Culinary Manager, R&D

ABOUT US

We’re an international restaurant concept known for our delicious, signature Korean double-fried chicken. Our ~500 restaurants are in 8 countries around the world and both our fan base, and the number of restaurants is growing rapidly. We have 150 locations in the US and our domestic growth rate is one of the best in the industry. Bonchon is world-famous for its Korean fried chicken coated with our signature sauces. In addition to our fried chicken, Bonchon offers a full Asian-fusion menu. Our team is expanding, and we’re looking for sizzling talent that’s ready to push boundaries while maintaining the Bonchon standards of excellence.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Manager, R & D will provide strategic research and development leadership to support senior executive decision‑making and drive menu innovation across the Bonchon system. You will be responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining menu offerings that align with consumer trends, brand standards, and franchisee financial objectives while ensuring operational excellence and product quality.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Apply deep understanding of consumer behavior, market dynamics, and industry trends to develop compelling core and promotional menu offerings that drive guest satisfaction, traffic, and brand awareness while meeting Bonchon brand standards and franchise partner financial requirements.
• Lead and manage all aspects of new and existing menu development, including recipe development, nutritional requirements, yields, and in‑store preparation procedures.
• Analyze direct and indirect competitors to ensure Bonchon remains current with industry trends while proactively introducing initiatives that differentiate the brand and position it ahead of competitors.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of new menu items that are developed, approved, tested, and ready for implementation across franchise markets as needed.
• Support the development and ongoing maintenance of a long‑term menu strategy that aligns with Bonchon’s goals, brand philosophy, and growth objectives.
• Plan, execute, and lead all product tastings and sensory panels, collaborating with Bonchon internal teams and franchise partners to gather feedback and drive informed decisions.
• Assist with product mix and menu analysis to evaluate performance trends, optimize menu offerings, and manage food costs effectively.
• Create, maintain, and update detailed product specifications for all ingredients to ensure consistent sourcing and adherence to Bonchon’s high quality standards.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with operations, marketing, supply chain, and franchise partners, proactively managing timelines, resolving questions, and ensuring deliverables are met.
• Identify and troubleshoot ingredient, product, or process issues throughout development and during ongoing use, ensuring solutions are timely, cost‑effective, and scalable.
• Maintain the theoretical food cost system by conducting ongoing yield studies, portion analyses, and procedural updates to ensure recipes and costs remain accurate and current.
• Travel regularly to distribution facilities, supplier and vendor locations, and franchise restaurants to support product development, validate specifications, and ensure consistent execution of Bonchon quality standards.
• Partner with operations and franchise teams to improve product quality, consistency, and operational efficiency for both existing and new menu procedures.
• Support franchise partners with sourcing strategies for current and new menu items to ensure compliance with Bonchon brand standards and quality expectations.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with or strong working knowledge of Korean cuisine, including traditional flavor profiles, ingredients, cooking techniques, and cultural influences, with the ability to translate these elements into scalable, brand‑appropriate menu offerings
• 2-3 years kitchen experience
• Strong background in food R&D, menu development, or culinary innovation
• Experience working with franchise systems or multi‑unit restaurant operations
• Analytical mindset with strong problem‑solving and cost‑management skills
• Proven ability to collaborate across functions and manage multiple projects
• Bachelor's degree

TRAVEL

20-30% Travel