Company: Mood
Overview: Mood is a leading provider of hemp-based products with a strong presence in e-commerce as well as physical warehousing and baking operations in Oklahoma City. We are seeking a highly experienced and skilled Kitchen Director to oversee the development and management of our new kitchen facility. The ideal candidate will have a background in managing kitchens, preferably from a large food company, and possess strong leadership skills in addition to exceptional baking expertise. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in scaling our baking operation, ensuring consistency, and delivering outstanding customer satisfaction through consistently excellent products.
Responsibilities: 1. **Kitchen Management:**
- Oversee all aspects of the kitchen operation, including recipe development, production scheduling, inventory management, and quality control.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including proper handling, storage, and sanitation practices.
- Implement processes and procedures to optimize efficiency, minimize waste, and maximize shelf life of baked goods.
- Manage kitchen budget, including ingredient procurement, equipment maintenance, and labor costs.
2. **Team Leadership:**
- Lead and motivate a team of bakers and kitchen staff, providing guidance, training, and support as needed.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and address any issues or concerns promptly and effectively.
- Assist in the recruitment and onboarding of new team members as the operation scales.
3. **Recipe Development and R&D:**
- Drive the development of new recipes and products, leveraging expertise in baking and knowledge of hemp-infused ingredients.
- Conduct research and experimentation to optimize recipes for flavor, texture, and consistency while meeting regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate with the corporate team to align product offerings with market trends and customer preferences.
4. **Communication and Collaboration:**
- Effectively communicate with the corporate team, providing regular updates on kitchen operations, performance metrics, and any issues or challenges.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and logistics, to support product launches, promotions, and other initiatives.
- Utilize digital communication tools and platforms to facilitate remote collaboration and reporting.
Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or a related field preferred.
- Proven experience managing a commercial kitchen, preferably in a large food company or manufacturing environment.
- Strong baking skills and expertise in recipe development, particularly with hemp-infused products.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices, including HACCP principles.
- Excellent leadership and team-building abilities, with a track record of effectively managing and developing a diverse team.
- Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact professionally with stakeholders at all levels.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and digital collaboration tools.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
Success Metrics: - Increased production output and efficiency of the kitchen operation.
- Improved consistency and quality of baked goods, as evidenced by customer reviews and feedback.
- Successful launch of new products with positive customer reception.
- Reduction in waste and improvement in shelf life of baked goods.
- High employee morale and retention within the kitchen team.
Join us at Mood and be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of hemp-based products! Apply now to make your mark as our Kitchen Director.
