Jillian Taylor
Jillian Taylor is a food industry professional based in Portland, Maine, with a career that spans culinary arts, restaurant operations, and food distribution. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts and Service Management from Paul Smith’s College (2007–2011) and began her career as a chef, building hands-on experience in kitchens influenced by her culinary education and early exposure to food culture. She later expanded her leadership experience as an operations manager at Copper Branch, a vegan restaurant, where she oversaw day-to-day operations and developed a deeper understanding of large-scale food service systems.
Following her time in restaurant operations, Jillian transitioned into food distribution during a period of industry change, joining Native Maine Produce & Specialty Foods as a field sales representative. In this role, she managed key accounts across the Portland territory and quickly distinguished herself through strong performance, helping generate over $1.3 million in new business and expanding the company’s customer base significantly. Her success in sales, combined with her culinary background, positioned her as a bridge between chefs, vendors, and supply chain operations.
In 2026, Jillian was promoted to Local and Protein Buyer, shifting into procurement where she now manages core vendors and protein sourcing, including local New England producers, specialty beef suppliers, halal poultry farms, and select imported products. In this role, she focuses on strengthening supply chains for specialty and regional foods while supporting chef-driven and community-focused food systems. Her work reflects a commitment to quality sourcing, operational efficiency, and maintaining balance between professional growth and personal well-being in a demanding industry.
• Manager-level ServSafe certified
• Certified culinary tech
• Paul Smith's College - BS
• American Culinary Federation (New England chapter)
• Company community outreach board member
• Fundraising for women's shelters
• Supporting families who lost SNAP benefits
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the mentors who have guided me throughout my career. One of the most influential was Susie, a seasoned chef who taught me not only culinary skills but also how to navigate a male-dominated industry, advocate for myself, and build confidence in challenging professional situations. Another key mentor was Melissa, the owner of Copper Branch, who helped me understand the human side of business, including effective team management, leadership, and handling diverse personalities. Both experiences shaped my approach to work, strengthened my leadership skills, and continue to influence how I grow professionally.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the culinary industry is to be confident, assertive, and unapologetic about taking up space. This is a demanding field that requires resilience, quick thinking, and a strong personality, and you should never feel the need to downplay your ambition or leadership.
In my own experience, I’ve had to prove myself in environments where I was underestimated, but I was able to deliver strong results and quickly establish myself as a top performer. I’ve also mentored younger women in the kitchen, encouraging them to step into their confidence, communicate directly, and lead firmly when needed.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are curiosity, growth, and giving back. I value travel and experiencing different cultures and cuisines, as I believe it broadens perspective and deepens understanding of people and food. I’ve been fortunate to travel to multiple countries, including recent experiences exploring local street food in Greece, which reinforced my belief that food is a powerful connector.
I also value staying active and embracing adventure through activities like hiking, sailing, skiing, and scuba diving, which keep me challenged and inspired. Equally important to me is giving back to the community, especially through work that supports local outreach and helps feed those in need.
Locations
Native Maine Produce & Specialty Foods
Scarborough, ME 04074