Food Recruiter Chicago — Nigel Wright Talent Experts

Specialist Food Recruiter in Chicago

Nigel Wright Group is a leading executive search firm for the food industry, supporting businesses in Chicago and across the United States. With decades of food industry knowledge, we specialize in senior-level recruitment services for food manufacturers and related businesses. By leveraging our extensive networks, we help clients and candidates connect, ensuring the perfect match for critical leadership roles. Our reputation for delivering top-tier results and outstanding customer service sets us apart from other recruiting firms.

We recruit across the full range of C-suite positions, including CEO, COO, and CFO, as well as senior leadership roles in sales, marketing, supply chain, procurement, engineering, manufacturing, IT, human resources, and finance. Alongside these appointments, our consultants provide talent acquisition support through succession planning, talent mapping, and employer branding initiatives designed to build long-term hiring strategies. Whether the focus is food production or wider business operations, we ensure access to highly qualified candidates who can deliver measurable impact.

If you are seeking top talent for executive-level positions or would like to learn more about our recruitment services, please contact us directly or use the chat function below to connect with a member of our recruiting team. We also encourage job seekers exploring their next career opportunity to submit a résumé and follow us on social media for the latest job search updates.

Recent Track Record

Nigel Wright has developed an exceptional track record in food industry recruitment, working with some of the world’s most established names alongside innovative and fast-growing businesses. Our appointments span the breadth of the sector — from commercial and operations leadership to finance, procurement, and innovation — reflecting the diverse expertise needed to compete in today’s competitive global food market.

Manufacturing and Operations

Operational excellence is at the core of the food industry, and Nigel Wright has consistently delivered senior leaders to drive efficiency and performance in this critical area. At Allana, we recruited a COO, ensuring strategic oversight of one of the largest global meat processing and trading businesses. Both Alpro and Barilla appointed Plant Directors through us, reflecting our ability to place senior operational leaders at scale in plant-based dairy alternatives and traditional pasta production.

We have also partnered with Arla, placing a Customer Logistics & Customer Service Director, a role central to maintaining smooth customer supply chains while supporting operational efficiency. These examples highlight our strength in securing leaders who combine technical and commercial expertise to ensure reliability across the food supply chain.

Procurement and Supply Chain

Procurement and sourcing are central to ensuring resilience and sustainability in the food sector. At C.H. Guenther & Son, we placed a Procurement Director, while Flora Food Group appointed a Procurement Director Americas & Global Packaging, reinforcing our international capability. These roles demonstrate our ability to deliver senior leaders who can manage complex supply networks and global supplier relationships.

In addition, we worked with The LivekindlyCo, a fast-growing player in plant-based foods, to appoint a Head of Retail, strengthening its route-to-market strategies and consumer availability. Together, these appointments illustrate how we help both multinational and challenger food brands secure executives who can align procurement and retail operations with wider business strategy.

Commercial and Sales

Driving sales and managing customer relationships remain a critical priority for food companies, and our recruitment track record in this area is extensive. Jack Link’s appointed a Head of Sales to expand its international snacking portfolio, while Kraft Heinz recruited a Sales Director through our network. Similarly, Lotus Bakeries strengthened its commercial team with the appointment of a Commercial Director, a role essential for global expansion.

In dairy and ingredients, Dairygold appointed a Head of Commercial, ensuring leadership for its product portfolio across multiple customer segments. Saputo further expanded its capabilities with the hire of a Head of Commercial Marketing, combining sales expertise with consumer insight. These placements highlight our ability to match companies with leaders who deliver measurable results in sales growth and market penetration.

Finance and Accounting

Financial leadership is crucial for food companies managing complex international operations. At Barebells, a fast-rising functional food brand, we recruited a Head of Accounting to provide financial control during its growth phase. Danone appointed a Commercial Finance Director, securing leadership that combines finance with deep commercial awareness. Similarly, Quorn added a Head of Financial Control, strengthening its governance and financial planning in the competitive plant-based category.

These roles show our expertise in providing finance leaders who offer both strategic vision and operational rigour, helping food businesses maintain stability while pursuing ambitious growth.

Innovation and Product Development

Innovation sits at the heart of consumer demand in food, and Nigel Wright has supported companies with senior hires in this area. Juice Plus appointed a Product Innovation Director, underlining the importance of new product development in the health and nutrition segment. At Novozymes, we recruited a Head of Product Development, bringing scientific and operational leadership to a company known for innovation in enzymes and ingredients.

These appointments demonstrate our ability to identify leaders who bridge science, innovation, and commercial priorities in order to keep businesses at the forefront of consumer trends.

International and Corporate Affairs

Beyond core functions, we have also recruited executives into leadership roles focused on markets and communications. Rockit Apple appointed a Head of France, supporting the company’s expansion into a strategically important European market. Royal Canin strengthened its leadership with a Communication & Corporate Affairs Director, a role crucial for stakeholder engagement in the pet food category. Similarly, Royal Greenland recruited a Product Marketing Director to lead brand positioning in the seafood sector.

These examples highlight how Nigel Wright provides leadership talent not only for operational and commercial roles but also for international expansion and corporate affairs, ensuring businesses remain agile and connected to their customers.

Conclusion

From global multinationals to agile challenger brands, Nigel Wright has supported food companies in securing senior leaders across operations, procurement, sales, finance, marketing, and innovation. Our work with businesses such as Danone, Kraft Heinz, Lotus Bakeries, Quorn, and Royal Canin illustrates the breadth of our expertise. Whether appointing a COO at Allana, a Plant Director at Barilla, or a Head of Retail at The LivekindlyCo, we consistently provide talent capable of shaping strategy and delivering long-term growth.

By combining deep industry knowledge with international reach, we continue to be a trusted partner for companies seeking transformational leadership in the food sector.

Searching for Food Recruiters in Chicago?

As a trusted partner in food industry recruitment, we are committed to helping businesses secure top talent and achieve long-term success. To speak with a dedicated food recruiter in Chicago, reach out today, and a team member will ensure your inquiry is directed to the most relevant consultant.