Executive Chef, Cantonese Innovation & R&D

Research & Development Cantonese Area Executive Chef

You are inspired by great ingredients and creative cooking. At Sodexo, we bring these together for culinary innovation.

Sodexo is seeking a highly skilled Research & Development Cantonese Area Executive Chef to lead culinary innovation focused on authentic and modern Cantonese cuisine for a corporate services client in the New Jersey/New York tri-state area. This role is responsible for developing new menu concepts, refining existing recipes, and supporting multi-location culinary operations with consistent, high-quality Cantonese dishes. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in traditional Cantonese cooking techniques, strong leadership abilities, and a passion for innovation in a fast-paced culinary environment.

This is a remote position; however, candidates MUST reside in or near the New Jersey/New York area. Travel is required, with up to 50% expected.

As an Asian Market Chinese Specialist Chef, you will support, from a culinary perspective, the Asian Markets Squad by assisting in the delivery of critical customer presentations and new menu ideations.

What You'll Do

• Provide culinary leadership and expertise as an Asian Market Chinese Specialist Chef in support of the Asian Markets Squad
• Support critical customer presentations and lead new menu ideation from a culinary perspective
• Act as a savory subject matter expert, with a strong focus on scratch cooking and flavor development
• Lead culinary content development for assigned North American projects in collaboration with chef peers and the Head Chef
• Accelerate Savory/Scratch Cooking growth initiatives that enhance the value of UFS brands for both existing and prospective customers
• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, CD Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain to align resources and support zone priorities
• Translate selling stories, packaging, and recipes between Cantonese and English with accuracy and cultural relevance
• Interpret and convert metric and imperial measurements for recipes and culinary materials

What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
• 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
• Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
• Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring

• Bilingual in Cantonese and English, with the ability to communicate culinary and commercial concepts clearly in both languages
• 3+ years culinary experience in the Foodservice Industry (Corporate or Kitchen)
• 3+ years working in Chinese kitchens in the US/Canada, specializing in Cantonese and Szechuan Cuisine
• Solution selling mindset with a creative ability to solve customer needs
• Ability to collaborate with sales teams to both hunt and farm for business in the market
• Understanding the distribution network of these restaurants
• Experience selling branded food categories a plus
• Excellent communication and follow up skills throughout the layers of Unilever organization
• Accountability to deliver KPIs, Goals as a team

Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 3 years

Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years