Middle Eastern Cuisine Chef - Research & Development Specialist

Location: Taylor, Texas
Department: Research & Development (R&D)
Reports To: Director of Product Development
Position Type: Full-Time / On-Site
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience

Company Overview:

We are a leading frozen food manufacturing company specializing in high-quality, globally inspired cuisine. Our mission is to bring culinary excellence to the frozen food category while preserving authenticity and tradition.

To meet growing consumer demand for premium Middle Eastern cuisine, we are seeking a skilled Middle Eastern Cuisine Chef to join our Research & Development team. This role requires culinary expertise, innovation, and knowledge of large-scale food production to create authentic, scalable frozen food products.

Job Summary:

The Middle Eastern Cuisine Chef - R&D Specialist will lead the creation, development, and testing of new Middle Eastern-inspired frozen food products. Combining expertise in traditional flavors, techniques, and commercial production, the chef will optimize recipes for large-scale manufacturing while ensuring taste, quality, and consistency.

The role collaborates with production, quality assurance, procurement, and marketing teams to deliver products that meet consumer expectations and production goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop authentic and innovative Middle Eastern recipes such as falafel, kibbeh, hummus meals, kebabs, rice dishes, and pastries.

• Research culinary trends and emerging flavors to inspire product concepts.

• Create and refine prototypes through iterative testing for quality, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

• Partner with production teams to scale recipes, ensuring consistency during frozen food manufacturing.

• Collaborate with procurement to source high-quality, cost-effective ingredients like za’atar, tahini, bulgur, and chickpeas.

• Work with quality assurance to meet food safety, sensory, and regulatory standards.

• Conduct sensory testing to evaluate and refine product taste, texture, and appearance.

• Document standardized recipes, ingredient specifications, and preparation processes.

• Train production staff on techniques, ingredient handling, and quality standards.

• Support marketing by providing product insights and contributing to storytelling about flavor profiles and traditions.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Required:

  • High School’s degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or related field, OR professional experience in Middle Eastern cuisine.

  • Minimum 2 years specializing in Middle Eastern culinary techniques and recipes.

  • Experience with recipe development for food manufacturing or large-scale production.

  • Familiarity with frozen food processes, food safety regulations, and scaling recipes.

• Preferred:

  • Experience in R&D roles within food manufacturing.

  • Knowledge of Halal certification processes.

  • Culinary certifications such as Certified Executive Chef (CEC) or equivalent.

Skills & Competencies:

• Expertise in Middle Eastern cooking techniques, ingredients, and flavor profiles.

• Creative and innovative approach to developing commercially viable recipes.

• Strong attention to detail for recipe precision and consistency.

• Collaborative mindset to work with cross-functional teams.

• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot production challenges.

• Strong communication and documentation abilities for processes and training.

Work Environment & Requirements:

• Work in both test kitchens and production facilities.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods.

• Occasional travel for supplier visits, trade shows, or product testing.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to redefine Middle Eastern cuisine in the frozen food market.

• Work in an innovative, collaborative environment.

• Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Application Instructions:

Submit the following:

• Updated Resume/CV.

• Cover Letter highlighting experience with Middle Eastern cuisine.

• Portfolio of culinary work (photos, recipes, or relevant projects).

Email Applications To: info@afiafoods.com
Subject Line: Middle Eastern Cuisine Chef - R&D Application

Join us in delivering authentic Middle Eastern flavors – where tradition meets innovation!