Talent.com
Senior Director, Culinary & Product Innovation

Senior Director, Culinary & Product Innovation

Captain D'sNASHVILLE, TN, US
job_description.job_card.variable_days_ago
serp_jobs.job_preview.job_type
  • serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
job_description.job_card.job_description

As a Senior Director, Culinary & Product Innovation , you will lead the development of craveable, scalable menu items that define Captain D’s culinary identity.

This individual will play a critical role in shaping the brand’s future by transforming guest insights into bold, operationally simple products. You’ll oversee the full innovation lifecycle—from concept to commercialization—while collaborating cross-functionally to ensure every launch aligns with Captain D’s strategic goals, cost targets, and quality standards.

Relocation available to Nashville area.

What's in it for you?

  • Competitive salary
  • Sales bonus
  • Vacation and sick pay
  • Hybrid work schedule / location
  • Yearly bonus potential
  • Meal benefits
  • Medical, dental, vision, FSA, and 401K plans
  • Paid Time off and Holidays (varies)
  • Low-cost prescription medications
  • PerkSpot savings and local deals
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • Free legal assistance (Rocket Lawyer)
  • Professional development and growth opportunities

Responsibilities :

  • Define culinary vision and 24-month roadmap across core, LTO, regional, and value platforms
  • Lead stage-gate process : concept → benchtop → sensory → pilot → trials → test → launch
  • Balance fish / chicken portfolios; elevate sides, sauces, and bundled occasions
  • Develop offerings across dayparts and price tiers to drive check growth
  • Lead innovation team and supplier partners
  • Identify gaps and opportunities using trend and category analysis
  • Partner with Marketing on qualitative and quantitative research
  • Use taste tests and guest data to refine concepts quickly
  • Establish decision criteria (purchase intent, uniqueness, repeat intent)
  • Translate kitchen wins into scalable plant processes
  • Ensure products meet culinary standards, cost goals, and operational feasibility
  • Lead cross-functional teams through testing, validation, and launch
  • Collaborate with Operations to ensure speed, simplicity, and consistency
  • Deliver launch playbooks with builds, photos, training content, and videos
  • Partner with QA / Regulatory on food safety, nutrition, allergen, and labeling compliance
  • Establish kitchen best practices for oil, fryer, and holding standards
  • Align calendars with Marketing and Supply Chain
  • Present innovations to executives and franchisees using data and tastings
  • Manage supplier and co-manufacturer relationships
  • Monitor competitive moves, trends, and technology for smart adoption
  • Required Experience :

  • 7–10+ years leading Culinary / R&D in QSR or high-volume multi-unit environments
  • BS / MS in Culinary Science, Food Science, or related field; formal culinary credentials a plus
  • Expertise in sensory testing, menu engineering, and value optimization
  • Strong plant-trial leadership and spec discipline
  • Skilled in analytics and guest data interpretation
  • Executive presence and franchisee credibility
  • Willingness to travel 15–25%
  • Job Type : Full-time

    We are looking forward to adding you as the newest member of our family.

    Captain D's is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values a diverse workforce.

    serp_jobs.job_alerts.create_a_job

    Director Culinary • NASHVILLE, TN, US

    Job_description.internal_linking.related_jobs
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Restoration Production Manager

    Restoration Production Manager

    IICRCLebanon, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Restoration Production Manager.SERVPRO of Wilson County is hiring a Restoration Production Manager.Join the Restoration Revolution! Restoration Manager Opportunity at SERVPRO of Wilson County!.Mana...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Assistant Manager

    Assistant Manager

    ChipotleHendersonville, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    See what being an Assistant Manager is all about, from daily responsibilities to general requirements.Food served fast does not have to be a typical fast-food experience. Chipotle has always done th...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Senior Director Innovation and Product R&D

    Senior Director Innovation and Product R&D

    Cracker Barrel Old Country StoreLebanon, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Senior Director Of Innovation And Product R&D.What is it like to work at Cracker Barrel? It feels like.At Cracker Barrel, we are a team. From the moment you join Cracker Barrel, you should feel care...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Restaurant Director of Operations | Fine Dining & Multi-Unit

    Restaurant Director of Operations | Fine Dining & Multi-Unit

    Boka Restaurant Group - NashvilleNashville, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    James Beard Award–winning .Chicago’s most acclaimed restaurants — is expanding to Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood and is seeking an experienced.Health, Denta...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director Product Management - Sunrise / Remote U.S. NewNashville, Tennessee, United States

    Director Product Management - Sunrise / Remote U.S. NewNashville, Tennessee, United States

    Altera Digital HealthNashville, TN, US
    serp_jobs.filters.remote
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Director Product Management - Sunrise / Remote U.Harris Computer Corporation family, delivers health IT solutions that support caregivers around the world. These include the Sunrise, Paragon, Altera...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Department Manager (Paid Vacations & Daily Pay)

    Department Manager (Paid Vacations & Daily Pay)

    McDonald'sAshland City, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Benefits for qualified employees : .Free College (up to $3000 / yr for Tuition Reimbursement).I want a satisfying career with good benefits and great opportunities for advancement.I have a lot to offer...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Restoration Production Manager

    Restoration Production Manager

    ServproLebanon, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Restoration Production Manager.SERVPRO of Wilson County is hiring a Restoration Production Manager.Join the Restoration Revolution! Restoration Manager Opportunity at SERVPRO of Wilson County!.Prim...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director of Rehab

    Director of Rehab

    Powerback RehabilitationMount Juliet, TN, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time +1
    INCENTIVE BONUS $10,000 - NO PAYBACK.At Powerback, we're on a mission to improve lives.As the leader in physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies, we help older adults stay active a...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Product Manager Digital Innovation

    Product Manager Digital Innovation

    Calliere GroupNashville, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Our client is a creative collective of product strategists, designers, and engineers recognized for their award-winning work. They thrive on tackling uncertainty and turning bold ideas into successf...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Product Director

    Product Director

    BLR | Leadership Platforms | CCMIAntioch, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    At the heart of our company is our people.People from many different backgrounds with different vantage points, opinions, and experiences. We strive to continually lead with our .Our employees ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Senior IT Project Manager

    Senior IT Project Manager

    MCKESSONTN, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    It’s More Than a Career, It’s a Mission.Our people are the foundation of our success.By joining our growing team at Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a subsidiary of McKesson, you will have t...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Fixed Operations Director

    Fixed Operations Director

    Camping World HoldingsMurfreesboro, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time +1
    Camping World is seeking a Fixed Operations Director to join our growing team.As the Fixed Operations Director you will be responsible for delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction and ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Restaurant Assistant Manager

    Restaurant Assistant Manager

    Golden CorralHermitage, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Golden Corral Franchise Opportunity.Our franchise organization, GBU Corral, LLC dba Golden Corral, is currently seeking energetic, friendly individuals to join our team!. In this entry-level, hourly...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director, Application Engineering

    Director, Application Engineering

    MCKESSONTN, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    It’s More Than a Career, It’s a Mission.Our people are the foundation of our success.By joining our growing team at Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a subsidiary of McKesson, you will have t...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    District Manager (TN)

    District Manager (TN)

    Dunkin'Gallatin, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    We are seeking a positive, experienced individual to join our management team.District Managers are responsible for directing the operations of the restaurants in their district, in accordance with...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Hospitality Manager Restaurant

    Hospitality Manager Restaurant

    Golden CorralSpring Hill, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Golden Corral Hospitality Manager.Are you a high energy person looking for a career where you help people smile and have fun all day? Are you wanting to be developed further in your career through ...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_30
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Fixed Operations Director

    Fixed Operations Director

    Camping WorldMurfreesboro, TN, US
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    Support and Manage the Service Manager(s) as part of the Fixed Operations team in the location.Ensure a consistently high level of internal and external customer satisfaction throughout the service...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_1_day
    • serp_jobs.job_card.promoted
    Director of Site Services

    Director of Site Services

    MCKESSONTN, United States
    serp_jobs.job_card.full_time
    It’s More Than a Career, It’s a Mission.Our people are the foundation of our success.By joining our growing team at Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a subsidiary of McKesson, you will have t...serp_jobs.internal_linking.show_moreserp_jobs.last_updated.last_updated_variable_days