Innovation Chef & Product Strategy Lead

Newly Weds Foods; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, &/

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Newly Weds Foods in Chicago is seeking a Principal Chef to drive innovation strategy and lead product development for scale. You will partner with key accounts, shape trends, and translate concepts into commercial solutions within a food manufacturing context.

The role demands a track record of executive-level client engagement, strong knowledge of food systems, and the ability to mentor chefs while representing the company at industry events.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent experience; advanced culinary credentials a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive culinary and product development experience in a food manufacturing or B2B foodservice environment.
• Demonstrated track record of taking innovation platforms from concept to commercial pipeline.
• Proven executive-level customer engagement and presentation experience.
• Strong knowledge of food systems, commercialization, and manufacturing constraints.
• Experience representing a company externally (events, media, industry organizations).

Responsibilities

• Innovation Leadership: Lead development of new product platforms and concepts.
• Strategic Customer Engagement: Partner with key accounts to influence product direction.
• Commercialization Expertise: Ensure successful translation of concepts into scalable solutions.
• Organizational Influence: Mentor chefs across all levels and contribute to innovation strategy.
• Thought Leadership: Represent the company at industry events and share insights on trends.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Product development

Executive customer engagement

Strategic thinking

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Advanced culinary credentials a plus

Job description

Newly Weds Foods in Chicago is seeking a Principal Chef to drive innovation strategy and lead product development for scale. You will partner with key accounts, shape trends, and translate concepts into commercial solutions within a food manufacturing context.

The role demands a track record of executive-level client engagement, strong knowledge of food systems, and the ability to mentor chefs while representing the company at industry events.