Corporate Chef

Kraft Heinz; Glenview (IL); On-site; USD 104,200 - 130,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k

Job summary

Kraft Heinz is seeking a Corporate Chef for Non-Commercial Accounts to shape culinary strategy for AFH segments. You will collaborate with Sales and Marketing to develop key accounts, lead culinary sessions, and drive growth with innovative concepts and USPs.

This role requires executive-level cooking skills and strong account management. Based at the Glenview R&D Center, you will mentor chefs, deliver trainings, and contribute to NPD initiatives, leveraging market data and culinary insights for

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or related high-level experience preferred.
• 5–7 years in varied food service channels including sports, healthcare, and C/U.
• 4–5+ years as Corporate Chef or equivalent in a manufacturer or distributor.
• 2–3 years in corporate culinary engagement with customers.

Responsibilities

• Translate global and local food trends into concepts and recipes for the Kraft Heinz portfolio.
• Lead culinary sessions with customers to showcase products and capabilities.
• Manage relationships with key accounts and provide on-site consultations.
• Develop and deliver culinary training focused on USPs for sales and marketing teams.
• Mentor junior chefs and contribute to corporate culinary networks.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food trends

Customer engagement

Presentation skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job DescriptionAs the Corporate Chef- Non-Commercial Accounts, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the culinary strategy for both the market and key customers for Kraft Heinz’s Away From Home (AFH) Non-Commercial business (Sports & Entertainment (S&EI), Business & Industry (B&I), Healthcare, Distributors, and College & University (C&U) . Your contributions will directly support the annual operating plan by collaborating with the Sales and Marketing team to develop key accounts and channels through innovative culinary solutions. Through strategic engagement with food professionals, category managers, and culinary leaders at key accounts, you will create initiatives that drive business growth for Kraft Heinz.

Job DescriptionAs the Corporate Chef- Non-Commercial Accounts, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the culinary strategy for both the market and key customers for Kraft Heinz’s Away From Home (AFH) Non-Commercial business (Sports & Entertainment (S&EI), Business & Industry (B&I), Healthcare, Distributors, and College & University (C&U) . Your contributions will directly support the annual operating plan by collaborating with the Sales and Marketing team to develop key accounts and channels through innovative culinary solutions. Through strategic engagement with food professionals, category managers, and culinary leaders at key accounts, you will create initiatives that drive business growth for Kraft Heinz.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Translate global and local market food trends into relevant food concepts and recipes to optimize the Kraft Heinz product portfolio.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, and Innovation, to prioritize new product offerings and improvements aligned with business objectives.
• Lead professional culinary sessions with customers including sports & entertainment, B&I, C&U, healthcare and distributor customers to showcase new products, demonstrate product versatility, and address customer needs.
• Manage and grow culinary business relationships with key accounts.
• Provide on-site consultations, engaging in menu concept development, tastings, and culinary training to meet customer objectives.
• Contribute innovative concepts supported by market data and insights to customers to align with the company’s NPD & Innovation strategy.
• Collaborate on developing unique selling propositions (USPs) for new product development (NPD) launches.
• Develop and deliver culinary training programs focused on product USPs for local sales, marketing teams, and customers.
• Act as a culinary mentor to junior chefs, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
• Utilize standardized customer facing templates and other corporate resources
• Lead industry trade shows and activations
• Works on a variety of projects, including menu concept development, product development, customer work sessions, tasting, product cuttings & testing, culinary product training and other company and customer related projects as needed.
• Support the elevation of Kraft Heinz brands through engaging culinary experiences and storytelling.
• Conduct professional and engaging presentations with confidence, ensuring seamless execution through advance planning, organization, detailed communications, and appropriate time management.
• Manage internal or external kitchens with professionalism and efficiency.
• Experience using Microsoft Office including PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams and Word.
• Actively participate in the KHC Chefs Network, sharing insights, recipes, growth opportunities, and market trends.

Expected Experience & Required Skills

• Culinary degree preferred (i.e., a culinary or hospitality school certificate or bachelor’s degree in a related field) or equivalent corporate chef, sous chef or higher experience.
• 5 to 7 years of extensive food service experience with a proven background in various food service channels such as sports & entertainment, B&I, C&U, healthcare, FSR, fine dining, etc
• 4-5+ years of experience as a Corporate Chef for a food manufacturer, CPG company, distributor, national restaurant chain, agency or non-commercial company preferred.
• 2-3 years corporate culinary experience supporting or leading engagement with customers
• A continuous learner passionate about tackling challenges, anticipating consumer needs, and leveraging insights to drive product development.
• A strong interest in food trends, flavor profiles, and culinary innovation to inspire new product development and stay ahead of market demands.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a proven ability to build and maintain effective business relationships. Capable of influencing and coaching cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Adept at working with live customer interactions, providing culinary demonstrations, and engaging in presentations with confidence and professionalism.
• Possess a deep understanding of commercial restaurant cooking equipment, cooking techniques, and principles.
• Extensive familiarity with food ingredients, including their origin, handling, cooking applications, flavor pairings, and sensory attributes.
• Basic knowledge of food manufacturing processes and how they impact product development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), with the ability to create clear reports and presentations.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range

$104,200.00 - $130,200.00

Bonus:

This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits:

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Glenview R&D Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [e-mail] for assistance.