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Culinary Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate with registered dietitian and culinary operations manager to create customized menus and recipes that align with the nutritional needs of research study participants. Recipe Testing:

Collaborate with registered dietitian and culinary operations manager to create customized menus and recipes that align with the nutritional needs of research study participants. Recipe Testing:

Collaborate with registered dietitian and culinary operations manager to create customized menus and recipes that align with the nutritional needs of research study participants. Recipe Testing:

This role will coordinate daily restaurant and event operations, supervise team members, manage labor and operational efficiencies, and partner with culinary and service leaders to ensure consistent ...

This role will coordinate daily restaurant and event operations, supervise team members, manage labor and operational efficiencies, and partner with culinary and service leaders to ensure consistent ...

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager 1 for SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital located in ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager 1 for SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital located in ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager 1 for SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital located in ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

Food Operations Manager 1

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$56K - $72K/yr

Manage high-volume dining operations with visibility across service, safety, and financial outcomes ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

Sodexo is seeking a Food Operations Manager 1 for SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital located in ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

Manage high-volume dining operations with visibility across service, safety, and financial outcomes ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

Manage high-volume dining operations with visibility across service, safety, and financial outcomes ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

Supervises day-to-day operations of kitchen to ensure timely and efficient meal service by ... Quality, Compliance, and Risk Management - 15% * Ensures food production of consistently high ...

Food Operations Manager 1

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$56K - $72K/yr

Manage high-volume dining operations with visibility across service, safety, and financial outcomes ... Champion sustainability, culinary quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. * Partner ...

The Culinary and Nutritional Services Supervisor assists in organizing and directing all aspects of ... Essential Activities and Tasks Operations Management - 30% * Supervises and assists in preparation ...

Showing results 41-60

Culinary Operations Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$30K

$61.5K

$114.8K

How much do culinary operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary operations manager in Illinois is $61,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $75,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary operations manager?

Culinary Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of kitchens or food service establishments, ensuring quality, efficiency, and safety standards are met. They manage kitchen staff, coordinate food preparation and presentation, and handle inventory and budgeting. Additionally, they develop menus, enforce health regulations, and implement training programs for the culinary team. Their role is crucial in maintaining smooth kitchen operations and delivering excellent dining experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary operations manager?

To excel as a Culinary Operations Manager, you need strong expertise in culinary arts, food safety standards, and business management, often supported by a degree in hospitality or culinary management. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and certifications such as ServSafe are commonly required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are critical soft skills for managing teams and ensuring smooth operations. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient workflows, and high levels of customer satisfaction in a competitive hospitality environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a culinary operations manager and how are they typically addressed?

Culinary Operations Managers often face challenges such as maintaining consistent food quality across multiple outlets, managing inventory costs, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. These challenges are typically addressed by implementing standardized operating procedures, conducting regular staff training, and utilizing technology for inventory and scheduling. Strong communication and collaboration with both kitchen staff and front-of-house teams are crucial to promptly resolve issues and maintain smooth operations. Staying adaptable and proactive in addressing feedback also helps ensure ongoing improvements.

What is the difference between Culinary Operations Manager vs Kitchen Supervisor?

AspectCulinary Operations ManagerKitchen Supervisor
CredentialsRelevant culinary certifications, management experienceFood safety certifications, culinary experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple kitchens or departments, strategic planningManages daily kitchen activities, supervises staff
Employer & IndustryHotels, restaurants, catering companiesRestaurants, institutional kitchens
Search & ComparisonOften compared for managerial roles in culinary settingsCommonly searched for operational oversight roles

The Culinary Operations Manager focuses on strategic management, overseeing multiple kitchens or departments, and ensuring overall operational success. In contrast, the Kitchen Supervisor handles daily kitchen activities and staff supervision. Both roles require culinary experience and certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a culinary operations manager do?

A culinary operations manager oversees the daily functions of a food service operation, including managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, controlling costs, and maintaining operational efficiency. They often coordinate with kitchen staff, implement policies, and may use management tools like inventory systems to ensure smooth restaurant or food service operations.

What is the role of a culinary operations manager in a food operation?

A culinary operations manager oversees the daily food service activities, including menu planning, staff management, quality control, and ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards. They coordinate kitchen operations, optimize efficiency, and may be involved in budgeting and training to maintain high culinary standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Operations jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Culinary Operations jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Culinary Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Culinary Operations Manager job openings:

Chef, Food Program

University of Utah

Campus, IL • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


University Of Utah rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 159 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Details
Open Date 08/07/2026 Requisition Number PRN17325N Job Title Chef, Food Program Working Title Chef, Food Program Career Progression Track D Track Level FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Type Non Benefited Staff / Student Temporary? No Standard Hours per Week up to 19 hours Full Time or Part Time? Part Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary Is this a work study job? No VP Area U of U Health - Academics Department 00200 - Nutrition & Integrative Physio Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range up to $20.00/hr DOE Close Date 11/07/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary
The University of Utah Metabolic Kitchen is seeking a skilled and passionate Chef to join its dynamic team. The Metabolic Kitchen is dedicated to supporting researchers in nutrition science, disease management, and related fields by providing precision nutrition through expert culinary services and resources. As a Chef in the Metabolic Kitchen, you will play a crucial role in meal production, procurement, and distribution, ensuring the highest standards of food quality and safety.
Candidates with less than 5 years of experience will be considered.
Responsibilities
Production: Participate in the preparation and cooking of meals in the professional kitchen, ensuring all dishes meet specified nutrition and quality standards.
Procurement: Participate in the sourcing and purchasing of ingredients, as advised by the culinary operations manager.
Distribution: Assist in the delivery of meals to research study participants, ensuring timely and accurate service according to visit dates and study protocols.
Secondary Responsibilities:
Data Entry: Accurately input data related to food procurement, inventory management, and meal production for record-keeping and analysis purposes.
Menu Development: Collaborate with registered dietitian and culinary operations manager to create customized menus and recipes that align with the nutritional needs of research study participants.
Recipe Testing: Conduct testing of new recipes to ensure taste, nutritional adequacy, and adherence to established protocols.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate's degree in food service, hotel/restaurant management or a related field, or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); five years of chef experience with two of these years in a progressively more responsible supervisory position in a large volume food service operation required. Current food service worker permit, and demonstrated human relation, effective communication, and computer literacy skills also required.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.
Preferences
Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience in a commercial kitchen setting.
Expertise in food safety regulations and best practices for food preparation, handling, and distribution.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with a team.
Experience working with dietary analysis software or similar tools.
Knowledge of nutrition principles and dietary needs related to health and disease management.
Background in clinical nutrition or experience collaborating with healthcare professionals in a research context.
Special Instructions Summary Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah NonDiscrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/
This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

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About University of Utah

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The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Salt Lake City, UT, US