Principal Chef, Culinary

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  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 our Chicago 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 QUALIFICATIONSCulinary degree or equivalent experience; advanced culinary credentials a plus
10+ years of progressive culinary and product development experience in a food manufacturing or B2B food service 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 standingBENEFITSAt NWF, 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