ABOUT ALBERT USTER IMPORTS

Albert Uster Imports, Inc. (“AUI”) is a privately held gourmet food company headquartered in the Washington, DC area (Gaithersburg, MD) with warehouse locations in Kansas City, Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Gaithersburg. AUI falls under the Vestar Capital Partners portfolio with affiliate organization, Roland Foods, LLC.

Founded in 1968, the company offers over 1,400 products from around the world. We serve leading hotels, restaurants, casinos, cruise lines, airlines, and manufacturers with innovative, high quality products and solutions to their most demanding culinary challenges. We operate a network of distribution centers across the U.S. and serve select international markets as well. AUI has a national direct selling organization of over 60 sales professionals and a staff of culinary experts (chefs and food scientists) adept at custom product solutions.

 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Savory Innovation Manager/Corporate Savory Chef is responsible for the development and execution of savory innovation projects and manage savory category for AUI Fine Foods. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about culinary creation and innovation, at the same time expert in project execution and business development to drive results

As a response to the pandemic, Albert Uster Imports office employees have transitioned to a hybrid working schedule, requiring employees to report in-person Monday through Wednesday, with the option to telework on Thursday and Friday each week. Due to the collaborative, cross-functional nature of the organization, employees at the Gaithersburg office are required to work in-person for the abovementioned days, outside of any People & Culture-approved disability accommodation request.


RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Research, source, and make recommendations of savory innovations to be included in the company’s Innovation pipeline, define product launch and drive the revenue of savory category towards a set goal from management
  • Develop recipes, perform demos, and assist marketing team on photoshoots, events and other related activities
  • Participate in key sales visits to drive sales
  • Execute product launches from beginning to completion of projects including but not limited to communicating with assigned suppliers/vendors, evaluating viability and commercialization of products, maintaining active communication with international & domestic suppliers
  • Closely working with Quality Assurance, logistic team, and Purchasing teams for product evaluation & approval, and supply chain continuity
  • Tasks include product launch management, pricing calculations, item set-up, update information of products, draft product marketing features &USPs, review of marketing flyers for accuracy, technical support to sales representatives and customers, recipe development and demos
  • Execute product sourcing projects through customer requests including identify the project, sourcing, and large customer product development with supplier


QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

  • Culinary Degree or experience in culinary field required
  • Min. 5-7 year experience in culinary innovation, business development
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suit (MS Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook)
  • Knowledge of culinary product market and competition landscape preferred
  • Experience in business development is preferred
  • Highly organized, attention to detail with strong communication skills
  • Expert in project management and timeline management
  • Effective collaboration across departments at all levels
  • Flexibility and adaptability to prioritization of projects


Founded by immigrants, AUI & Roland Foods knows that diversity is the spice of life. We believe in the power of food to open minds, spark adventure, and bring diverse people together.  All are welcome at our table! We know the transformative value of food in individual lives and communities. Because of this, we insist on obtaining the highest-quality ingredients and talent!

AUI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. AUI considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. AUI is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at peopleandculture@rolandfoods.com.

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