Director of Culinary, Connections

Job Description

Job Description

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.