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Junior Culinary R&D Analyst

New York, New York, United States

CookUnity is a chef-to-you marketplace connecting talented chefs with consumers, revolutionizing meal delivery. We bring small-batch, restaurant-quality meals to eaters nationwide, crafted by a diverse collective of all-star chefs. With over 100 inspired chefs from cities like NYC, LA, Austin, and more, our weekly subscription offers a wide range of hand-crafted meals to cater to various palates and dietary preferences.

By delivering over 1 million meals per month, we're also empowering working chefs, tripling their income, and supporting their growth. CookUnity believes in fueling stronger communities, partnering with Food Bank For New York City to combat food insecurity across all five boroughs.

The role:

As a Junior Culinary R&D Analyst, you will play a vital role in the culinary operations within our establishment. You will collaborate with kitchen team members, chef team members, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities:

  • Data-Driven Recipe Accuracy and Adjustment

    • Analyze ingredient usage and cost data to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for refining existing recipes.
    • Conduct in-depth analysis of preparation times and ingredient proportions to validate recipe adjustments, ensuring improvements enhance consistency, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
    • Collaborate with chefs to implement and rigorously test recipe adjustments, ensuring they align with CookUnity’s standards and production goals.

    In-Kitchen Collaboration and Validation

    • Work hands-on with chef teams to test and validate adjustments to existing recipes in the kitchen, ensuring changes are practical and effective.
    • Provide real-time feedback during recipe trials, refining adjustments as needed to achieve accuracy and efficiency.
    • Monitor results to confirm adjustments align with ingredient usage goals, cost-efficiency targets, and quality benchmarks.

    Chef Training and Support

    • Partner with chefs to ensure a clear understanding of validated recipe adjustments and their integration into daily production workflows.
    • Train chefs on the importance of precision in ingredient measurement and adherence to updated recipes to maintain accuracy and efficiency.
    • Foster a collaborative environment to support the seamless implementation of adjustments and continuous improvement.

    Documentation and Impact Reporting

    • Maintain detailed records of recipe adjustments, including ingredient usage, cost analysis, and validation processes, ensuring traceability and transparency.
    • Develop reports that quantify the impact of adjustments, focusing on metrics such as ingredient efficiency, cost savings, and improved accuracy.
    • Use documented insights to inform future recipe refinements and ensure consistency across all kitchen operations.

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in a professional kitchen or food production environment with a strong focus on data-driven recipe development and optimization.
  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets) and familiarity with kitchen workflows, food safety protocols, and ingredient management.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to validate and implement recipe adjustments effectively.
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills to work hands-on with kitchen teams and train on new processes.
  • Skilled in maintaining detailed records and creating clear, impactful reports to drive continuous improvement.
  • Adaptable, proactive, and team-oriented, with a commitment to quality, safety, and operational efficiency.

Benefits 

  • Competitive hourly rates
  • Paid Weekly
  • Healthcare
  • 401k
  • Opportunities for advancement

Compensation

All final pay rates will be determined by candidates experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Pay Range for this position

$22 - $25 USD

 

If you’re interested in this role, please submit your application and if we think you might be a fit, we'll get in touch with you. Thank you for your time!

CookUnity is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to creating a community of inclusion and an environment free from discrimination or harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or physical or mental disability.

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