Corporate Chef at CHRIST PANOS FOOD CORPORATION – Itasca, Illinois

About Christ Panos Foods

Christ Panos Foods is a leading independent foodservice distributor in the Greater Chicagoland area, servicing seven states and supplying restaurants, hotels, country clubs, and institutional customers. We take pride in strong customer relationships, quality products, and a true team-first culture.

Position Summary

Christ Panos Foods is seeking a Corporate Chef to support our Sales Team and customers through culinary expertise, product demonstrations, menu development, and food service solutions. This role will work directly with customers and internal teams to drive product usage, help grow sales, and strengthen customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Sales Team with customer meetings, product presentations, tastings, and culinary demonstrations
• Develop recipes and menu ideas using Christ Panos Foods products
• Assist customers with menu development, product applications, and operational solutions
• Conduct product training for sales reps and customers
• Support food shows, sales meetings, and customer events
• Help with new product rollouts by creating recipes, training tools, and product usage ideas
• Stay current on food trends, customer needs, and industry changes
• Provide feedback to leadership based on customer input and market trends

Benefits

• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k)

Schedule

• Full-time
• Monday through Friday; 8:30am - 5:00pm
• Occasional evenings and weekends for events (as needed)

• Minimum 3 years of experience in a Food Distribution or Foodservice Sales environment
• Strong culinary background and ability to work directly with chefs and foodservice operators
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Highly organized, professional, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to customer locations and events

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred
• Experience supporting sales teams in a distributor environment strongly preferred
• Knowledge of menu costing and foodservice operations