Executive Chef – Culinary Research & Development

Job Title: Executive Chef – Culinary Research & Development

Location: San Jose, CA – Travel Required (Domestic & International)

Job Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Department: Culinary / Brand Innovation

Reports To: Director of Operations

About Us

At Poke House, our mission is to capture California’s adventurous spirit through fresh, modern pokè — while supporting local communities and preserving the environment. We’re a rapidly growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand redefining how pokè is enjoyed: fresh, sustainable, and scalable.

As we expand across the U.S. and internationally, we’re looking for a visionary Executive Chef to lead the next chapter of our Culinary Research & Development program. This role will drive menu innovation, guide our culinary identity, and ensure operational excellence across both corporate and franchise locations.

Position Summary

The Executive Chef – Culinary R&D will be the creative engine behind our evolving menu, responsible for conceptualizing, testing, and scaling new product pipelines. This individual will combine culinary artistry with operational practicality — ensuring every new item excites our guests, fits seamlessly into our operations, and reinforces our brand DNA.

This position will work closely with the Director of Operations, Marketing, Procurement, and Training teams to bring products from concept to nationwide rollout. The role requires creativity, strategic thinking, and a strong grasp of QSR scalability and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Research & Development (70%)

• Lead ideation, development, and testing of new menu items, LTOs, and product lines that align with brand identity and operational feasibility.
• Develop and maintain a long-term menu innovation pipeline to support growth and seasonal campaigns.
• Partner with vendors, suppliers, and co-packers to source ingredients, create scalable formulations, and ensure consistent flavor and quality.
• Conduct culinary exploration trips (domestic and international) to identify new flavor profiles, techniques, and category opportunities.
• Manage recipe documentation, testing feedback loops, and sensory evaluation sessions.
• Oversee menu costing, yield testing, and nutritional documentation in collaboration with the finance and procurement teams.
• Contribute to packaging innovation and menu presentation strategy in partnership with marketing.

Operational Oversight (30%)

• Support field operations with kitchen workflow design, process improvements, and SOP standardization.
• Provide culinary training and coaching during product launches or rollouts.
• Ensure all culinary programs meet or exceed food safety and sanitation standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Training, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure flawless execution of new items.
• Offer culinary insights during franchisee onboarding and operational audits.

Qualifications

• 7 years of culinary leadership experience, ideally in QSR or fast-casual brands.
• Proven record of success in R&D, menu innovation, and scaling recipes for multi-unit operations.
• Deep understanding of costing, sourcing, and product commercialization.
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Comfortable with domestic and international travel (approx. 2 months/year).
• Passion for Asian-inspired and seafood-driven cuisine preferred.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers, co-packers, and food manufacturers is highly valued.
• Familiarity with digital kitchen tools (e.g., Jolt) a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Be the driving force behind culinary innovation in one of California’s fastest-growing QSR brands.
• Shape the future of pokè at scale, from flavor trends to national rollouts.
• Collaborate with an ambitious, creative, and cross-functional team.
• Enjoy travel, creative freedom, and an opportunity to leave your mark on a growing brand.

At Poke House, our mission is to capture California’s adventurous spirit in our tasty, modern poke while supporting local small businesses and preserving the environment. We work hard to craft each delicious poke bowl and ensure that the quality of our ingredients are always top grade. Our sushi-grade fish is delivered daily, and our fruits and vegetables are locally sourced, prepared fresh every day, and organic when possible. From construction to consumption, we are committed to being environmentally conscious.

Salary : $90,000 - $110,000