Meredith Butcher
Birmingham,AL
Summary
Operations and research leader with 10+ years of experience overseeing product testing, editorial alignment, and production workflows in the food and publishing industry. Skilled in building and leading teams, optimizing operations, and implementing data-driven strategies that scale testing insights across verticals. Adept at partnering with editorial, culinary, photo, video, and lab teams to deliver unbiased, high-quality content. Experienced in recipe development, testing, and editing, with deep knowledge of food science and consumer trends.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director, Commerce Research & Testing – Food
People, Inc.
01.2022 - Current
- Lead cross-functional operations for a food-focused commerce testing lab and test kitchen serving brands including Food & Wine, Serious Eats, EatingWell, and Allrecipes.
- Defined and launched new culinary research roles; mentored and developed first-time managers.
- Oversaw daily operations of the testing lab and photo studio, including staffing, scheduling, and resource planning.
- Partnered with editorial, photo, and video teams to ensure seamless execution of unbiased product and recipe testing.
- Implemented workflow efficiencies using AirTable and AI tools to transform raw testing data into actionable consumer recommendations.
- Developed and enforced best practices for testing methodologies, blending scientific rigor with editorial judgment.
- Completed the Ascend Leadership Program; recognized for strategic foresight, innovation, and team-building.
Portfolio Manager, Food Studios
People, Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Directed editorial and culinary operations for Food & Wine, Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Allrecipes, and Oxmoor House.
- Managed daily operations in a facility with 28 test kitchens, 13 studios, and a showcase kitchen/tasting room.
- Directed recipe writing, editing, and development to ensure accuracy and engagement.
- Implemented workflow improvements that increased efficiency across multi-brand testing and publishing pipelines.
- Oversaw large-scale culinary and media production for events, video, and cross-platform initiatives.
Editor, Oxmoor House Books
People, Inc.
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Led conceptualization, production, and coordination of branded projects and cookbooks.
- Directed recipe development and testing for Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast, Southern Living Sunday Suppers, The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving, and others.
- Oversaw creative direction for photography, covers, and interiors to maximize market impact.
- Built strong relationships with designers, freelancers, and photo teams to streamline production.
- Developed recipe-tracking systems to improve editorial efficiency.
Assistant Editor / Test Cook
America’s Test Kitchen
01.2004 - 01.2010
- Advanced from Test Cook to Assistant Editor, contributing to editorial development, product testing, and recipe innovation.
- Developed and edited recipes for Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country magazines.
- Played a key role in launching new equipment and product testing initiatives.
- Authored feature stories and sidebars, combining culinary rigor with editorial voice.
- Coordinated photo shoots (30–40 shots/day), collaborating with stylists and editors for high-impact visuals.
- Contributed to Cook’s Country TV pilot; organized show segments and supported tasting/testing talent.
Education
M.A. - Sociology
Boston University
01.2006
Culinary Arts Diploma - Honors
Cambridge School of Culinary Arts
01.2004
B.A. - Sociology (Honors)
Vanderbilt University
01.2000
Skills
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- CREATIVE DIRECTION & PRODUCTION
- RESEARCH & TESTING OPERATIONS
- CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION
- MAGAZINE EDITING
- RECIPE CREATION
- STRATEGIC PLANNING & CHANGE MANAGEMENT
- EDITORIAL & CULINARY EXPERTISE
Timeline
Associate Director, Commerce Research & Testing – Food
People, Inc.
01.2022 - Current
Portfolio Manager, Food Studios
People, Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2022
Editor, Oxmoor House Books
People, Inc.
01.2011 - 01.2015
Assistant Editor / Test Cook
America’s Test Kitchen
01.2004 - 01.2010
Culinary Arts Diploma - Honors
Cambridge School of Culinary Arts
B.A. - Sociology (Honors)
Vanderbilt University
M.A. - Sociology
Boston University
Core Competencies
- Workflow & Project Tools: AirTable, Asana
- Publishing & Creative Tools: Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, CMS platforms
- Productivity: Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce
- Emerging Tech: AI Tools (ChatGPT, Generative AI)