R&D Development Chef (Pasta, Pizza, Dough)

Nestle's Research & Development Center serves as a cornerstone of innovation within the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical science sectors, bolstered by the global Nestle R&D infrastructure. This center is a hub where creativity meets advanced science to drive breakthrough discoveries that benefit both consumers and the planet. Nestle, one of the world's leading nutrition, health, and wellness companies, is committed to transforming the future of food by leveraging interdisciplinary expertise from product developers to engineers. The Nestle Development Center in Solon, Ohio, plays a pivotal role in this mission by focusing on novel food solutions that align with worldwide consumer preferences and sustainable practices.

The specific role available is a culinary expert specializing in pizza, pasta, and dough craftsmanship within this vibrant R&D environment. This position is not just about culinary skills but also about innovation, collaboration, and transforming creative ideas into functional, market-ready food products. The selected candidate will become part of the esteemed Nestle Global Chef Network, contributing regional knowledge and expertise while drawing from global culinary trends and standards. This role demands a high level of cooking expertise particularly in dough fermentation, ingredient selection, and recipe scaling, aligning with Michelin-starred cooking techniques or equivalent high-end culinary standards.

The position is eligible for Visa Sponsorship, reflecting Nestle's inclusive commitment to sourcing talent globally. The role reports to the R&D Category Director and will receive ongoing coaching and support from the Global Concept & Development Kitchen Lead for NPTC Food. Although it does not involve direct supervision responsibilities, the role calls for mentoring and coaching junior team members involved in various projects. The work supports iconic Nestle USA Food Brands such as Stouffer's, Lean Cuisine, Vital Pursuit, Hot Pockets, DiGiorno, California Pizza Kitchen, Jack's, and Tombstone, impacting a significant segment of the food marketplace.

Financially, the role offers a competitive salary range between $150,000 and $175,000 USD, accompanied by a robust benefits package that includes performance incentives, 401(k) with company match, and comprehensive healthcare coverage. This compensation reflects the high level of skill, experience, and innovation required to succeed. Nestle also ensures a workplace that supports diversity and fosters inclusion, welcoming veterans, individuals with disabilities, and candidates from a variety of backgrounds to contribute their unique skills and perspectives.

In this role, the professional will spearhead the creation and advancement of culinary concepts grounded in marketplace trends and consumer insights. They will develop gold standard recipes and reference targets from initial ideas through to commercialization and scale. Furthermore, the position emphasizes maintaining a dynamic culinary community through external networking and internal education initiatives across the broader Nestle Chef Network. This involves inspiring team members, leading by example in kitchen safety and organization, and continually enhancing culinary techniques and knowledge through events and developmental activities. In summary, this role offers a unique opportunity to blend culinary artistry with food science innovation in a globally recognized corporate setting devoted to shaping the future of food.