Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements
Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
401k, Employee Incentive Plan, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Full Job Description
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 at scale.
As 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
QUALIFICATIONS
Culinary degree or equivalent experience; advanced culinary credentials 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 (events, media, industry organizations)
Preferred:
Experience with global food systems or international product development
Published work, speaking credits, or recognized industry standing
BENEFITS
At 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:
Newly Weds Foods is a global leader in food ingredient technology. The company creates and produces a wide range of innovative seasoning blends, spices, batters, breadings, and functional ingredients for the food processing, foodservice, and retail industries. Newly Weds Foods has a presence in over 70 countries and operates 25 manufacturing facilities worldwide. The company's products are used in a variety of food applications, including poultry, meat, seafood, bakery, snack, and prepared foods. Newly Weds Foods was founded in 1932 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
