As the Senior Manager of Culinary for Customer Engagement & Strategy, you will represent Kraft Heinz’s Away From Home (AFH) business unit, driving culinary strategy within key markets and customer channels to support annual sales goals. Collaborating closely with the Sales Team, you’ll lead customer-focused culinary initiatives, develop senior-level customer relationships, and enhance brand presence through innovative programs. In this role, you will manage a team of customer chefs, partner cross-functionally with marketing, sales, and R&D, and serve as a culinary brand ambassador for Kraft Heinz. You’ll also guide new product development with market insights, oversee customer engagement strategies, and champion best practices within the KHC Chefs Network.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
Collaborate with foodservice sales and marketing teams to develop and execute culinary strategies that drive category and channel growth.
Manage, coach, and develop a team of customer chefs, ensuring they deliver top-tier culinary expertise and solutions for our partners.
Partner with cross-functional teams including but not limited to marketing, sales, R&D, to align growth projects with market needs and Kraft Heinz business objectives.
Serve as the culinary subject matter expert for both internal and external stakeholders, leading the creation of culinary training platforms.
Define and implement strategic culinary programs that promote business growth and build stronger customer partnerships.
Represent Kraft Heinz as a culinary brand ambassador, fostering relationships with industry partners and building networks that support our strategic objectives.
Coordinate and ship product samples as necessary to support customer engagements.
Lead culinary engagement sessions for regional and global customers, presenting new products and showcasing the versatility of our portfolio to meet their needs.
Build and maintain culinary business relationships with key customers in specific channels to support ongoing growth.
Uphold company policies, refine processes, and champion best practices that maintain Kraft Heinz’s competitive edge.
Share market insights and contribute to the development of new product ideas, collaborating with R&D and Innovation chefs on NPD and innovation strategy.
Collaborate on the creation of RTBs (Reasons to Believe) and USPs (Unique Selling Propositions) for new product launches.
Actively participate in the KHC Chefs Network, contributing insights, recipes, growth ideas, and best practices.
Act as a mentor for junior and developing chefs, fostering their growth and development.
Key Outputs and Deliverables:
Drive and deliver growth projects aligned with Kraft Heinz’s Away from Home (AFH) business initiatives and strategic goals.
Establish and strengthen senior-level relationships with key customers to support long-term partnership growth.
Develop and implement a customer engagement strategy for the culinary team that enhances customer interactions and supports business objectives.
Lead and manage a culinary platform or program that drives business growth, fosters cross-functional collaboration, and elevates Kraft Heinz’s brand presence within the foodservice industry.
Generate and present actionable insights to inform product innovation and new growth opportunities.
Ensure measurable success and continuous improvement in culinary engagements, delivering best-in-class experiences that reinforce customer loyalty.
People Management Responsibilities
Team (salaried): 5 directs.
Expected Experience & Required Skills
Culinary degree preferred (culinary or hospitality school certificate, apprenticeship, or bachelor’s degree in a related field) or equivalent experience as a corporate chef, sous chef, or higher.
5+ years of experience in food service with a diverse background in channels such as hotels, full-service restaurants, quick-service restaurants, catering, bar and grills, business and industry (B&I), or institutional dining; plus 7+ years in a commercial or corporate culinary environment.
Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, take ownership of business outcomes, analyze complex information, and create solutions that drive organizational success.
Strong organizational agility, with a clear understanding of formal and informal processes and effective delegation skills.
Demonstrated leadership skills, with a track record of coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
Ability to prioritize effectively, focusing on what’s most important, removing roadblocks, and ensuring team focus.
Continuous learner with a passion for tackling challenges, anticipating consumer needs, and leveraging insights to drive product development.
Strong interest in food trends, flavor profiles, and culinary innovation to inspire new product development and stay ahead of market demands.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proven success in building and maintaining effective business relationships and the ability to influence and coach cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Experience with live customer interactions, culinary demonstrations, and presentations with confidence and professionalism.
In-depth understanding of commercial restaurant cooking equipment, techniques, and culinary principles.
Extensive knowledge of food ingredients, including origins, handling, applications, flavor pairings, and sensory attributes.
Intermediate understanding of food manufacturing processes and their impact on product development.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) to create clear, impactful reports and presentations.
Willingness and ability to travel 50% or more.
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.
Occasional 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:
$118,400.00 – $148,000.00
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)
Chicago/Aon 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 NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.