North America Culinary Innovation Leader

Ohly; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ohly, a leading yeast extract producer, is seeking a Culinary Innovation Manager to head the North America Customer Innovation Center (CIC). You will transform customer needs and market insights into actionable food concepts, driving commercial growth and strengthening Ohly’s role as an innovation partner in the food industry.

You will lead a high‑performing team, oversee co‑creation workshops, and collaborate with global application teams to deliver culinary concepts and application solutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Food Technology, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in food applications, culinary innovation, product development, or technical sales within the food ingredients industry.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams, projects, and customer‑facing innovation programs.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing processes, ingredient functionality, and commercial product development.
• Experience leading customer workshops, demonstrations, and co‑creation activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead customer engagement activities at the CIC, including workshops, innovation sessions, tastings, demonstrations, and technical consultations.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, Innovation, and Technical Services teams to identify opportunities and accelerate commercial growth.
• Develop customer‑centric food concepts and application solutions that showcase Ohly’s capabilities and create differentiated value.
• Translate market and consumer trends into commercially relevant products, concepts, and technical solutions.
• Support pipeline development and opportunity advancement through customer‑focused innovation initiatives.

Skills

Leadership experience

Customer engagement

Project management

Communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Food Technology, or related field

Job description

Ohly, a leading yeast extract producer, is seeking a Culinary Innovation Manager to head the North America Customer Innovation Center (CIC). You will transform customer needs and market insights into actionable food concepts, driving commercial growth and strengthening Ohly’s role as an innovation partner in the food industry.

You will lead a high‑performing team, oversee co‑creation workshops, and collaborate with global application teams to deliver culinary concepts and application solutions