Academy Chef

About the role: 

Barry Callebaut is a global organization poised for growth; a company that has embraced the vision to delight its customers while out-performing its competitors, a business that is committed to sustainability, has innovation in its DNA, is a leader in complex manufacturing and supply chain solutions and is focused on being a best-in-class employer. Barry Callebaut seeks diverse and passionate people who thrive in a dynamic environment, focused on continuous learning, living BC’s Values, and of course, loving chocolate.

Under the direction of the Head of the Chicago Chocolate Academy, the Academy Chef will manage all activities related to: Customer Journey 2.0, Equipment and Maintenance, R&D Application Testing, PDI expansion support, Coordination with Market Segment Builders, bringing taste alive internally, Process and Equipment Expertise.  This role ensures a high level of knowledge of process and manufacturing of chocolate and other segment applications, whilst interacting with customers and team members.  The Successful Candidate will also contribute largely to PDI and the customer journey 2.0 with both knowledge and innovation.

Key responsibilities include: 

●    Support the customer journey 2.0 through innovative and relevant creations featuring the Academy.
●    Represent the Academy during fairs, events or industry organizations events and PR (TV shows, PR events, launches).
●    Understand the Product Development Process as it pertains to Research and Development functions and final manufacturing.  This includes keeping up to date with process flow at customer facilities.
●    Responsible for expertise in Food Manufacturing Product Development for the Chef team as needed.
●    Act as the primary Food Manufacturing Chef contact for the Market Segment Builders and BC Brand Team on applicable projects such as BC Lives sessions, product activation (videos and photo shooting), product launch, etc...
●    Proactively support the expansion of PDI across all market segments by featuring the ingredients during co-creation sessions, by being in close relation with the right R&D members to provide ideas in innovations, by supporting photoshoot and relevant campaigns, etc
●    Supporting the Academy Food Manufacturing silo in its mission to bring Taste Alive internally by actively participating to internal events
●    Act as a role model and influencer in the food manufacturing industry.
●    Attend project meetings and follow ups.
●    Impart R&D application expertise for all market segments in relation to ingredients, recipe and process.
●    Provide technical support and training to customers when needed, together with technical services.
●    Research and test products in the Innovation Funnel in application and provide feedback.
●    Lead recipe and application development for courses, customer sessions and demonstrations.
●    Represent the Academy as needed for events, trade shows, meetings, etc.
●    Instruct courses and develop modifications as needed.
●    Proper operation of lab equipment. 
●    Facilitate equipment repairs and the preventative maintenance plan in the Kitchens.
●    Perform miscellaneous job duties as assigned. 

About you:

●    7+ years of experience in food manufacturing or a similar role, with a minimum of two years of experience managing or supervising a team.
●    5+ years of experience in a baking or pastry related role
●    Experience in client interaction, fair and event and/or demonstration
●    Baking or Pastry related degree or commensurate experience and training
●    Degree in Food Science or Culinary or closely related experience
●    Technical knowledge and experience in the properties and functions of chocolate and compounds.
●    Technical knowledge in confectionery, BAPA, ice cream, beverages for the North America market.
●    Outstanding presentation skills 
●    Strong communicator with teaching skills
●    Knowledge of MS Office Suite 
●    Knowledge of using social media 
●    ServSafe Certification

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut: 

●    Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
●    Paid time off, plus 12 paid holidays, plus your birthday off
●    Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility 
●    An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
●    Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth
●    Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products.