Principal Chef, Culinary

Bryn Mawr • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Chef is an innovation leader who transforms culinary trends and creative ideas into products that can succeed at scale. The role drives high-impact culinary strategies, breakthrough product development, and strategic customer partnerships, and serves as a subject matter expert across culinary and food manufacturing systems. This is an on-site position based at the company’s Chicago campus.

Requirements

• Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 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.
• Executive-level customer engagement and presentation experience.
• Strong knowledge of food systems, commercialization, and manufacturing constraints.
• Experience representing a company externally at events, in media, or through industry organizations.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced culinary credentials.
• Experience with global food systems or international product development.
• Published work, speaking credits, or recognized industry standing.

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 concepts are successfully translated into scalable solutions.
• Guide teams through complex development challenges.
• Mentor chefs across all levels.
• Contribute to innovation strategy and best practices.
• Represent the company at industry events.
• Share insights on trends and innovation.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Prescription drug coverage
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Company holidays
• Leave of absence
• Flexible work arrangements
• Recognition programs
• Training
• Events
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing programs
• Family support programs
• 401(k)
• Employee Incentive Plan
• Life insurance
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage
• Disability coverage

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: No Education Listed