Blount Fine Foods Careers

Senior Product Development Chef

Bringing our love of food to families for five generations!  Blount Fine Foods is a family-owned and operated manufacturer, marketer, and developer of premium fresh prepared foods. We are an engaging team, bringing restaurant-quality products to America including single-serve grab-n-go fresh soups, mac & cheese, and entrées in grocery stores across the country, as well as for hot bars and restaurants. Help us create the finest food experiences including those with specialty certifications that include organic, gluten-free, and low sodium, among others. Join a proven team for growth, success, and a satisfying career!

Summary: The Senior Product Development Chef will support the Director of Culinary Development, the Director(s) of National Accounts and other members of the Sales Team with all efforts in recipe development, customer-focused development and presentations, and organizing and executing trade shows. In the event of an absence, a position will be filled by the Director of Culinary Development.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Product and Business Development

• Participate in innovation pipeline planning by providing ideas gleaned from customer interactions, trends, and other sources.
• Develop culinary business relationships with our key national account’s culinary personnel and key retail customers.
• Develop an understanding of key customers’ menus, price points, strategy, LTO programs, focus, etc. to contribute to sales and marketing.
• Analyze and determine who and what customers/projects fit our wheelhouse and strategic plan of growth. Do not chase bad business.
• Market in-house capabilities to customers by clearly communicating Blount Fine Foods’ design services, regulatory expertise, certifications (SQF, USDA, Organic, etc.), commercialization know-how, and other benefits of working with Blount.
• Maintain understanding of realistic timelines to set initial expectations of projects to sales reps and customers. Gather & communicate information required for the product development process.
• Stay familiar with the manufacturing capabilities and processes of Blount Fine Foods and co-man partners to effectively communicate information to sales representatives and customers.

Sales Support

• Manage sample deliveries and provide support to sales team members during cuttings. This includes proactive planning for and shipping product samples, equipment/supplies, POS materials, and other items needed for successful presentations.
• Coordinate outside promotions and product demonstrations with the sales team, provide in-person support when applicable.
• Collaborate with Marketing to coordinate successful execution of trade shows. This will be a primary focus for the role and will include managing & shipping samples and other materials needed, booth set up and breakdown and managing product samples during the show with the utmost professionalism.
• Coordinate in-house presentations for customers including ordering samples, preparation of the R&D kitchen and other spaces customers will be exposed to during the visit, collaborating with facility personnel to prepare for tours, and other tasks as needed.
• Understand the cycle of marketing promotions, tentpoles, and other seasonal trends to effectively suggest products and launch timing to customers.
• Up to 25-30% of travel may be required to support sales.

Education and/or Experience:                  

• Basic understanding of culinary arts is required along with a degree from a 4-year college or university (does not have to be a Culinary degree)
• 3-5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Our Total Compensation Package Includes:  

• Medical, dental and vision benefits.
• 401k with Company match.
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time and holidays.
• Education Assistance Program.
• Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability.
• Discounts on Blount products at Company retail location.
• Discretionary Annual Bonus Program.