Executive Chef, Cantonese Innovation & R&D
Sodexo · Newark, NJ
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $100,000 / year
- Newark, NJ
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Job highlights
- Lead Cantonese culinary innovation for Sodexo client.
- Develop new menus and refine existing recipes.
- Requires bilingual Cantonese and English skills.
- Must have 3+ years foodservice and Chinese kitchen experience.
- Remote role requiring NJ/NY area residency.
About the role
About the Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
What You Bring
- Bilingual in Cantonese and English, with clear communication of culinary and commercial concepts in both languages.
- 3+ years of 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 creative ability to solve customer needs.
- Ability to collaborate with sales teams to hunt and farm for business.
- Understanding of restaurant distribution networks.
- Experience selling branded food categories is a plus.
- Excellent communication and follow-up skills.
- Accountability to deliver KPIs and team goals.
- Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.
- Minimum Management Experience: 3 Years.
- Minimum Functional Experience: 3 years.
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 by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
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.
Key skills/competency
- Cantonese Cuisine
- Culinary Innovation
- Menu Development
- R&D Chef
- Foodservice
- Szechuan Cuisine
- Bilingual (Cantonese/English)
- Leadership
- Scratch Cooking
- Flavor Development
Skills & topics
- Executive Chef
- Cantonese Cuisine
- Culinary Innovation
- R&D Chef
- Foodservice
- Menu Development
- Szechuan Cuisine
- Bilingual
- Chef
- New Jersey
- New York
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine expertise, bilingual skills, and foodservice R&D experience.
- Showcase innovation: Provide examples of menu development and culinary problem-solving in your application.
- Demonstrate leadership: Emphasize your management experience and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your culinary philosophy and how you translate cultural nuances into dishes.
- Research Sodexo's values: Align your answers with Sodexo's commitment to quality of life and community progress.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key culinary specializations for the Executive Chef, Cantonese Innovation & R&D role at Sodexo?
- The Executive Chef, Cantonese Innovation & R&D role at Sodexo requires deep expertise in authentic and modern Cantonese cuisine, with a strong focus on scratch cooking and flavor development. Experience with Szechuan cuisine is also beneficial.
- Is this Executive Chef position remote, and what are the location requirements?
- Yes, this is a remote position. However, candidates MUST reside in or near the New Jersey/New York area due to the need for occasional travel and client interaction in that region.
- What level of travel is expected for the Executive Chef, Cantonese Innovation & R&D role?
- Up to 50% travel is expected for this role, likely involving client presentations, R&D support, and multi-location culinary operations within the North American region.
- What are the minimum experience requirements for the Executive Chef, Cantonese Innovation & R&D position?
- The minimum requirements include 3+ years of culinary experience in the Foodservice Industry, 3+ years working in Chinese kitchens in the US/Canada specializing in Cantonese and Szechuan Cuisine, and 3 years of management experience.
- What is the importance of bilingual skills for the Sodexo Executive Chef role?
- Bilingual proficiency in Cantonese and English is essential. This role requires clear communication of culinary and commercial concepts in both languages, including translating selling stories, packaging, and recipes.
- What kind of career growth opportunities does Sodexo offer for this Executive Chef role?
- Sodexo offers career growth opportunities and tuition reimbursement. This role provides a platform to lead culinary innovation, support significant projects, and grow within the organization.
- How does Sodexo approach compensation for this Executive Chef position?
- Compensation is fair and equitable, determined by a candidate's education level, years of relevant experience, specific criteria like experience, skills, education, and training.
- What is the minimum educational requirement for the Executive Chef, Cantonese Innovation & R&D role?
- The minimum education requirement is a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience.