Univar USA Inc

Lead Culinary Food Development Specialist

Univar USA Inc • $121K — $151K *
Summit Argo, IL 60501In-Person
Food & Beverages
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, or a related scientific field
  • Culinary certification preferred
  • 5+ years in food product development or culinary innovation
  • Experience in leading projects and mentoring team members
  • Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality and commercialization processes
  • Experience with product scale-up and market launch readiness
  • Strong customer-facing presence with excellent presentation skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead and mentor culinary and technical teams to foster innovation
  • Serve as a key technical interface with customers and suppliers
  • Lead end-to-end product development from concept to prototype
  • Translate consumer trends into scalable product concepts
  • Deliver customer presentations and culinary trainings
  • Manage a pipeline of innovation projects to drive customer adoption
  • Maintain a compliant and safe culinary lab environment

Benefits

  • Health, vision, and dental insurance
  • 401k matching for retirement
  • Paid time off
  • Incentive pay eligibility
Full Job Description
Lead Culinary Food Development Specialist, you will drive innovation across Univar Solutions' food ingredient portfolio, leading both people and projects to translate emerging food trends into scalable, manufacturable solutions.

Blending culinary creativity with food science expertise, you will partner directly with customers, suppliers, and internal commercial teams to develop differentiated concepts, solve formulation challenges, and accelerate commercialization.

Based in our Innovation & Development Kitchen at The Hatchery in Downtown Chicago, this role serves as a visible technical leader, championing innovation, mentoring team members, and elevating Foodology by Univar Solutions as a strategic partner in the food industry.

What You'll Do

Leadership & Collaboration
  • Lead and mentor culinary and technical team members, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous development
  • Serve as a key technical interface with customers and supplier partners, building strong, trust-based relationships
  • Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and Product Management to align innovation efforts with business strategy

Innovation & Product Development
  • Lead end-to-end product development-from concept through prototype, validation, and customer presentation
  • Translate consumer trends and market insights into relevant, scalable product concepts
  • Solve complex formulation challenges using supplier ingredient portfolios
  • Develop prototypes that demonstrate ingredient functionality and support commercialization efforts

Customer & Market Engagement
  • Deliver compelling customer presentations, culinary trainings, and product demonstrations (in-person and virtual)
  • Represent Univar Solutions at industry trade shows and events, showcasing innovation and capabilities
  • Partner with marketing to create digital content, webinars, and promotional materials

Operational Excellence
  • Manage and prioritize a pipeline of innovation projects to accelerate customer adoption and revenue growth
  • Ensure accurate documentation, technical rigor, and timely, high-quality deliverables
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant culinary lab environment
  • Operate commercial kitchen equipment and support scale-up considerations


What you'll need:
  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Culinary Science, or a related scientific field
  • Culinary certification preferred
  • 5+ years of experience in food product development or culinary innovation
  • Demonstrated experience leading projects and/or mentoring team members
  • Strong knowledge of ingredient functionality, formulation, and commercialization processes
  • Experience with product scale-up, plant trials, and market launch readiness
  • Proven ability to translate trends into viable food products
  • Strong customer-facing presence with the ability to influence and inspire
  • Excellent presentation and storytelling skills
  • Business acumen across manufacturers, distributors, and end-use markets
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce)
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time (up to 6-8 hours) while working in a commercial kitchen or lab environment
  • Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment up to 50 lbs
  • Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, and manual dexterity required for food preparation and equipment operation
  • Ability to work safely with commercial kitchen equipment (e.g., ovens, mixers, slicers)
  • Tolerance for working in environments with varying temperatures (e.g., hot cooking areas, refrigerated storage)
  • Ability to travel (up to 25%) and transport materials or demo kits as needed for customer visits, trainings, and tradeshows


Where you'll work:
  • Downtown Chicago, IL. On-site.


Pay & Benefits:

The salary range for this role is USD 121,340 - 151,670. The specific salary offered to a candidate may be motivated by a variety of factors including the candidate's proven experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location. In addition, this position is eligible for incentive pay. Available employee benefits include health, vision, and dental. We also provide 401k matching for retirement and paid time off.

About Univar USA Inc

Univar Solutions sells acids, additives, modifiers, chelants, enzymes, essential chemicals, ingredients, oleochemicals, oxides, peroxides, polymers, resins, process aids, silicates, silicones, sodium, solvents, surfactants, and more.

Univar USA Inc Careers

Join the dynamic team at Univar USA Inc, a leading distributor of chemicals and ingredients, and be part of a company that thrives on innovation, leadership, and diversity. At Univar, we are committed to providing unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development in an environment that values each individual’s contribution.

Work You’ll Do

At Univar USA Inc, you will collaborate with some of the industry's most knowledgeable minds to help drive progress in various sectors through our expertise in chemical and ingredient distribution. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability makes us a unique leader in the marketplace, where technology and expertise create solutions that advance our customers' ambitions.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

Univar USA Inc is not just a company; it's a community where you can build a career. With a culture that fosters diversity and inclusion, we believe in empowering our employees to achieve their full potential. Whether you are looking for job opportunities, internships, or leadership roles, Univar offers a path to success.

Innovative Work

Engage in work that matters with a team that values bold ideas and proactive solutions. Our employees are encouraged to lead projects that redefine industry standards and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Career Development

Future-proof your career at Univar USA Inc with continuous learning and development opportunities. From diversity training to leadership workshops, we provide the tools and resources necessary for career advancement and personal growth. Our robust benefits package supports the well-being of our team members and their families, ensuring a rewarding work-life balance.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Univar offers a range of employment options to match your skills and interests. Explore positions in sales, logistics, research, and more. Our internships provide a fantastic opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and develop essential industry skills.

Be Part of a Great Team

Join a team where collaboration and networking are at the heart of our operations. At Univar, you are part of a global network of professionals dedicated to making a positive impact on the world around us.

Stay Connected

- **Search Univar Jobs**: Discover open positions that align with your career goals. We are always on the lookout for passionate, curious, and innovative team players. - **Keep Up to Date**: Stay informed with the latest company news, career tips, and industry insights—all from the people who work here. - **Job Alert Emails**: Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Univar USA Inc. Join Univar USA Inc and be part of a company where your career can thrive in an environment of respect, integrity, and endless possibilities.
Learn more about Univar USA Inc
Size
9,450 employees
Market Cap
$5.2 billion
Industry
Business Services
Net Income
$52.9 million
Founded
1924
5 Year Trend
+3.4%
Revenue
$8.2 billion
NASDAQ
UNVR
* Ladders Estimates

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