Product Development Associate – Cream Cheese

Location: Marietta, GA Reports to: Head of Culinary R&D Role type: Full-Time Schedule: Hybrid – 3 days per week in office  About PopUp Bagels PopUp Bagels is not just a bagel company—we’re a cultural movement. Our stores are small, our vibes are loud, and our energy is contagious. From signature neon and iconic bullhorns to our “Not Famous but Known” mirror, we’ve reimagined not just how a bagel is created, but how it’s enjoyed: Grip, Rip and Dip! With a cult-like following, massive social presence, and unparalleled collaborations with top companies, partners and Brand Ambassadors PopUp Bagels is defining a new food lifestyle brand. We keep things simple, but we do them really, really well. And our customers agree. The Role The Product Development Associate – Cream Cheese will support the Head of Culinary R&D in developing and testing new cream cheese products. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a culinary, baking, food science, or food manufacturing background who wants to build experience in commercial food product development. You'll spend time preparing ingredients and batches, conducting product tests, preparing samples, documenting results, supporting production trials, and working alongside our manufacturing partners. The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working with food, follows recipes and procedures carefully, is curious about how food is made at scale, and wants to learn about the product-development side of the business. This role is designed for an early career candidate. Culinary-school graduates, culinary trainees, and candidates with hands-on kitchen, bakery, commissary, or food production experience are encouraged to apply. Essential Responsibilities: Assist the Head of Culinary R&D with product development, formulation testing, and production trials. Prepare ingredients, batches, and samples according to formulas and specifications. Learn and assist with scaling recipes from small test batches to larger production trials. Accurately document formulas, batch records, test results, and production feedback. Monitor product consistency, appearance, texture, flavor, and overall quality during testing. Responsible for managing the shipping of cream cheese samples, following food safety standards and tight schedule deadlines Maintain cleanliness and organization of R&D workspaces, equipment, and storage areas. Assist with inventory management of R&D ingredients, packaging, and supplies. Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. Contribute observations and ideas that help improve product quality and the production process. Support sample preparation for internal reviews and self-life studies. Work with the Head of Culinary R&D and production teams to identify and resolve issues during test batches.  Required Education, Experience, and KSAs: High school diploma or GED required; culinary, food science, or manufacturing experience preferred. 1–2 years of experience preferred. Entry-level candidates with culinary, food science, baking, or food manufacturing education/training are encouraged to apply. Relevant experience may include culinary school, food-service training, bakery/kitchen work, commissary work, or other hands-on food production environments Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to follow formulas, procedures, and production instructions accurately. Comfortable working in both kitchen-style and industrial manufacturing environments. Basic computer skills, including Excel and production documentation systems. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods. Flexible schedule, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, or extended production trial hours as needed.  Preferred Skills: Experience with food manufacturing or commercial bakery operations. Knowledge of food safety standards and practices. Passion for food innovation and product development. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment.  Work Environment Combination of kitchen, and manufacturing floor environments. Exposure to varying temperatures, production equipment, and food allergens. Fast-paced setting with frequent collaboration across departments.  Pay Rate: $25-$30 per hour  Additional Role Note: The duties of this position may change from time to time. PopUp Bagels reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of PopUp Bagels or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general work level. It is not intended to be all-inclusive. PopUp Bagels is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under other protected statuses or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law. PopUp Bagels conducts pre-employment screenings in compliance with local, state, and Federal laws, and utilizes eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility.