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Culinary Professional Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Culinary Services Lead

Madison, WI · On-site

$19.59 - $24.01/hr

Lead and motivate a team of culinary professionals, providing guidance and support to ensure a positive work environment. * Monitor and control food costs, ensuring efficient use of resources and ...

Head Chef

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$20/hr

Hi-Way Harrys, Johnson Creek, WI 53038 If you are a motivated culinary professional ready to lead with passion and creativity, apply now to become our Head Chef and make a delicious impact! Hi-Way ...

Culinary Services Lead

Madison, WI · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

We are seeking a Culinary Services Lead to: Provide exemplary customer service while working with ... Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for ...

We are seeking a Culinary Assistant who: * Prioritizes patient care above all other duties ... Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for ...

We are seeking a Culinary Assistant who: * Prioritizes patient care above all other duties ... Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for ...

Culinary Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

$18.50 - $21.21/hr

We are seeking a Culinary Assistant who: * Prioritizes patient care above all other duties ... Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for ...

We are seeking a Culinary Assistant who: * Prioritizes patient care above all other duties ... Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for ...

We are seeking a Culinary Assistant who: * Prioritizes patient care above all other duties ... Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for ...

Culinary Assistant

Madison, WI · On-site

$18.50 - $21.21/hr

We are seeking a Culinary Assistant who: * Prioritizes patient care above all other duties ... Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth by helping pay for ...

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Culinary Professional information

See Madison, WI salary details

$10

$18

$29

How much do culinary professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary professional in Madison, WI is $18.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is an individual trained in the art and science of preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include chefs, cooks, bakers, and others working in restaurants, hotels, catering, or other food service establishments. Culinary professionals are skilled in a variety of cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen management, and menu planning. They often work in fast-paced environments, requiring creativity, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Many pursue formal education at culinary schools, while others gain experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges culinary professionals face in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often navigate challenges such as time management, maintaining consistency under pressure, and adapting to last-minute menu changes. Working in a bustling kitchen requires effective communication with team members and the ability to multitask without compromising food quality or safety standards. Additionally, long hours and physically demanding tasks are common, so resilience and a passion for the craft are essential for success and growth in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a culinary professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Culinary Professional, you need a solid foundation in cooking techniques, food safety, and menu planning, typically supported by a culinary arts degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies ensure consistently high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and exceptional dining experiences for guests.

What is the difference between Culinary Professional vs Chef?

AspectCulinary ProfessionalChef
CredentialsOften includes culinary certifications, food safety, and hospitality trainingTypically requires culinary school, apprenticeships, and culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, hospitality industryProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly for food service roles in hospitality and cateringSpecific to kitchen leadership and culinary arts

The term "Culinary Professional" encompasses a wide range of food service roles, including cooks, food prep staff, and kitchen assistants, often with various certifications. A "Chef" is a specialized culinary professional who typically has formal culinary training and leads kitchen operations. While all chefs are culinary professionals, not all culinary professionals are chefs. The main difference lies in the scope of responsibilities and level of specialization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Culinary Professional jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Culinary Professional job openings:

Director of Culinary Services

Ciel Huntington LLC

Janesville, WI

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee all culinary operations, including menu development, kitchen management, and food quality.

  • Coordinate staffing activities such as posting open positions, scheduling interviews, onboarding, training, and performance management of culinary team members.

  • Manage menu planning, including developing menus, conducting resident food committee meetings, and ensuring dietary needs are met while controlling costs.


Job description

Description

POSITION: Director of Culinary

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

FLSA: Exempt

OUR MISSION: We are united in our mission to offer seniors an elevated way of life, where comfort, connection, and joy thrive.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking an experienced and creative culinary professional to lead our culinary team as the director of culinary. And with the creative force behind her culinary offerings, it will play a key role in shaping our menu, culinary standards, and ensuring exceptional dining experience for our residents and family members. The director of culinary will oversee all culinary operations, including menu development, kitchen management, and food quality. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Staffing

  • Coordinate with Business Office Director to post open positions, schedule interviews, and make hiring decisions in conjunction with Executive Director. 
  • Ensure that supervisors and hourly team members maintain a safe and sanitary environment, in addition to providing a nurturing and pleasurable dining experience. 
  • Onboard and train all team members in the Culinary Department, ensuring that any state and company-mandated training is completed in a timely manner and documented properly. 
  • Deliver coaching, motivation, and performance improvement plans on an as-needed basis to culinary team members. 
  • Communicate with team members any pertinent information regarding the company, building, and residents. 
  • Develop and maintain schedules for both front of house and back of house team members. Work with leads to ensure schedules meet budgets and provide the level of food quality and service outlined for our residents. 

Menu Planning 

  • Communicate with line cooks to develop and maintain a pleasing and nutritious menu. 
  • Conduct monthly Food Committee meetings with community residents to plan for specials and additional menu modifications, ensuring that community preferences are incorporated into menus and events. 
  • Cost out menu options to ensure expected budget is met.
  • Understand dietary needs of residents and coordinate with dieticians, nursing staff, and care managers to ensure proper selection, preparation, and delivery of meals. 

Budget Management 

  • Understand all aspects of the culinary operating and staffing budget and ensure that financial goals are met. 
  • Meet with Executive Director weekly to update them on departmental spend and events.
  • During budget season, assist Executive Director in planning next year expenditures in staffing and non-labor expenses. In addition, create 5-year capital expense forecast to monitor kitchen equipment needs. 
  • Approve food orders from selected food vendors and ensure a proper level of inventory to meet demand and minimize waste and cost. 

Compliance 

  • Comply with all local, state, and/or federal licensing requirements, rules, regulations, OSHA, and company requirements. 

 Collaboration 

  • Work a variety of shifts on an as-needed basis. Must be willing and able to cook and serve shifts to ensure staffing needs are met. Routinely work different shifts for quality control, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 
  • Consult with Enrichment Director, Sales Director and Executive Director to determine ways in which Culinary can elevate services in their functional areas of the community. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Culinary degree is preferred. 
  • A minimum of eight years of progressive experience in the food service industry with at least three of those years in a responsible supervisory role of preparing food and serving customers. Experience to include management of food inventories and budgets. 
  • Experience in senior living or healthcare a plus.
  • Current ServSafe Certification preferred. Obtain or hold any county and/or state required food handling/sanitation licenses or certificates. 
  • Good understanding of Excel and online food service ordering platforms. 
  • A strong communicator and proven manager who can work with a wide range and number of team members.
  • Extensive knowledge of 24/7 food service preparations and federal, state, and local regulations regarding safety of food preparation and handling.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Walk/Stand - must be able to continuously walk and stand. 
  • Environment Condition - must be able to perform work both inside and outside 
  • Sit - sit infrequently 
  • Lift - constantly 0-10 pounds, frequently 11 - 50 pounds, occasionally 51 - 100 pounds 
  • Carry - constantly 0-10 pounds, frequently 11 - 50 pounds, occasionally 51 - 100 pounds 
  • Push - constantly 0-10 pounds, frequently 11 - 50 pounds, occasionally 51 - 100 pounds 
  • Climb - must be able to climb stairs on a frequent basis, with the opportunity to utilize the elevator as an alternate resource if available 
  • Bend - must be able to bend at the waist, knees, hips and spine on a frequent basis; may require frequently manipulating weights of 25 pounds or more. 
  • Squat - must be able to squat on a frequent basis to reach below the knee, may require lifting of 50 pounds or less. 
  • Twist or rotate - must be able to twist or rotate occasionally at the trunk, hips, knees, and neck, manipulating weights of 25 pounds or more. 
  • Reach- must be able to reach on a frequent basis. May occasionally reach overhead, requiring manipulation of weight of 10 pounds or less, and below waist manipulating weight of 25 pounds or more. 
  • Sensory Vision - must be able to read clearly with or without corrective lenses 
  • Hear - Must be able to hear telephone, audible alarms, bells and signals related to resident safety with or without hearing devices. 
  • Must be able to taste and smell.
  • Speech/Language - must have strong command of English sufficient to read and write and interpret administration information.Â