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Culinary Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Kitchen Manager

East Alton, IL · On-site

$17 - $25/hr

Opportunities for professional growth and culinary development. * Passionate team dedicated to providing excellent service and quality food. * Competitive pay and benefits. Join the Team If you are a ...

The Culinary and Nutritional Services Supervisor assists in organizing and directing all aspects of ... People Management and Development - 20% * Fosters a positive work environment that attracts ...

Kitchen Manager

Godfrey, IL · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

Opportunities for professional growth and culinary development. * Passionate team dedicated to providing excellent service and quality food. * Competitive pay and benefits. Join the Team If you are a ...

Director of Culinary

Godfrey, IL · On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

Own your impact, grow your career, and be rewarded with a 401(k) match, competitive benefits, and ongoing development. Position Summary Leads all culinary operations to deliver an enjoyable ...

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

You'll have opportunities to support menu development, client tastings, catering and events, and day-to-day culinary operations. Key Responsibilities: * Serve as the culinary leader in the absence of ...

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

You'll have opportunities to support menu development, client tastings, catering and events, and day-to-day culinary operations. Key Responsibilities: * Serve as the culinary leader in the absence of ...

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Culinary & Operational Leadership * Support menu development, daily production, and food presentation standards. * Step into operations directly (line, banquets, catering) as business demands ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Development information

What is culinary development?

Culinary development is the process of creating, testing, and refining new recipes, menu items, and food concepts for restaurants, food brands, or hospitality businesses. Professionals in this field combine culinary expertise with creativity and market research to develop dishes that meet customer preferences and industry trends. They often collaborate with chefs, nutritionists, and marketing teams to ensure that new offerings are both delicious and commercially viable.

How does a culinary development professional typically collaborate with chefs and product teams to create new menu items?

Culinary Development professionals work closely with chefs, food scientists, and product development teams to brainstorm, prototype, and refine new menu offerings. This often involves conducting taste tests, sourcing unique ingredients, and ensuring recipes are scalable for larger production. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are key, as is collaborating with marketing and operations teams to ensure the final product aligns with brand standards and customer preferences. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as priorities may shift based on market trends or operational constraints.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in culinary development, and why are they important?

To excel in Culinary Development, you need a deep understanding of food science, recipe formulation, and culinary techniques, often supported by a degree in culinary arts or food science. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications (like ServSafe), and product development software is typically expected. Creativity, strong collaboration, and adaptability are vital soft skills for innovating new dishes and working with cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure successful creation and launch of appealing, safe, and commercially viable food products.

What is the difference between Culinary Development vs Culinary Chef?

AspectCulinary DevelopmentCulinary Chef
CredentialsRelevant culinary certifications, culinary school diplomaProfessional culinary certifications, culinary school diploma
Work EnvironmentResearch and development kitchens, product testing labsRestaurant kitchens, hotel kitchens, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, product development firms, culinary innovation teamsRestaurants, hotels, hospitality industry
Primary FocusCreating new recipes, developing food products, culinary innovationPreparing dishes, managing kitchen staff, executing menus

While Culinary Development focuses on creating and testing new recipes and food products, Culinary Chefs are responsible for preparing dishes and managing kitchen operations. Both roles require culinary certifications, but their work environments and primary objectives differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Culinary Development jobs in Illinois?

For Culinary Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Culinary Development jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Culinary Development jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Culinary Development job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Associate Faculty - Culinary Arts Instructor

JWCC John Wood Community College

Quincy, IL

Part-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

This is an Associate Faculty position in the Hospitality & Culinary Arts department at JWCC in Quincy, Illinois. Associate Faculty positions are non-tenure track faculty serving in a temporary or auxiliary capacity to teach specific courses on a course-by-course basis. Position begins in mid-August.

JOB DESCRIPTION

John Wood Community College (JWCC) is seeking a knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructor to teach classes in the Culinary Arts program. Ideal candidates will have a passion for student success, the ability to create an inclusive learning environment, and a commitment to academic excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Deliver engaging and comprehensive instruction in Culinary Arts.
  • Supervise, guide, and evaluate culinary students in culinary lab settings (kitchen), promoting the development of culinary competence and professional behavior.
  • Prepare lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments that align with program objectives and meet curriculum standards.
  • Provide timely feedback and academic support to help students achieve learning outcomes.
  • Maintain accurate records of student performance, including attendance, grades, and culinary lab evaluations.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that respects diversity and promotes equity among students.
  • Comply with institutional policies and curriculum requirements for Culinary Arts education and kitchen operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

  • A minimum of 2000 hours of culinary industry experience.
  • Associate degree or higher in Culinary Arts.
  • Industry certifications such as ServSafe, etc.
  • Prior teaching experience.

Skills and Competencies:

  • Strong culinary industry expertise.
  • Ability to teach and mentor students effectively in both classroom and kitchen operation environments.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to adapt to different learning styles and provide individualized support to diverse learners.
  • Familiarity with current culinary education trends and curriculum standards.

WORK SCHEDULE:

  • This is a part-time position with flexible teaching hours, including both classroom instruction and culinary lab (kitchen). Kitchen labs may take place during the day, evening, or weekends, depending on the program's needs.

SALARY:

  • This position has an estimated salary range of $539.00 – $711.00 per load hour.
  • Salary within the estimated range is determined by education and experience.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To receive full consideration, submit a resume with cover letter by visiting https://jwcc.aaimtrack.com/jobs/. Position is open until filled.

07/23/2026

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status. If you are a person with a disability and need assistance applying for a job, please submit a request to hr@jwcc.edu.