1

Culinary Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

This role supports the culinary program, drives sales, delivers a #bestincenter customer experience, a company-wide standard for excellence in service, and helps build and manage a high-performing ...

Culinary Lead (Sur La Table)

Naperville, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

This role supports the culinary program, drives sales, delivers a #bestincenter customer experience, a company-wide standard for excellence in service, and helps build and manage a high-performing ...

Culinary Lead (Sur La Table)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $22.34/hr

This role supports the culinary program, drives sales, delivers a #bestincenter customer experience, a company-wide standard for excellence in service, and helps build and manage a high-performing ...

Culinary Lead (Sur La Table)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

This role supports the culinary program, drives sales, delivers a #bestincenter customer experience, a company-wide standard for excellence in service, and helps build and manage a high-performing ...

Kitchen Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

As a Kitchen Manager you'll take charge of food production, staff management, and menu development ... With us, you'll have the opportunity to shape a culinary program that excites guests and sets ...

As a Kitchen Manager you'll take charge of food production, staff management, and menu development ... With us, you'll have the opportunity to shape a culinary program that excites guests and sets ...

Kitchen Manager

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

As a Kitchen Manager you'll take charge of food production, staff management, and menu development ... With us, you'll have the opportunity to shape a culinary program that excites guests and sets ...

Kitchen Manager

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

As a Kitchen Manager you'll take charge of food production, staff management, and menu development ... With us, you'll have the opportunity to shape a culinary program that excites guests and sets ...

Kitchen Manager

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

As a Kitchen Manager you'll take charge of food production, staff management, and menu development ... With us, you'll have the opportunity to shape a culinary program that excites guests and sets ...

Kitchen Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

As a Kitchen Manager you'll take charge of food production, staff management, and menu development ... With us, you'll have the opportunity to shape a culinary program that excites guests and sets ...

As a Kitchen Manager you'll take charge of food production, staff management, and menu development ... With us, you'll have the opportunity to shape a culinary program that excites guests and sets ...

Kitchen Manager

Aurora, IL · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

As a Kitchen Manager you'll take charge of food production, staff management, and menu development ... With us, you'll have the opportunity to shape a culinary program that excites guests and sets ...

Kitchen Manager

Glendale Heights, IL · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

As a Kitchen Manager you'll take charge of food production, staff management, and menu development ... With us, you'll have the opportunity to shape a culinary program that excites guests and sets ...

Kitchen Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$62K - $65K/yr

As a Kitchen Manager you'll take charge of food production, staff management, and menu development ... With us, you'll have the opportunity to shape a culinary program that excites guests and sets ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Culinary Program Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$24.7K

$88.8K

$162.8K

How much do culinary program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary program manager in Chicago, IL is $88,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $140,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by culinary program managers, and how can they be addressed?

Culinary Program Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing budget constraints with the desire to deliver high-quality, innovative culinary experiences. They must also coordinate schedules and resources across multiple teams, including chefs, vendors, and event staff. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and flexibility are key to successfully navigating these challenges. Building strong vendor relationships and staying current with culinary trends can further enhance program quality while keeping costs in check.

What is a culinary program manager?

Culinary Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating culinary programs, often within educational institutions, corporations, or hospitality organizations. They manage curriculum development, training, budgeting, and events related to culinary arts. Their role includes collaborating with chefs, instructors, and vendors to ensure high-quality food education and experiences. Culinary Program Managers also monitor program effectiveness and implement improvements to meet organizational goals.

What is the difference between Culinary Program Manager vs Culinary Instructor?

AspectCulinary Program ManagerCulinary Instructor
CredentialsRelevant culinary certifications, management experienceCooking certifications, teaching credentials
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, culinary schools, corporate trainingClassrooms, culinary schools, training centers
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, culinary programs, hospitality industryCooking schools, vocational institutes, culinary colleges
Search & Comparison IntentManaging culinary programs, curriculum development, overseeing operationsTeaching culinary skills, lesson planning, student assessment

The Culinary Program Manager focuses on overseeing culinary programs, managing staff, and ensuring program success, while the Culinary Instructor primarily teaches cooking skills and curriculum to students. Both roles require culinary knowledge, but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Program Manager, you need a solid background in culinary arts, experience in kitchen operations, and a degree in culinary management or a related field. Familiarity with menu planning software, inventory management systems, and relevant food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills are essential for managing teams and coordinating multiple culinary projects. These competencies ensure programs run efficiently, food quality and safety standards are met, and team performance is optimized.
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Culinary Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

$17.05 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 87 rated restaurants


Job description

Overview

CULINARY EXTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Join Lettuce Entertain You as a Culinary Extern to gain practical culinary experience in a Lettuce kitchen! Any experience with French or Italian cuisine is a big plus.

  • Required: One full year of practical experience OR current enrollment in a culinary program 
  • This is a paid opportunity, running 10-16 weeks (any extensions are at the sole discretion of the Chef and General Manager)

  • Externs will be placed in a restaurant concept and hourly role that correlates with their skill level

Externs are responsible for their own housing and transportation.Please email mbanovic@lettuce.com with any questions.

Why Work With Lettuce? 

Lettuce is a culinary-driven restaurant company with a genuine commitment to our people: we welcome unique perspectives and nurture diverse talents at 130+ locations, supported by our Culture of Caring. If you're ready to be a part of what we do next, then explore your possibilities at Lettuce and apply today!We participate in E-Verify / Participamos en E-Verify

Responsibilities
  • Perform essential functions and key responsibilities listed in hourly job description (e.g., host, server, runner, busser, cook, etc.) for the assigned role determined by intern's supervising manager at designated restaurant location
  • Safely and effectively use and operate all necessary tools and equipment
  • Work a variety of days and shifts including weekends and nights
  • Effectively communicate in order to perform and follow job requirements in written and spoken direction
  • Multitask calmly and effectively in a busy, stressful environment
  • Work in a confined, crowded space of variable light, noise and temperature levels
  • Ability to move and lift up to 10 pounds, frequently move and/or lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally move and/or lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to sit or stand for an entire shift and move safely through all areas of the restaurant, which may include stairs, uneven or slick surfaces
Qualifications
  • Possess one full year of practical experience OR current enrollment in a culinary program 
Salary RangeUSD $17.05 - USD $20.00 /Hr.Employment Type: INTERN

What Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom