Industry: Hospitality, F&B (Food & Beverage), Live Entertainment
Type: Full-time
Reporting to: Executive Chef / Operations Manager
Job Overview:
The Manager of Research and Development (R&D) for a high-end live music restaurant specializing in Sichuan cuisine will be responsible for leading innovation and improvements in the restaurant's offerings. This includes developing new dishes, optimizing current recipes, exploring new ingredients, enhancing the dining experience through food and beverage pairings, and ensuring the quality and consistency of the Sichuan cuisine. In addition to culinary responsibilities, the role will collaborate with other departments such as operations, marketing, and entertainment to ensure an exceptional, unique dining experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Culinary Research & Development:Develop, test, and implement innovative Sichuan cuisine dishes, keeping current food trends and guest preferences in mind.
Research and introduce new ingredients, cooking techniques, and presentation styles while maintaining the authenticity of Sichuan flavors.
Create seasonal menus and limited-time offers based on market research, guest feedback, and supply availability.
- Menu Design & Optimization:Collaborate with the kitchen team to design balanced, creative, and visually appealing menus that align with the restaurant's high-end positioning and Sichuan cuisine focus.
Continuously evaluate and optimize the menu offerings based on customer feedback, sales analysis, and food cost targets.
- Food & Beverage Pairing:Work closely with the beverage team (sommelier, bar staff) to develop unique drink pairings with Sichuan dishes, emphasizing the balance between spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors.
Experiment with unique cocktail or non-alcoholic drink offerings that complement the flavors of Sichuan cuisine.
- Quality Control & Consistency:Monitor the quality, consistency, and presentation of all dishes served.
Ensure the restaurant's food meets or exceeds the restaurant's standards in terms of taste, appearance, and quality at all times.
Implement and monitor kitchen procedures to ensure food safety and hygiene standards are adhered to.
- Collaboration & Cross-functional Coordination:Work closely with the restaurant management team to ensure that new menu items align with the overall guest experience, especially considering the live music environment.
Provide culinary training and ongoing development to kitchen staff to enhance skills and ensure high-quality output.
Coordinate with marketing and operations for the promotion of new dishes and seasonal menus, ensuring synergy with the restaurant’s entertainment and ambiance.
- Guest Experience & Innovation:Stay updated on food trends, customer preferences, and competitor offerings to continuously innovate the dining experience.
Incorporate guest feedback and industry insights to refine and develop new ideas for dishes, cooking methods, and restaurant offerings.
Ensure that R&D efforts reflect the upscale atmosphere and entertainment focus, blending Sichuan cuisine with a memorable live music experience.
Requirements:
- Experience:Minimum 10-15 years of experience in a senior culinary role within high-end restaurants or a similar establishment.
Proven experience in Sichuan cuisine or other Chinese regional cuisines.
Demonstrated experience in menu development, cost control, and kitchen management.
Previous experience in live music or entertainment-focused venues would be an advantage.
- Skills & Competencies:Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire creativity and maintain high culinary standards.
Excellent knowledge of food trends, culinary techniques, and Sichuan cuisine.
Ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring a high level of quality.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with other departments.
Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and workplace hygiene standards.
Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment, especially during live music events.
- Personal Attributes:Passion for food and culinary innovation.
Creative and forward-thinking, with an eye for detail and a strong aesthetic sense.
Collaborative team player with strong problem-solving abilities.
Strong business acumen, with the ability to balance creativity with cost management.
- Language Requirements:Proficiency in English is required.
Knowledge of Mandarin or Sichuan dialect is a plus but not mandatory.
