CULINARY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
Sunberry Marketplace – Esparto, CA
Occasional work at our licensed commercial kitchen in Napa
ABOUT SUNBERRY
Sunberry Marketplace is a neighborhood market in Esparto focused on good food, seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully selected products worth discovering.
As we grow our prepared-food program, we're developing original Sunberry products inspired by seasonality, quality ingredients and our own take on familiar favorites and new discoveries. Product concepts are researched and developed at Sunberry Marketplace, then transitioned to our licensed commercial kitchen in Napa for production.
We're looking for someone with practical kitchen experience, curiosity about food and strong organizational skills to help us develop those ideas.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Recipe Research & Development
- Research recipes, ingredients and preparation techniques
- Prepare and compare test recipes and variations
- Refine flavor, texture, preparation methods and portions
- Adapt recipes to incorporate seasonal ingredients
- Evaluate and help select final recipes
Digital Documentation
- Maintain organized digital files throughout the development process
- Document ingredients, measurements, methods, yields, cooking times and temperatures
- Record recipe changes and test results
- Create a clear final recipe and preparation process
- Document final portioning, storage, packaging and labeling specifications
Packaging & Presentation
- Test packaging and portion options
- Evaluate functionality, storage and presentation
- Help determine final labeling and shelf presentation
Commercial Production Transition
- Help adapt finalized recipes for larger-batch production
- Occasionally work at our licensed commercial kitchen in Napa
- Demonstrate recipes and preparation methods to production staff
- Help troubleshoot scaling issues and update documentation when necessary
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
COMPUTER SKILLS
Digital documentation is an essential part of this position.
Applicants must have regular access to a computer and be comfortable using Microsoft Word, Apple Pages or similar software to create, edit and organize recipes, development notes and product specifications.
REQUIREMENTS
- California Food Handler Card, or ability to obtain one before starting
- Reliable transportation
- Ability to work primarily in Esparto and occasionally in Napa (mileage will be compensated)
- Regular access to a computer
- Ability to meet the physical requirements of kitchen work
- Previous hands-on food preparation experience in a restaurant, bakery, catering operation, commercial kitchen or similar environment
- Good knife and ingredient-preparation skills
- Familiarity with common kitchen and commercial kitchen equipment
- Ability to accurately weigh, measure and follow recipes
- Understanding of food safety, sanitation and proper storage
- Attention to detail and ability to work independently
- Curiosity about food and willingness to research, experiment and problem-solve
- Ability to communicate and demonstrate preparation methods to others
SCHEDULE
Approximately 10 hours per week, with work generally scheduled Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Applicants should be available during these days and hours. The exact weekly schedule and number of hours worked each day will be determined based on product development needs and discussed with the selected candidate.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a current résumé and brief cover letter describing:
- Your relevant kitchen or food preparation experience
- Any experience with recipe development, testing or food production
- Why this opportunity interests you
- Your general availability on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays
Please email your résumé and cover letter to Support@sunberryco.com with “Culinary Product Development Assistant” in the subject line.
Selected candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. Please do not stop by the market regarding the position.
Please note: To avoid interrupting market operations, our team is not conducting walk-in interviews or discussing the position with applicants during store hours. Candidates selected for the next step will be contacted to schedule an interview.
