Corporate Chef

All Posting Locations: Glenview, IL, US

Job Functions: Marketing

Date Published: January 5, 2026

Ref#: R-98563

ABOUT THE ROLE

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 and Marketing 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 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.

• Utilize standardized customer facing templates and other corporate resources

• Lead industry trade shows and activations

• Works on a variety of projects, including menu concept development, product development, customer work sessions, tasting, product cuttings & testing, culinary product training and other company and customer related projects as needed.

• Support the elevation of Kraft Heinz brands through engaging culinary experiences and storytelling.

• Conduct professional and engaging presentations with confidence, ensuring seamless execution though advance planning, organization, detailed communications, and appropriate time management.

• 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 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.

• 2-3 years corporate culinary experience supporting or leading engagement with customers

• 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), with the ability to create clear reports and presentations.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position operates primarily in an office environment with some travel to customer locations, stores, and manufacturing facilities as needed. We offer a hybrid work model that provides flexibility based on business needs, allowing employees to work virtually up to two days per week. Employees are expected to work in person at least three days per week, with primary offices in Chicago and a secondary location in Glenview, IL. Project demands and customer engagements will determine travel and on-site visits.

Physical Requirements

Physical demands include but are not limited to:

• Ability to stand for extended periods during food demonstrations, product testing, or culinary presentations.

• Frequent walking, bending, and reaching required during food preparation and kitchen activities.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, including food supplies, equipment, and ingredients.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer for tasks such as creating reports, marketing materials, and product testing documentation.

• Travel to customer locations, stores, or manufacturing facilities, which may involve extended periods of sitting or standing.

• Ability to handle commercial kitchen equipment safely and efficiently, including cutting, chopping, and other repetitive motions during food preparation tasks.

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 [email protected] for assistance.

MARKETING AT KRAFT HEINZ

THE
STRATEGIZERS

Our Marketing team are the voice of our consumers. Connecting the right people, to the right products, with the right messages and campaigns.

We’re the architects of category growth, making sure our brands are front and center — winning the battle for attention in the minds of people everywhere.