Culinary Innovation Coordinator

Culinary Innovation Coordinator at Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Van Leeuwen is seeking a Culinary Innovation Coordinator to join our team, based at our Flavor Lab in Brooklyn. This role, reporting to the Head of Culinary Innovation, will be instrumental in developing new and delicious ice cream offerings, including Scoops, Bars, Cakes, Soft Serve, Sundaes, and more.

You will be based in an open, customer-facing innovation kitchen, upholding the highest standards of quality, creativity, organization, and cleanliness. Beyond serving as the innovation hub for Van Leeuwen Ice Cream across Scoop Shops and CPG, The Flavor Lab will also produce items for sale and testing in its dedicated scoop shop.

This is an on-site position at our Greenpoint Flavor Lab, requiring five days a week presence.

Job Responsibilities

• Assist in creating best-in-class menu innovations under the direction of CEO Ben Van Leeuwen and the Head of Culinary Innovation.
• Participate in Flavor Lab kitchen operations, including producing ice cream, testing products, and engaging with customers.
• Ensure all Flavor Lab kitchen operations adhere to Department of Health standards, participating in inspections as needed.
• Research new innovations for scoop shops, such as unique toppings and sundaes.
• Regularly visit field locations to gather feedback and data, enhancing innovation output and quality.
• Collaborate with the Commercialization and Innovation team to scale up innovation projects for commercial production.
• Create flavor samples and work on ad hoc retail projects as required.
• Cultivate a memorable scoop shop experience at the Flavor Lab site through enthusiastic customer interaction and overseeing in-shop events.
• Work effectively and professionally with Flavor Lab retail leadership.
• Confidently manage ordering and receiving high-quality ingredients.
• Help develop and maintain recipes.
• Demonstrate a team-oriented and positive attitude.
• Assist in overseeing daily maintenance of kitchen equipment and cleanliness to ensure a safe and efficient workspace.
• Help develop weekly menu specials for the Flavor Lab.
• Support testing and development for partnership collaborations.

Job Requirements

• NYC Food Handlers License required.
• Minimum of 2 years experience in a professional kitchen, specifically in a pastry or culinary role (Food Science background is a plus).
• Experience in retail preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite, including Excel.
• Ability to regularly lift 50+ lbs and stand for long periods of time.
• As our Flavor Lab is a fully operating kitchen and retail shop, this person will need to work kitchen/retail hours.
• Ability to be on site 5 days a week, with flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed, is required.

Perks + Benefits

• Employee Scoop Card (enjoy ice cream from any of our scoop shops nationwide).
• Medical, Dental + Vision Insurance with up to 70% Employer Contribution.
• 401k with up to 4% Employer Match.
• Wellness Reimbursement Plan.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Paid Sick Time.
• Yearly Performance Reviews.

Key Skills/Competency

• Culinary Innovation
• Recipe Development
• Kitchen Operations
• Food Safety Standards (DOH)
• Product Testing
• Customer Service
• Commercialization
• Ingredient Sourcing
• Menu Planning
• Retail Management