Recipe Developer - Green Chef

The Recipe Developer will be responsible for developing at least 25% of the new weekly product offering. Recipe development focuses on sending a mix of processed and whole ingredients for the consumer to create a complete dinner within a 30-minute time frame. All developers are required to develop across all diets while maintaining specific cost and nutritional targets. The Recipe Developer will work with the Culinary team, as well as the Procurement and Editorial teams.

You will … 

• Conceptualize, develop, and deliver four innovative and appetizing recipes each week, ensuring they align with budgetary constraints, nutritional guidelines, and any processing limitations.


• Create and refine recipes that cater to specific dietary needs and preferences—including but not limited to Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegan, and Keto—while maintaining flavor and culinary appeal.


• Timing Transparency & Accuracy: Develop and implement standardized "Total Time" and "Prep Time" metrics that manage customer expectations. This includes adding clarifying notes or asterisks regarding passive time (e.g., oven pre-heating and water boiling) to ensure transparency.


• Time Range Integration: Establish and document time ranges for recipes to account for varying experience levels (e.g., beginner vs. advanced) and larger portion sizes (4P and 6P), ensuring accuracy for all customer segments.


• Utilize online platforms and tools to meticulously document and track all stages of recipe development, fostering transparency and collaboration within the culinary team and broader organization.


• Craft clear, concise, and user-friendly instructions for each recipe, employing standardized culinary language and focusing on ease of execution for the home cook.


• Conduct thorough benchtop testing of all recipes, incorporating feedback from the Culinary Team panel tasting, and implement data-driven adjustments and refinements based on internal time studies.


• Stay abreast of current consumer data trends and leverage these insights to inform all recipe development, ensuring products resonate with target audiences and market demands.


• Track and manage multiple checkpoints within the product development process to ensure key weekly deliverables are met on time.


• Participate in weekly meetings with Culinary, Editorial, and Procurement teams to align on product development goals and ensure a cohesive approach.


• Learn and apply knowledge of all aspects involved in developing, producing, and shipping products, including ingredient sourcing, recipe development, production processes, and logistics.


• Foster strong working relationships: Work closely with the Culinary Manager, fellow recipe developers, and CPS Manager throughout the various stages of product development.


• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional team members in menu planning, photography, and social media to ensure successful product launches.


• Innovate and problem-solve: Leverage culinary expertise and creativity to identify new product opportunities, overcome challenges in new product design, and develop innovative solutions, such as the business case for expanded timing metrics.


• Drive process improvements: Continuously evaluate existing processes and procedures, identify areas for improvement, and make recommendations to enhance efficiency and optimize workflows.

You are…

• Recipe Development: Analyze feedback on recipes and make adjustments to refine them and document precise directions.


• Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as an expert in all brand-specific ingredients and use them and their weights correctly.


• Timelines and Deliverables: Meet deadlines with a strong sense of urgency and adaptability.


• Communication: Seek and share relevant information, opinions, and judgments. Explain the context of interrelated situations, ask probing questions, and solicit multiple sources of advice prior to taking action when appropriate.


• Teamwork: Listen actively and take the initiative to participate in team interactions with a wide range of stakeholders. Handle conflict empathetically.


• Problem-Solving: Draw on knowledge or actively seek input from pertinent sources to identify key information and data (including time-study findings) to share with stakeholders to support decisions.


• Accountability: Check assumptions about mutual expectations and clarify standards of overall performance. Monitor day-to-day performance and take corrective action when needed to ensure desired performance is achieved.


• Initiative: Volunteer to undertake tasks that stretch capability. Identify who can provide support and procure their input. Identify problems and act to prevent or solve them.

You have… 

• Culinary degree or certification from an accredited program; a Food Science background is a plus. 


• 2+ years of experience in recipe product development, food writing, culinary editing, or general food media.


• Creative mindset with the ability to quickly adapt to new processes and shifting priorities.


• Excellent time management and communication skills.


• Computer skills including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.


• Experience in Food Design Thinking, Data Science, Editorial, or Food Styling is a plus.

You’ll get… 

• Competitive salary, 401k with company match that vests immediately upon participation


• Generous PTO, including sabbatical, and parental leave of up to 16 weeks


• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits with options at $0 monthly, effective first day of employment


• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education (upon 2 years of service)


• Up to 85% discount on subscriptions to HelloFresh meal plans (HelloFresh, Green Chef, Everyplate, and Factor_)   


• Access to Employee Resource Groups that are open to all employees, including those pertaining to BIPOC, women, veterans, parents, and LGBTQ+


• Inclusive, collaborative, and dynamic work environment within a fast-paced, mission-driven company that is disrupting the traditional food supply chain

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities. However, the Company reserves the right to adjust, modify, or reassign work tasks and responsibilities as needed to meet changing business needs, operational requirements, or other factors.