a forward-thinking, innovation-driven company that values teamwork, dependability, and a customer-oriented approach. This position offers hands-on involvement in shaping new food products that enhance the company’s market offerings and provide value to millions of customers worldwide. If you are passionate about food preparation and excited about contributing to product development in a corporate food business, this role offers an engaging and rewarding career path within a renowned international brand.

Job Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
2-5 years of relevant experience preferred
Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift throughout the workday
Ability to lift up to 20-50 pounds daily
Comfortable working in refrigerated, freezer, and kitchen environments
Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and tools
Flexibility to work outside core hours including weekends
Strong organizational skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Effective communication skills
Commitment to food safety and quality
Ability to follow GMPs and SOPs
Dependability and teamwork

Job Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent
Associate degree, culinary training, or food science coursework preferred
2-5 years of experience in food preparation, commercial kitchens, food manufacturing, catering, or test kitchen environments preferred
Experience handling food ingredients and kitchen equipment
Familiarity with inventory management and food safety practices
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to follow instructions and standardized procedures
Proficiency in Microsoft applications including Outlook, Teams, and Office
Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities
Effective communication and teamwork skills
Dependability and accountability
Customer and service orientation
Commitment to food safety and quality

Job Duties

Receive, inspect, label, and organize ingredients and product samples
Prepare ingredients according to project requirements, including weighing, measuring, portioning, washing, cutting, and staging
Assemble ingredients and materials for scheduled product development trials
Prepare samples for sensory panels, shelf-life evaluations, and internal meetings
Package, label, and store samples following established procedures
Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked test kitchen
Set up workstations and equipment prior to scheduled testing activities
Ensure ingredients, supplies, and tools are readily available for project teams
Monitor inventory levels and communicate replenishment needs
Organize storage areas, refrigerators, freezers, and dry storage locations
Perform deep cleaning of equipment, wash and organize dishware and clothware
Follow kitchen GMPs
Order products, ingredients, and consumables using authorized vendors and send invoices to accounting
Receive and log deliveries, verify orders
Track inventory and rotate stock using FIFO practices
Maintain ingredient databases and inventory records
Assist with purchasing requests and vendor coordination
Dispose of expired or non-compliant ingredients
Clean and sanitize kitchen equipment, utensils, and work areas
Assist with routine equipment maintenance and calibration
Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards
Maintain kitchen and employee food handling certifications
Perform dishwashing and sanitation processes
Conduct preventive maintenance of equipment including daily temperature checks and deep cleaning
Support product development teams during kitchen trials and sample preparation
Assist with meeting setup, tasting sessions, and product evaluations
Prepare presentation materials and sample displays for stakeholders and customers
Perform administrative and operational support tasks
Facilitate training of new team members on kitchen protocols including GMPs and SOPs