Senior Manager, Culinary – Customer Engagement & Strategy

Job Description

As the Senior Manager of Culinary for Customer Engagement & Strategy you will represent Kraft Heinzs 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 youll lead customer-focused culinary initiatives develop senior-level customer relationships and enhance brand presence through innovative 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. Youll 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 Heinzs 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 Heinzs 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 Heinzs 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 bachelors 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 whats 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:

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 candidates 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 savingfor the future we offer plans tailored to meet you and your familys needs. Coveragefor 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 aphysical social emotional and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

Youll 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 401kLife Accidental Death & Dismemberment Disability

Location(s)

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 for assistance.