As a Senior Director, Culinary & Product Innovation , you will lead the development of craveable, scalable menu items that define Captain D’s culinary identity.
This individual will play a critical role in shaping the brand’s future by transforming guest insights into bold, operationally simple products. You’ll oversee the full innovation lifecycle—from concept to commercialization—while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure every launch aligns with Captain D’s strategic goals, cost targets, and quality standards.
Relocation available to Nashville area.
What's in it for you?
- Competitive salary
- Sales bonus
- Vacation and sick pay
- Hybrid work schedule / location
- Yearly bonus potential
- Meal benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, FSA, and 401K plans
- Paid Time off and Holidays (varies)
- Low-cost prescription medications
- PerkSpot savings and local deals
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Free legal assistance (Rocket Lawyer)
- Professional development and growth opportunities
Responsibilities :
Define culinary vision and 24-month roadmap across core, LTO, regional, and value platformsLead stage-gate process : concept → benchtop → sensory → pilot → trials → test → launchBalance fish / chicken portfolios; elevate sides, sauces, and bundled occasionsDevelop offerings across dayparts and price tiers to drive check growthLead innovation team and supplier partnersIdentify gaps and opportunities using trend and category analysisPartner with Marketing on qualitative and quantitative researchUse taste tests and guest data to refine concepts quicklyEstablish decision criteria (purchase intent, uniqueness, repeat intent)Translate kitchen wins into scalable plant processesEnsure products meet culinary standards, cost goals, and operational feasibilityLead cross-functional teams through testing, validation, and launchCollaborate with Operations to ensure speed, simplicity, and consistencyDeliver launch playbooks with builds, photos, training content, and videosPartner with QA / Regulatory on food safety, nutrition, allergen, and labeling complianceEstablish kitchen best practices for oil, fryer, and holding standardsAlign calendars with Marketing and Supply ChainPresent innovations to executives and franchisees using data and tastingsManage supplier and co-manufacturer relationshipsMonitor competitive moves, trends, and technology for smart adoptionRequired Experience :
7–10+ years leading Culinary / R&D in QSR or high-volume multi-unit environmentsBS / MS in Culinary Science, Food Science, or related field; formal culinary credentials a plusExpertise in sensory testing, menu engineering, and value optimizationStrong plant-trial leadership and spec disciplineSkilled in analytics and guest data interpretationExecutive presence and franchisee credibilityWillingness to travel 15–25%Job Type : Full-time
We are looking forward to adding you as the newest member of our family.
Captain D's is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse workforce.
