Principal Chef, Culinary

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

You've mastered the kitchen. Now help shape what's next in food.

As the Principal Chef, you will bring more than culinary expertise. We're looking for an innovator, strategic thinker, and customer partner who can transform emerging trends and creative ideas into products that can succeed at scale.

As an innovation leader, you will be responsible for driving high-impact culinary strategies, breakthrough product development, and strategic customer partnerships. This role serves as a subject matter expert across culinary and food manufacturing systems.

This role is on-site based out of ourChicago campus location.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Innovation Leadership

• Lead development of new product platforms and concepts


• Drive differentiated innovation aligned with market trends

2. Strategic Customer Engagement

• Partner with key accounts to influence product direction


• Lead high-level presentations and innovation sessions

3. Commercialization Expertise

• Ensure successful translation of concepts into scalable solutions


• Guide teams through complex development challenges

4. Organizational Influence

• Mentor chefs across all levels


• Contribute to innovation strategy and best practices

5. Thought Leadership

• Represent the company at industry events


• Share insights on trends and innovation

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)

Preferred:

• Experience with global food systems or international product development


• Published work, speaking credits, or recognized industry standing

BENEFITS

AtNWF, we prioritize the well-being of our employees. We understand and appreciate that each person's needs are unique and ensure our benefits & well-being programs reflect that. Employees are eligible for the following benefits:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision


• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training, Events


• Emotional - Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs


• Financial - 401k, Employee Incentive Plan, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability