Principal Chef: Innovation & Product Strategy Leader

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

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.