Culinary Innovation Specialist

John Soules Foods is a thriving family-owned food company that has been making a positive difference for its customers and consumers for nearly 50 years. We are driven by our purpose—and promise—of Great Food, Made Simple. Based in Tyler, Texas, the company is a leading national producer of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook chicken and beef products and is the number one producer of chicken and beef fajitas in the USA. We are proud to serve a broad portfolio of great tasting, high quality products that are sold throughout the US via retail, food service distributors, and restaurants. Included in our wide array of national customers are prominent organizations such as Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club, Sysco, and HEB. The company was established in 1975 by John Soules Sr. and the business is now in the second generation of family leadership. The organization has expanded dramatically over the past decade, and with its continued growth now has annual sales of approximately $1 Billion. The company employs over 2,000 individuals and has three manufacturing facilities in Gainesville, Georgia; Valley, Alabama; and at its headquarters in Tyler, Texas.

Position Summary

The Culinary Innovation Specialist will be responsible for assisting with the development of innovative, consumer-centric meal solutions that align with the brand’s quality standards and market trends. This role combines culinary artistry with strategic product development, playing a vital part in the creation and commercialization of new and improved products for both foodservice and retail channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of new protein-based product concepts and meal solutions that align with current brand strategy and growth objectives.
• Translate culinary trends, market insights, and consumer data into innovative product ideas.
• Partner with R&D, Marketing, and Sales teams to bring concepts to market—from ideation to scale-up and commercialization.
• Conduct competitive benchmarking and assist with tasting sessions to analyze flavor profiles, textures, and ingredients.
• Support with hands-on culinary prototype creation and iterations based on sensory testing and feedback.
• Collaborate with procurement to source ingredients and ensure cost-effective formulations.
• Support customer presentations, trade shows, and ideation sessions with foodservice and retail clients.
• Maintain a deep knowledge of current and emerging food trends, ingredients, cooking methods, and consumer preferences.
  
  

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or relevant culinary certification required; bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, Food Science, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in culinary product development, preferably within protein-based foods or CPG.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards, HACCP, and food production processes.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and sensory evaluation skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
• Passion for food, flavor, and creating memorable eating experiences.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Experience working with marination, breading, or grilled product development for CPG products.
• Background in both foodservice and retail product development.
• Familiarity with stage-gate innovation processes and commercialization workflows.