Principal Chef, Culinary

Chicago Corporate HQ (Bryn Mawr) • Chicago, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Chef is an innovation leader who combines culinary expertise, strategic thinking, and customer partnership to turn emerging 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 position is based on-site at the company’s Chicago campus.

Requirements

• Culinary degree or equivalent experience; advanced culinary credentials are 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 at events, in media, or through industry organizations.

Nice To Haves

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

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.
• 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
• 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