Recipe Developer

We are looking for a Recipe Developer to join our mission-driven team. As an integral part of a Culinary department, you will join forces with the brand team, culinary team and the Recipe Development Manager, (to whom you will also report) in our continued effort to inspire people to eat more plants! 

The Recipe Developer is expected to manage end-to-end culinary recipe development from ideation with an emphasis on editorial steps, within menu timelines, operational guidelines, and nutrition and budget goals. Accuracy, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills are a must in order to manage multiple priorities and meet time-sensitive deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

This role is a unique opportunity to participate in cutting edge, plant-based recipe formulation, and the day to day operations of an active food company. The ideal candidate is obsessed with food, highly creative, and enjoys collaborating.

Location: This role will be based in Chicago, IL in a hybrid capacity - working onsite in the office or onsite at our creative partners 3-5 days 

On the Plate

• Collaborate cross-functionally with project managers, and production partners on menu timelines, and product launches, ensuring seamless execution per Recipe Development Manager guidelines.
• Drive continual testing, optimization, and development of Purple Carrot’s recipes to improve customer experience with a focus on ease, nutrition, and budget.
• Accurately formulate, test, and document all recipes in accordance with standards set by the Culinary Director, and Recipe Development Manager (to whom you will report). 
• Evaluate all recipes during development and team tastings, grounding decisions in recipe data and customer insights. 
• Contribute innovative, trend-forward recipe concepts through ongoing research and culinary experimentation.
• Uphold a clean, organized, and safe test kitchen by following team protocols and industry best practices.
• Manage all aspects of food styling and photoshoot prep/execution in close partnership with the production team; food styling experience is required.

Main Ingredients for the Role

• 5+ years experience as a chef or recipe developer, with hands-on food styling experience for e-commerce or editorial use.
• Culinary degree and/or relevant professional cooking background.
• Test kitchen experience and recipe writing/editing proficiency.
• Proficiency in recipe software, Google Suite, and especially Google Sheets.
• Food Styling experience.
• Strong communication skills - clear, timely, and collaborative.
• Physically able to stand for long periods and lift up to 35 lbs as needed.
• Exceptional time management, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.
• Adaptable, self-motivated, and solutions-focused in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Deep passion for plant-based food, ingredients, and culinary storytelling.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively toward shared goals.

Extra Special Sauce

• Comfortable being on camera for social and marketing content, with a natural, engaging presence that reflects the fun and vibrant tone of our brand.
• Brings creativity and positivity to ambiguity, comfortable brainstorming and iterating with Culinary and Marketing on brand initiatives.
• Passionate about elevating the plant-based experience through delicious, well-executed food.
  

Compensation: The anticipated salary range for this role is $60,000- 75,000. Compensation is based on experience and qualifications, and the posted range is not a guarantee of any specific offer.

About Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot started with just a seed of an idea in 2014. Our vision is a world where plant-based eating is at the core of living well. Every day, on this mission, we’re breaking boundaries with plant-based eating. We value learning from customers, an ownership mindset, integrity, winning together, and being bold. We need your expertise on our team to make things happen!

Purple Carrot’s irresistible, globally-inspired meal-kit recipes and prepared meals using fresh ingredients. We are a team of collaborative individuals who drive for results, strive for doing better, make good choices quickly, and embrace a growth mindset to win or learn. Here’s what you’re up for!

Garnish

We love our staff, and show it with benefits (including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, FSA, and life insurance), matching retirement plan, unlimited paid time off, Purple Carrot box allowance, professional development, and the opportunity to work in collaboration with teammates who are passionate about food!

Final Touches

We are committed to a safe and inclusive work environment, free of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetics, national origin, ancestry, age, medical condition, mental or physical disability, handicap, veteran status, or marital status.