Corporate Chef Food Distribution

Position Overview:

We are seeking an innovative and detail-oriented Corporate Chef to lead and support operations in our test kitchen. The ideal candidate will develop, test, and refine recipes while collaborating with cross-functional teams to showcase our product offerings. This role is crucial in ensuring our food products meet quality standards, drive sales, and inspire customers with creative culinary solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Customer Consultation

• Direct customer consultation and relationship building
• Seeking new business with consistent and meaningful connection to the Restaurant Business Consultant, Sales and sales leadership functions

Recipe Development & Testing:

• Create and refine recipes using the company’s products, ensuring alignment with customer needs and market trends.
• Conduct product testing to assess performance, taste, and functionality.
• Document and maintain an organized library of recipes and preparation methods.

Product Application Support:

• Showcase the versatility of the company’s products by creating and demonstrating recipes for customers, sales teams, and stakeholders.
• Provide culinary expertise in the development of product cuttings, application guides, sales tools, and marketing materials.
• Support initiative and/or changes around the product mix
• Provide intel and support to the procurement team

Exclusive Brand Support

• Increase and maintain sales growth for our Restaurant Brand items through customer interaction

Customer Engagement:

• Host culinary demonstrations, tastings, and workshops for clients and internal teams.
• Collaborate with customers to develop tailored menu solutions using company products.

Innovation & Trend Analysis:

• Stay informed about culinary trends, techniques, and consumer preferences to bring fresh ideas to the table.
• Propose innovative uses for new and existing products to drive differentiation in the market.

Collaboration & Teamwork:

• Partner with sales, marketing, and product development teams to support product launches and promotional campaigns.
• Collaborate with procurement and R&D teams to provide feedback on product performance and improvement opportunities.

Kitchen Operations:

• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient test kitchen environment.
• Ensure all food preparation complies with food safety regulations and company standards.

Local Involvement

• Involvement in the local restaurant community through local and national organizations or groups

Sales Training

• Oversees the execution of all food components at the sales meeting and other sales trainings
• Creates complex and dynamic presentation

Qualifications:

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training; certification as an Executive Chef (CEC) or equivalent is a plus.
• High degree of written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of culinary, foodservice and hospitality fundamentals and will possess a marked passion for the culinary arts and foodservice industry.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of culinary, foodservice and hospitality fundamentals and will possess a marked passion for the culinary arts and foodservice industry.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a professional kitchen environment, with test kitchen or foodservice experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of foodservice operations, recipe development, and menu engineering.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word is required
• Creative mindset with the ability to translate customer needs into innovative culinary solutions.
• Prior sales or sales support experience a plus.
• Serve Safe Certification

Skills & Attributes:

• Passion for food and a keen eye for detail.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of current culinary trends and dietary preferences (e.g., plant-based, allergen-friendly).

Work Environment:

• Position requires standing for extended periods, working in a fast-paced kitchen setting, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Travel may be required for customer visits, trade shows, and industry events.

Why Join Us?

As a key member of our culinary team, you’ll have the unique opportunity to shape the future of food distribution through innovation and creativity. Your culinary expertise will help elevate our products and inspire our customers to achieve success.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus opportunities

Ability to Commute:

• Canton, OH 44718 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Canton, OH 44718: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $80,000