Manager, Product Development & Commercialization

CULTIVATE A BETTER WORLD

Food served fast does not have to be a typical fast-food experience. Chipotle has always done things differently, both in and out of our restaurants. We are changing the face of fast food, starting conversations, and directly supporting efforts to shift the future of farming and food. We hope you will join us as we continue to learn, evolve, and shape what comes next on our mission to make better food accessible to everyone.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As the Manager, Product Development & Commercialization (PD&C) you will manage the commercialization (scale-up) process for menu development efforts taking validated culinary concepts to a fully commercialized product ready for restaurant execution. This role collaborates with commissary partners, raw material partners, and with internal cross functional teams to deliver the menu innovation strategy while maintain brand standards and culinary authenticity.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Manage product development projects from validated concept to successful launch, with post-launch support as needed.

• Manage the commercialization of NEW menu innovation and LTO components including:

  • Review formulations for brand compliance and feasibility

  • Design & attending manufacturing trials

  • Evaluate samples from benchtop through full production to match culinary gold standards

  • Write/review/edit finished product process specifications

  • Support post-launch consistency and optimization efforts

  • Support business continuity efforts for raw materials and components

• Manage the commercialization of new LTO vendors that support growing network demands.

• Teach & Taste Chipotle: You will be an expert in Chipotle’s Food With Integrity (FWI) mission and our Real Food proposition. Our value of ‘Teaching and Tasting’ is critical and is supported with restaurant visits and food demonstrations, delivering strategic feedback, and providing support to enhance the FWI ethos, skills, knowledge of internal (XF) and external (vendor) teams.

• Partner with Culinary Chefs to drive Innovation sessions including internal showcases and external showings.

• Collaborate with cross functional partners including Marketing, Supply Chain, FSQA (product testing and evaluations), Training, and Consumer Insight Teams.

• Co-manage Culinary share drive with team.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE TABLE

• Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS) from 4-year college or university required.

• Degree in Food Science or related field, Culinary experience a plus.

• 5 Years of experience in the Food and Beverage Industry required.

• Experience-based knowledge of food manufacturing with an emphasis on commercialized processes for:

  • cooked proteins (sous vide, frying/searing, marination)

  • kettle-cooked sauces and fresh salsas

  • seasonings (blending/packing)

  • linear & sheeted bakery/tortilla products

• Ability to create technical specifications for process controls, intrinsic properties, and organoleptic properties that deliver consistency and repeatability across similar but not identical processes.

• Ability to manage commercialization trials at vendor partners and provide clear expectations of success criteria and a thorough report of trial results.

• Knowledge of service restaurants and their related support needs required.

• Project Management Training, Servsafe, Culinology certification preferred.

• Working BOH in restaurants, traveling to Vendor facilities, cross functional collaboration required.

• A self-starter and a data-driven critical thinker with a service-focused attitude.

• A passion for food, quality and teamwork!

PAY TRANSPARENCY

A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $113,000.00–$158,000.00. You are also eligible for annual cash bonuses and equity awards based upon performance and other factors. Actual compensation offered may vary depending on skill level, experience, and/or education. Chipotle offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401k, sick leave, vacation time, and much more. Visit https://jobs.chipotle.com/benefits for more details.

WHO WE ARE

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Chipotle has restaurants in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Germany and is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. With employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM

Chipotle Mexican Grill is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. As a people-first company rooted in values, our purpose extends beyond serving nutritious food using real ingredients. It means hiring world-class individuals and fostering a culture that champions diversity, ensures equity, and celebrates inclusion. All qualified applicants, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.  

Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact ADAaccommodations@chipotle.com if you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non-accommodations related requests.