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Research Chef Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Conduct merchandising research for customers regarding products to meet their needs * Review weekly ... chef experience Skills: * Proficient in Excel, Word, Microsoft Outlook, and some knowledge of ...

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Research Chef information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$44.7K

$81.5K

$129.3K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Raleigh, NC is $81,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $114,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research chef?

A research chef, also known as a culinary scientist, combines culinary arts with food science to develop new recipes, food products, and menu items. They often work for food manufacturers, restaurant chains, or research and development labs, focusing on creating innovative foods that are both tasty and safe. Research chefs collaborate with food scientists, nutritionists, and marketing teams to ensure products meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and consumer preferences. Their role is essential in bringing new food concepts from the kitchen to large-scale production.

How does a Research Chef typically collaborate with product development and marketing teams?

A Research Chef works closely with product development teams to translate culinary concepts into scalable food products, ensuring flavor, texture, and appearance meet both culinary and manufacturing standards. They also partner with marketing teams to align product features with current food trends and consumer preferences, often participating in taste panels and brainstorming sessions. This collaborative approach ensures that new products are both innovative and commercially viable, and fosters a dynamic work environment where ideas from multiple disciplines are integrated into the final product.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Chef, you need a strong background in culinary arts combined with food science knowledge, often supported by a culinary degree and experience in product development. Familiarity with food safety standards, recipe management software, and laboratory equipment is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you innovate and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the successful development of safe, appealing, and market-ready food products that meet consumer and industry needs.

What Does a Research Chef Do?

A research chef is a culinary professional who oversees the research and development of new recipes and food products. As a research chef, your responsibilities include assessing current offerings, working with food scientists to brainstorm concepts, and developing new recipes and products. You work in a test kitchen, either alone or with a team, to develop and test new foods for restaurants or food manufacturers. Your job is to be innovative and creative in your quest to meet consumer desires and the manufacturer or restaurants needs.

What is the difference between Research Chef vs Food Scientist?

AspectResearch ChefFood Scientist
Required CredentialsCooking skills, culinary training, sometimes culinary degreesDegree in food science, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentTest kitchens, culinary labs, food companiesLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, product development, culinary innovationFood production, quality control, research & development

Research Chefs focus on developing new food products through culinary expertise and practical testing, often working in kitchens and food companies. Food Scientists typically conduct scientific research to improve food safety, quality, and processing, working mainly in labs. Both roles are essential in food innovation but differ in their approach and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Research Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What job categories do people searching Research Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Research Chef jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Research Chef jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Research Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,454 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Regional New Business Developer

Regional New Business Developer

Sysco

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Sysco rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 321 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 358 rated logistics


Job description

Company:

US1166 FreshPoint Charlotte, Division of FreshPoint North Carolina, Inc.

Sales Territory:

None

Zip Code:

28269

Travel Percentage:

Up to 50%

COMPENSATION INFORMATION:

The pay range provided is not indicative of Sysco's actual pay range but is merely algorithmic and provided for generalized comparison. Factors that may be used to determine rate of pay include specific skills, work location, work experience and other individualized factors

This is a hybrid position, mostly remote, with 50% travel required and an onsite presence at FreshPoint location(s) periodically. Please note that the number of days onsite can increase based on business needs.

JOB SUMMARY

This is a sales position reporting directly to the Director of New Business Development, FreshPoint.This position will be responsible for the improvement of FreshPoint's market position and achieving financial growth by defining long-term strategic goals, identifying business opportunities, finding potential new customers and negotiating contracts to secure their business.Working with the Presidents, Sales Leaders and Marketing Associates, the Regional New Business Developer fosters relationships with prospects and transitions these accounts to the sales force.


RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Works with the senior teams across multiple operating companies on the development of a comprehensive business development strategy with a focus on local street, local contract, and retail segments.
  • Accountable for leveraging data to identify segment opportunities and build creative and effective sales plan to capitalize on those segments
  • Identifies business development opportunities, coordinates sales teams to propose new business, and drive such opportunities from concept to execution
  • Collaborates with sales team to expand business development efforts, including contributing to annual profit plan and assist with the implementation and execution of such plans and tracking outcomes
  • Manages systems and processes to track, measure and report on results of business development initiatives
  • Gather information on emerging market and foodservice industry trends to understand the competitive landscape and top position Sysco for increased effectiveness in securing new business
  • Attends industry functions, such as association events and conferences, and provides feedback and information on market and creative trends
  • Present to and consult with senior level management on trends in the foodservice business
  • Identify opportunities for promotions, additional services, and distribution avenues that will lead to an increase in sales
  • Develop strong working relationships with brokers, distributors, company and foodservice industry peers
  • Support Customer Engagement efforts to provide FreshPoint customers with expanded service channel options (e.g. Sales Coordinator, FreshPoint mobile/ecomm).
  • Plan and record daily activity accurately within CRM tool
  • Develop primary vendor programs as needed
  • Conduct quality business reviews for existing customers
  • Conduct merchandising research for customers regarding products to meet their needs
  • Review weekly, monthly and quarterly sales objectives and results for target accounts and prepare action plans where improvement is needed
  • Provide, prepare and cut samples for customers as required
  • Attend sales meetings, food shows, customer events etc. and provide feedback
  • Stay current with development in the field through participation in seminars, workshops and reading publications
  • Stay current with FreshPoint's value-added offerings and technology solutions, including but not limited to customer-facing reporting tool
  • Perform administrative duties, such as preparing sales budgets and reports, maintaining sales records and filing reports.
  • Participate in ongoing training sessions.
  • Assist with the trainings as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education

  • High School education required. Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g. business administration) or equivalent educational level preferred.


Minimum Experience

  • 5 or more years' with a proven track record of opening new business in the food service industry.

Preferred Experience:

  • 5+ years' foodservice sales experience
  • 3+ years' Restaurant management / chef experience


Skills:

  • Proficient in Excel, Word, Microsoft Outlook, and some knowledge of Salesforce a plus
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
  • Excellent organizational and presentation skills are required.
  • Intermediate word processing (Microsoft Word preferred) and intermediate spreadsheet application skills (Microsoft Excel preferred) are desired.
  • Ability to work with a variety of people and situations in a fast-paced environment is required.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Can derive insights from others through probing questions and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Superb organizational and project management skills, including the ability to execute multiple initiatives autonomously.
  • Able to thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Ability to use FreshPoint's proprietary Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool for planning and forecasting sales growth.
  • Demonstrates mastery of skills in the area of consultative selling, marketing principles, prospecting, networking, coaching, and negotiations.
  • Effectively coach, counsel, train and direct associates.

BENEFITS INFORMATION:

For information on Sysco's Benefits, please visit https://SyscoBenefits.com

OVERVIEW:

Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 71,000 colleagues and a fleet of over 13,000 vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations.

We offer our colleagues the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization, and to serve others in a manner that exceeds their expectations. We're looking for talented, hard-working individuals to join our team. Come grow with us and let us show you why Sysco is at the heart of food and service.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

This opportunityis available through Sysco Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates.


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