Job Description
Job Description As a
Corporate Chef , you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the culinary strategy for both the market and key customers for Kraft Heinz’s Away From Home (AFH) business. Your contributions will directly support the annual operating plan by collaborating with the Sales team to develop key accounts and channels through innovative culinary solutions. Through strategic engagement with food professionals, category managers, and head chefs at key accounts, you will create initiatives that drive business growth for Kraft Heinz. This role also includes leading culinary customer engagement and product testing specifically for Kraft Heinz Ingredients (KHI).
Essential Functions & Responsibilities - Create product formulas leveraging Kraft Heinz Away From Home and Kraft Heinz Ingredients (KHI) products, aligning with customer manufacturing and back-of-house capabilities.
- Translate and present global and local market food trends into relevant food concepts and recipes to optimize the Kraft Heinz product portfolio.
- Partner with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Marketing, and R&D, to prioritize new product offerings and improvements aligned with business objectives.
- Lead professional culinary sessions with regional and global customers to showcase new products, demonstrate product versatility, and address customer needs.
- Manage and grow culinary business relationships with key accounts in specific channels.
- Provide on-site consultations, engaging in menu concept development, tastings, and culinary training to meet customer objectives.
- Contribute innovative concepts supported by market data to R&D and Innovation chefs to align with the company’s NPD/Innovation strategy.
- Collaborate on developing unique selling propositions (USPs) for new product development (NPD) launches.
- Develop and deliver culinary training programs focused on product USPs for local sales, marketing teams, and customers.
- Act as a culinary mentor to junior chefs, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.
- Support the elevation of Kraft Heinz brands through engaging culinary experiences and storytelling.
- Drive culinary activation materials for local portfolios through PR events, trade shows, demos, and recipe development.
- Manage internal or external kitchens with professionalism and efficiency.
- Actively participate in the KHC Chefs Network, sharing insights, recipes, growth opportunities, and market trends.
Expected Experience & Required Skills - Culinary or Culinary Food Science degree preferred (i.e., a culinary or hospitality school certificate, apprenticeship, or bachelor’s degree in a related field) or equivalent corporate chef, Culinologist, sous chef, or higher experience.
- 5 to 7 years of commercial or corporate culinary experience or extensive food service experience with a proven background in various food service channels such as hotels, FSR, QSR management, bar and grills, catering, B&I, or institutional dining.
- Experience with product development, including sauces, dips, dressing, baked goods, and soups.
- A continuous learner passionate about tackling challenges, anticipating consumer needs, and leveraging insights to drive product development.
- A strong interest in food trends, flavor profiles, and culinary innovation to inspire new product development and stay ahead of market demands.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with a proven ability to build and maintain effective business relationships. Capable of influencing and coaching cross-functional teams without direct authority.
- Adept at working with live customer interactions, providing culinary demonstrations, and engaging in presentations with confidence and professionalism.
- Possess a deep understanding of commercial restaurant cooking equipment, cooking techniques, and principles.
- Extensive familiarity with food ingredients, including their origin, handling, cooking applications, flavor pairings, and sensory attributes.
- Basic knowledge of food manufacturing processes and how they impact product development.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), able to create clear reports and presentations.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and meet MVR requirements.
- Ability to travel up to 30% of the time.
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range $102,100.00 - $127,600.00
Bonus This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors Benefits Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example
- Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
- Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
- Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
- Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s) Glenview R&D Center
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com
for assistance.
Job Tags
Holiday work, Apprenticeship, Local area, Flexible hours,