Corporate Chef – Associate Director

Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America, Inc.

Corporate Chef leading food service strategy at Ajinomoto, driving business growth through culinary solutions and customer relations. Collaborating across departments and preparing culinary experiences for clients.

Posted 7/27/2026full-timeColumbus, Itasca • Illinois, Ohio • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $130,000 - $140,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in food service strategy and customer engagement, with a strong background in culinary arts and food science. Proven ability to drive revenue opportunities through collaboration with sales and R&D teams in the foodservice industry.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Culinary Degree10+ Years Expertise In Food ServiceCertified Research Chef CertificationSales/Account Management ExperienceExperience In QSR/Fast Casual Markets

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Certifications & Qualifications

Certified Research Chef Certification

Industry Keywords

Food Service StrategyFood ScienceR&DFood ManufacturingCustomer EngagementRevenue OpportunitiesCulinary ExperiencesQSRFast CasualMulti-Unit Foodservice

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Chef

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Spearhead and help determine the food service strategy
Grow food service opportunities
Conduct educational opportunities both internal and external to Ajinomoto
Support sales in foodservice accounts and within other target markets outside of foodservice
Develop and lead customer engagements that result in revenue opportunities
Collaborate with R&D by providing the culinary function
Prepare in-house culinary experiences for top customers and dignitaries

Requirements

What you’ll need

Culinary degree or comparable experience. (Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required)
10+ years expertise in food service.
Experience in food science/R&D/food Manufacturing space. Certified Research Chef certification is preferred.
Direct experience with sales/account management or experience supporting sales.
Experience with the QSR (Quick service restaurant)/Fast Casual/Multi-Unit foodservice markets.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Opportunity
401(k) with Company Contributions
Medical, Dental, and Vision — Effective Day 1
Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, and Floating Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
Wellness Programs and Yearly Wellness Reimbursement
Work Flexibility
Company-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tuition Reimbursement Opportunities
Career Growth and Development within a Global Organization
Company-Provided Mental Health and Caregiving support