Corporate Food Stylist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of corporate dining, the focus on corporate food stylists has never been more significant.

Culinary trends evolve, and with every evolution, the demand for skilled individuals who can create, enhance, and maintain our corporate food presentations grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a corporate food stylist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker attempting to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the fascinating world of corporate food styling,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable corporate food stylist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Corporate Food Stylist Duties and Responsibilities

Corporate Food Stylists use their artistic skills and knowledge of food to style and present dishes in an appealing manner for photos, videos, menus, and advertising campaigns.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Collaborate with chefs, photographers, and marketing teams to understand the vision for the food display
• Create visually appealing arrangements of food for photography or filming
• Source ingredients and prepare food for styling
• Use various techniques such as carving, painting, and sculpting to make the food look fresh and appetizing
• Apply garnishes and decorations to enhance the visual appeal of the food
• Ensure the food display aligns with the company’s brand image and marketing strategy
• Arrange props and backdrops to create the desired atmosphere or context for the food display
• Stay updated with the latest food styling trends and incorporate them as needed
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards while handling food

 

Corporate Food Stylist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Corporate Food Stylist to join our team.

The Food Stylist will be responsible for presenting food in a visually appealing way for advertising, packaging, and menu displays.

The successful candidate will work closely with our culinary team and photographers to ensure that our dishes are styled in a way that is appetizing and aligns with our brand.

 

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with chefs and photographers to present food in an aesthetically pleasing manner
• Design and arrange food to be used in advertising and packaging
• Select and style props, including dishes, cutlery, and table settings
• Keep up-to-date with food trends and presentation styles
• Use culinary skills to prepare food as needed
• Ensure that the food display adheres to the company’s branding and aesthetic standards
• Ensure food safety and cleanliness in the working environment

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a food stylist or similar role in the food industry
• Culinary arts background preferred
• Strong artistic skills with a keen eye for aesthetics and visually appealing food presentation
• Knowledge of different types of cuisine and food presentation styles
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Attention to detail and creativity
• Proficiency in using tools, like tweezers, brushes and other equipment to prepare and arrange food
• Understanding of photography, lighting, and color is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Corporate Food Stylist
• Work Environment: This role requires working in a kitchen environment and occasionally on location for photo shoots. Some travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head Chef or Marketing Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $52,000 minimum to $82,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Corporate Food Stylist Do?

Corporate Food Stylists typically work for corporations in the food industry, such as restaurants, food manufacturing companies, advertising agencies, and media houses.

They also work as independent consultants.

Their main job is to make food look aesthetically pleasing and attractive for photography, videography, or live demonstrations.

They arrange food in a visually pleasing manner to appeal to the consumers, ensuring that it looks fresh and appetizing.

They often work closely with chefs, photographers, art directors, and marketing teams to style food that aligns with the branding and promotional requirements of the company.

Corporate Food Stylists play a critical role in creating food images for advertisements, cookbooks, food packaging, menus, and social media posts.

They decide on the themes, colors, layout, and props to be used in the presentation of the food.

They also use various techniques and tools to enhance the appearance of food, such as using food coloring, applying gloss for shine, or using blowtorches for a grilled effect.

In addition, they may be responsible for sourcing ingredients and props, maintaining the food styling kit, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations during the food styling process.

 

Corporate Food Stylist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Corporate Food Stylist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, including:

• Aesthetic creativity and artistic flair to style food in a way that is visually appealing and presents the food in its best light.
• Knowledge and understanding of different food products, their textures and how they react under different circumstances such as heat or cold.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure that each element of the dish is styled perfectly and aligned with the company’s branding or marketing objectives.
• Good photography skills to capture the styled food in the most effective and attractive manner.
• Excellent communication skills to understand the requirements of clients and to effectively communicate the ideas and concepts to the team.
• Time management skills to work within tight deadlines and to ensure that the food is styled and photographed when it looks its best.
• Problem-solving skills to overcome challenges such as food not behaving as expected, lighting issues, etc.
• A culinary background or understanding can be beneficial to know how to prepare and handle a variety of foods.

 

Corporate Food Stylist Experience Requirements

Typically, corporate food stylists start their journey by earning a degree in culinary arts, food science, or a related field, in which they gain a foundational knowledge of food presentation, preparation, and safety.

Entry-level corporate food stylists may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships, part-time roles, or assisting established food stylists.

These roles often involve tasks like preparing ingredients, arranging food for photoshoots, or helping to maintain the work area.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have a solid portfolio that showcases their ability to make food look visually appealing, often across a range of different cuisines and styles.

They may have worked in roles such as Junior Food Stylist or Assistant Food Stylist, and are often comfortable working with photographers and art directors.

Those with over 5 years of experience often have extensive knowledge of food photography, lighting, color, and composition.

These candidates may also have experience in leadership roles, like Lead Food Stylist or Food Styling Manager, where they’ve overseen multiple projects and guided junior stylists.

In addition to the above, many corporate food stylists also have a background in the hospitality industry, as chefs, bakers, or caterers.

This practical experience in food preparation is often highly valued by employers.

 

Corporate Food Stylist Education and Training Requirements

A Corporate Food Stylist generally requires a bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, food science, or a closely related field.

Coursework often includes food preparation, nutrition, menu planning, and food safety.

In addition, students may take classes in photography and visual arts to enhance their ability to present food attractively.

Strong practical experience is also crucial in this field, and many food stylists start their careers in the culinary industry.

This could be through working in restaurants, catering, or even as a personal chef.

A solid understanding of food science is also beneficial to manipulate food for the camera and lighting conditions.

While there isn’t a specific certification for food styling, professional culinary certifications or degrees can be advantageous.

In addition, membership in professional organizations like the International Association of Culinary Professionals can provide networking opportunities and further education.

Continuous learning is essential in this role due to changing food trends and photography techniques.

Therefore, many food stylists also attend workshops, trade shows, and seminars to keep their skills updated.

Additionally, building a portfolio showcasing their work is an integral part of a food stylist’s training, demonstrating their ability to create appealing, camera-ready dishes.

 

Corporate Food Stylist Salary Expectations

A Corporate Food Stylist typically earns an average salary of $53,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income may fluctuate based on factors such as experience, specialized skills, the size and type of the employing corporation, and geographical location.

 

Corporate Food Stylist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Corporate Food Stylist need?

A Corporate Food Stylist needs a blend of creative and technical skills.

They should have a strong sense of aesthetics and an eye for detail to make food visually appealing.

They must also have excellent knowledge of food preparation and preservation techniques.

Additionally, they should possess good communication skills to understand and execute the clients’ vision.

 

Do Corporate Food Stylists need a degree?

While a degree is not mandatory, many Corporate Food Stylists have a background in culinary arts or related fields.

Having a degree in food science, nutrition, culinary arts, or photography can be beneficial.

Practical experience in a culinary setting is a big plus.

Additionally, there are specific food styling courses that aspiring food stylists can take to enhance their skills.

 

What should you look for in a Corporate Food Stylist’s resume?

Look for a diverse portfolio that showcases a range of food styling work.

Experience in working in a professional kitchen or with culinary teams can be beneficial.

Knowledge of photography and lighting, along with a demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines, is also important.

Also, ensure they have knowledge of food safety regulations.

 

What qualities make a good Corporate Food Stylist?

A good Corporate Food Stylist has a strong passion for food and creativity.

They should have an understanding of color, texture, and composition.

Good problem-solving skills are essential as they may need to find quick solutions during a shoot.

Additionally, they should have patience and attention to detail as the job often requires delicate and meticulous work.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Corporate Food Stylist?

Hiring a Corporate Food Stylist can be challenging due to the specific skill set required.

The right candidate must not only have culinary expertise but also a creative eye and the ability to work well under pressure.

It’s crucial to thoroughly review their portfolio and discuss previous work experiences to assess if they’re the right fit for your organization.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve served up an appetizing glimpse into the life of a corporate food stylist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about arranging food.

It’s about creating edible masterpieces, one dish at a time.

With our go-to corporate food stylist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to whet your culinary career appetite.

But why stop there?

Take a bigger bite with our job description generator. It’s your next course in crafting tantalizing job listings or seasoning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every dish is a part of the bigger banquet.

Let’s cook up that future. Together.

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