Catering Assistant

Roles and responsibilities

Lead initiatives that give restaurateurs new and meaningful ways to interact with guests
Build tools to help our restaurant customers engage guests with tailored communications
Design product concepts that balance customer needs and business goals
Become an expert in restaurant operator workflows by facilitating research with restaurant owners and staff
Work closely with a thoughtful collaborative team of product designers, product managers, and engineers to deliver experiences that help restaurants provide incredible hospitality for their guests.
Handling the process from designing the item to the production of the physical item
Product Concept Development:

Work closely with clients, chefs, catering businesses, or food service companies to understand their needs and create innovative concepts for new catering products.
Develop ideas for catering-related products, such as new food items, tableware, serving equipment, or packaging solutions.
Conduct market research to identify current trends, gaps, and demands in the catering industry.
Propose new product lines, such as ready-to-serve meals, eco-friendly packaging, or unique food presentation items.
Product Design and Prototyping:

Use design tools (e.g., CAD software, 3D modeling) to create detailed specifications and prototypes for new products or systems.
Experiment with different materials, finishes, and structures to ensure the product meets both functional and aesthetic requirements.
For catering equipment, this could involve designing things like ergonomic kitchen tools, portable serving units, or specialized heating and cooling products to maintain food quality.
Develop prototypes and work with manufacturers or production teams to test and refine products before full-scale production.
Collaboration with Stakeholders:

Work closely with chefs, restaurant owners, caterers, and event planners to understand practical challenges and desires for new products.
Partner with marketing teams to ensure products are developed with a clear brand vision, aligning with the target market’s expectations.
Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure that the products can be produced cost-effectively while maintaining quality and innovation.
User Experience (UX) Design:

Focus on creating products that enhance the overall experience of caterers, their staff, and their customers.
Design catering tools, equipment, or serving options that are intuitive and efficient for food service professionals.
For food packaging, ensure the product is easy to handle, store, transport, and dispose of, with minimal environmental impact.
For food products, focus on portion sizes, packaging, shelf life, and presentation that appeals to both chefs and end customers.
Sustainability and Eco-friendly Design:

Incorporate sustainable and environmentally friendly materials and production methods into product design.
Design reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable catering products, especially in packaging and disposable items.
Stay informed about green innovations in food service and catering industries, advocating for sustainable solutions in product development.
Testing and Quality Assurance:

Conduct tests on prototypes and initial product batches to identify potential issues related to usability, durability, safety, and food quality.
Work with testing labs or in-field testers to assess the effectiveness and safety of catering products or systems.
Collect feedback from users (caterers, chefs, event planners) to improve the product before it reaches the market.

Desired candidate profile

Must have 02-03 years' strong experience in designing related items to the concept of the company (previous experience in home accessories and gift shops).
Creative Design:

Strong design skills, including proficiency with CAD software, 3D modeling, and graphic design tools for creating product concepts and prototypes.
The ability to balance creativity with functionality, ensuring the products are both innovative and practical for catering operations.
Food Science Knowledge:

Understanding of food safety standards, preservation techniques, and packaging to ensure products are designed in line with industry best practices.
Familiarity with food trends, dietary preferences (e.g., vegan, gluten-free), and nutritional requirements, especially when developing food-related products.
Market Research and Trend Analysis:

The ability to conduct thorough market research to understand emerging trends, consumer preferences, and gaps in the catering industry.
Awareness of consumer behavior in the catering space, such as demand for convenience, sustainability, or aesthetic appeal.
Project Management:

Strong organizational and project management skills to oversee the design and production process, working within deadlines and budgets.
The ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring each product meets design specifications and performance standards.
Technical and Engineering Skills:

Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and product testing to ensure the feasibility and functionality of designs.
Experience with product prototyping, testing, and refining designs for practicality and durability in catering operations.
Communication and Collaboration:

Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including chefs, manufacturers, marketers, and salespeople.
Ability to articulate design concepts and product features to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Sustainability Awareness:

Knowledge of eco-friendly materials and sustainable design practices.
Familiarity with environmental certifications, like ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems) or other relevant eco-labels, for developing sustainable catering products.