Principal Chef, Culinary

Chicago Corporate HQ (Bryn Mawr); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Flexible work arrangements

Wellbeing programs

401k

Job summary

AtNWF is seeking a Principal Chef to shape future food products from trend to scale. Based onsite at our Chicago campus, you will drive culinary strategy, lead breakthrough product development, and partner with major customers to align on direction.

You will translate concepts into scalable solutions, mentor culinary teams, and represent the company at industry events, sharing trends and innovations with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent experience; advanced credentials a plus.
• 10+ years in culinary and product development in a food manufacturing or B2B foodservice environment.
• Proven track record taking innovation platforms from concept to commercial pipeline.
• 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

• Lead development of new product platforms and concepts.
• Drive differentiated innovation aligned with market trends.
• Partner with key accounts to influence product direction.
• Lead high-level presentations and innovation sessions.
• Ensure successful translation of concepts into scalable solutions.
• Mentor chefs across all levels and contribute to innovation strategy.
• Represent the company at industry events and share insights on trends and innovation.

Skills

Product development

Executive engagement

Strategic leadership

Food systems knowledge

Industry representation

B2B foodservice

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent experience

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