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 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 Innovation LeadershipLead development of new product platforms and conceptsDrive differentiated innovation aligned with market trends Strategic Customer EngagementPartner with key accounts to influence product directionLead high-level presentations and innovation sessions Commercialization ExpertiseEnsure successful translation of concepts into scalable solutionsGuide teams through complex development challenges Organizational InfluenceMentor chefs across all levelsContribute to innovation strategy and best practices Thought LeadershipRepresent the company at industry eventsShare insights on trends and innovation Qualifications Culinary degree or equivalent experience; advanced culinary credentials a plus10+ years of progressive culinary and product development experience in a food manufacturing or B2B foodservice environmentDemonstrated track record of taking innovation platforms from concept to commercial pipelineProven executive-level customer engagement and presentation experienceStrong knowledge of food systems, commercialization, and manufacturing constraintsExperience representing a company externally (events, media, industry organizations) Preferred Experience with global food systems or international product developmentPublished 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: Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, VisionSocial - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training, EventsEmotional – Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support ProgramsFinancial – 401k, Employee Incentive Plan, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability