Culinary Development & Optimisation Manager

Job Description

As the Culinary Development & Optimisation Manager, you will drive innovation, flavour, and efficiency across the HelloFresh recipe portfolio. Your focus will be on developing and refining recipes that support new product innovation, strategic partnerships, and ingredient optimisation, always ensuring alignment with our high brand standards and commercial goals.

This role is based in Sydney and reports to the Culinary Innovation & Optimisation Manager.

You will…

• Lead the end-to-end implementation of New Ingredient Development (NID) launches with key cross-functional teams (Procurement, Menu Planning, etc.) to deliver the ANZ Menu Expansion Roadmap for 2026.


• Drive recipe ideation and creation for various out-of-cycle projects (like Macrotags and the Innovation Hub), ensuring recipe database health and optimal product scheduling.


• Present, evaluate, and provide constructive, impartial feedback on recipes during pre-tastings and first cook tastings.


• Support recipe database optimisation projects, with a particular focus on budget and efficient ingredient utilisation (particularly ingredients that are new to the HF portfolio) across all categories.


• Stay ahead of food trends and innovation by leveraging industry data, social media, and consultation, ensuring our menus are always relevant to the HelloFresh customer.


• Contribute to weekly recipe performance evaluations with data-driven insights (using recipe scores, popularity, etc.) to proactively address and improve underperforming recipes.

You have/are:

• An organised and clear communicator with proven experience in managing multiple stakeholders and priorities simultaneously.


• A proactive, ambitious, and assertive mindset—you take full ownership of your work.


• Strong, genuine passion for food and cooking.


• Adaptable, process-driven, and eager to experiment with new ideas and systems.


• Strong analytical skills and a demonstrated ability to interpret data for sound business judgments and recommendations.

What you’ll get in return… 

• The chance to have a significant impact in a leading global food technology company


• Flexible working arrangements 


• Egoless environment, constant learning with room for personal growth


• Free access to Headspace


• A diverse and vibrant international environment, with offices in 18 countries


• Company discount - 70% off HelloFresh & 40% off Youfoodz

Start Date: Immediately available - Can wait a notice period

Duration: Permanent full time role 

You must have the right to work full-time in Australia 

Location: Chippendale Head Office (Hybrid)

Salary: Competitive salary & employee benefits

#LI-Hybrid