Research And Development Chef Jobs in Chicago, IL

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Corporate Chef, Chain Accounts serves as the culinary expert and strategic partner supporting regional and national restaurant chain business. This role bridges culinary innovation, operator engagement, sales strategy, and commercialization to drive growth for both clients and customers.

The position partners closely with sales, business development, category management, marketing, and operator teams to develop trend-forward, operationally executable food solutions that address operator challenges and accelerate business opportunities.

This individual must possess strong culinary credibility, chain restaurant operational knowledge, customer-facing presentation skills, and the ability to translate culinary insights into profitable business growth.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive sales growth within national and regional chain accounts by promoting and presenting manufacturer product lines to operators, distributors, and key decision makers.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with chain customers, distributor partners, manufacturers, and industry contacts to support long-term business growth and client retention.
• Serve as the lead culinary resource for chain accounts by providing consultative support, identifying opportunities, and delivering solutions aligned with customer business objectives.
• Develop innovative menu concepts, recipes, product applications, and on-trend culinary solutions tailored to chain operators and target consumer demographics.
• Create and test recipes with a focus on flavor, operational execution, consistency, profitability, nutrition, and cost efficiency.
• Research, track, and apply emerging culinary, consumer, flavor, and restaurant trends to support customer innovation and strategic growth initiatives.
• Lead and execute culinary presentations, food demonstrations, ideation sessions, food shows, and operator meetings to support manufacturer objectives and drive menu placement opportunities.
• Collaborate with distributor sales teams and internal account managers to increase sales penetration and maximize manufacturer product distribution.
• Contribute to all phases of culinary projects, including concept development, trend research, product testing, commercialization support, and final product specifications.
• Maintain ongoing communication and consultative services with customers to ensure high levels of satisfaction, responsiveness, and partnership engagement.
• Manage and mentor culinary team members as assigned, providing coaching, training, and professional development support.
• Prepare and maintain accurate reports, customer activity updates, forecasts, CRM documentation, and strategic plans for leadership review.
• Support culinary operations related to food shows, customer events, sample management, culinary centers, and special projects.
• Stay current on chain restaurant operations, food manufacturing, distribution, food safety, and industry best practices to strengthen customer relevance and credibility.
• Maintain active involvement with culinary schools, restaurants, industry associations, and professional organizations to strengthen industry knowledge and relationships.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety standards, company policies, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify new culinary, customer, and business development opportunities within the chain segment.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

SKILLLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree from a nationally recognized culinary school or equivalent culinary and foodservice operations experience preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in culinary, R&D, foodservice sales, corporate chef, or related food industry roles.
• Experience working with restaurant chains, food manufacturers, distributors, or foodservice brands preferred.
• Strong understanding of restaurant operations, food manufacturing, foodservice distribution, B2B sales, culinary trends, food safety, and nutrition.
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence decision makers, and work collaboratively with customers, distributors, and internal teams.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and communication skills, including recipe writing, client presentations, and professional correspondence.
• Strong organizational, project management, multitasking, and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and client-focused professional with a sales-driven mindset and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and strong conflict-resolution abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to perform physical job requirements, including moderate lifting, frequent standing and movement, visual acuity, and extended computer or kitchen-related tasks requiring manual dexterity and attention to detail.
• Ability to travel as required.

PLEASE NOTE: Acxion Foodservice Inc. reserves the right to change, modify or add to the duties and essential functions at any time.