Head Chef, Chicago Academy

Barry Callebaut Manufacturing Iberica SA.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited PTO and Paid Holidays

Diversity and inclusivity initiatives

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Barry Callebaut Manufacturing Iberica SA. is looking for a Head Chef to lead the Chocolate Academy in Chicago. The role entails managing operations, crafting engaging curriculum, and driving brand awareness through strategic campaigns.

The ideal candidate should have over 10 years of experience in pastry, a relevant degree, and strong communication skills. We offer a competitive salary range of $110,000 - $125,000, plus a flexible work environment and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of international and/or domestic experience as a chef working in pastry.
• Understanding the commercial and training objectives for all specific activities.
• Experience working with large end-users and manufacturing companies.

Responsibilities

• Directs operations of the Chocolate Academy and manages staff.
• Crafts curriculum covering trends in pastry and chocolate.
• Drives Academy improvement and manages relevant budgets.

Skills

Outstanding pastry and chocolate skills

Strong communicator with teaching skills

Digital savvy

Team player

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or related field

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

At Barry Callebaut, we are on a journey to transform the cocoa and chocolate industry. As the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, our actions truly shape the future of our industry. We are a business‑to‑business company, serving the entire food sector, from the cocoa bean to the finest chocolate product. We are a company with a purpose, we believe in doing well by doing good and reinvesting in the communities we operate. We have a long‑standing commitment to sustainability and our goal is to shape a sustainable cocoa and chocolate future. We are headquartered in Zurich, and have more than 12,000 passionate Employees working in more than 40 countries worldwide. We are very proud of who we are and what we do. And of course, we are always looking for talented people to help us have a positive impact on our industry and beyond!

About the Role

The Head Chef directs and drives the successful operations of the Chocolate Academy in Chicago. They support Sales and Marketing through strategic campaigns and manage the Academy staff. In addition, they are a contributor in growing the business and promoting brand awareness.

Job Responsibilities Include

• Represents the Academy and its brands through demonstrations, courses and customer sessions.
• Crafts the most attractive curriculum, covering newest trends in the pastry arts, as well as traditional chocolate theory and methodology and instructs Academy courses
• Ensure that the Academy and its tools are maintained to the best possible level during activity
• Drives the Academy improvement: Monitoring and controlling relevant budgets, finding innovative equipment and negotiate sponsorships/partnerships
• Takes the ownership in creating, innovating, implementing and communicating specific customer segment product development applications
• Supports Sales and Marketing through strategic campaigns and projects to aid in increasing sales volumes, profitability and brand awareness.
• Support customer questions and host sessions to promote implementation of product usage.
• Help Global Marketing on recommendations on new products, tasting workability and taste.
• Be able to work and behave professionally with Guest Chefs / Academy customers and speak intelligently about Chocolate, Pastry and Barry Callebaut.
• Effectively manage and lead the Chocolate Academy team. Improve their abilities and know‑how with trainings and seminars.
• Using Salesforce, manage the academy team's CMRs in coordination with the Sales and Marketing team.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or related field is preferred and/or equivalent experience in culinary operations
• At least 10 years of international and/or domestic experience as a chef working in pastry
• Digital savvy
• Understanding the commercial and training objectives for all specific activities
• Outstanding pastry and chocolate skills
• Strong communicator with teaching skills
• Experience working with large end‑users and manufacturing companies
• Professional Working Proficiency in English
• Team player with the ability to lead other towards a common goal

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut

• Salary Range of $110,000 - $125,000, depending on factors such as experience and location, plus annual bonus and our comprehensive benefits package
• MyFlex PTO (unlimited!) and Paid Holidays
• Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility and hybrid environment
• An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
• Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all our products.

At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.