ABOUT THE ROLE
We're looking for a dynamic, high-energy Director of R&D Chef to lead our culinary innovation and client success. In this role, you'll be both a creative culinary leader and a strategic business driver-crafting dishes and concepts that wow clients while building lasting relationships. You'll manage a talented team of R&D chefs, oversee multiple high-profile accounts, and work directly with our VP of Culinary Services to deliver exceptional results and grow our business.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Sales & Management- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of direct reports, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
- Maintain positive, productive relationships with clients assigned directly to you and to your team.
- Oversee and approve all concepts, recipes, documents, and client communications produced by direct reports.
- Provide training, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth to your team members.
- Lead and/or oversee client presentations and interactions-securing menu placements on behalf of manufacturer clients.
- Cultivate relationships with top 250 national accounts, manufacturers, and existing clients to identify and secure new business opportunities.
- Maintain ongoing consultative services to ensure client satisfaction.
- Collaborate with leadership to identify additional marketing or culinary business opportunities.
- Resolve client and team challenges to achieve positive outcomes.
- Deliver regular activity and progress reports to the VP of Culinary Services.
Culinary R&D- Direct all culinary aspects of projects, from concept creation and trend research to product development and final specifications.
- Monitor and apply emerging culinary, consumer, and restaurant trends in all projects.
- Manage specialized initiatives including international business, culinary center activities, and new business development.
- Test and recommend new methods, ingredients, and applications for both new and existing products.
- Maintain strong affiliations with culinary institutes, restaurants, and industry associations.
- Uphold strict food safety standards and procedures.
SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
- Degree from a nationally recognized culinary school.
- 10+ years in progressive culinary roles-R&D, sales, or corporate settings.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and client relationship skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
- Deep understanding of restaurant operations, manufacturing, and food safety.
- Self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Ability to travel, as needed.
PLEASE NOTE: Acxion Foodservice Inc. reserves the right to change, modify or add to the duties and essential functions at any time.