Field Culinary Strategy Leader

Nestle; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentives

401k with company match

Healthcare coverage

Job summary

Nestlé USA is seeking a Manager, Culinary Strategy – Field Sales to lead a team of field-based Corporate Chefs and drive customer engagement across the United States. You will partner with Sales, Marketing, and Commercial Leadership to deliver scalable culinary solutions that align with portfolio strategy.

You will balance strategic leadership with active field participation, shaping activation programs and customer experiences while traveling up to 60%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field and relevant industry experience.
• Minimum 6 years in restaurant, foodservice, or culinary sales.
• Minimum 4 years in a culinary selling role with a manufacturer, distributor, or broker.
• 4+ years of people leadership experience in a corporate setting.
• Knowledge of foodservice channel, trends, and broker networks.

Responsibilities

• Lead a field-based Corporate Chefs team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Oversee training, onboarding, and enablement to strengthen product expertise and customer engagement.
• Establish performance metrics, quality standards, and team goals aligned to KPIs.
• Coach, mentor, and develop talent with succession planning.
• Collaborate with Culinary Strategy Leadership, Regional Field Sales, and Brokers to guide the Culinary Field Sales team.
• Drive field culinary strategies to support growth and customer priorities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Change management

Coaching & development

Executive presence

Cross-functional collaboration

Business acumen

Consultative selling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Hospitality Management, Business, or related field

Job description

Nestlé USA is seeking a Manager, Culinary Strategy – Field Sales to lead a team of field-based Corporate Chefs and drive customer engagement across the United States. You will partner with Sales, Marketing, and Commercial Leadership to deliver scalable culinary solutions that align with portfolio strategy.

You will balance strategic leadership with active field participation, shaping activation programs and customer experiences while traveling up to 60%.