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

CATERING SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... managing account expenditures. * Ensure proper food safety, sanitation, storage, and kitchen procedures are followed. * Support the rollout of new culinary programs and initiatives in partnership ...

CATERING SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... managing account expenditures. * Ensure proper food safety, sanitation, storage, and kitchen procedures are followed. * Support the rollout of new culinary programs and initiatives in partnership ...

CATERING SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... managing account expenditures. * Ensure proper food safety, sanitation, storage, and kitchen procedures are followed. * Support the rollout of new culinary programs and initiatives in partnership ...

Sous Chef

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

At least 2 years of Culinary Management experience in an upscale / fine dining establishment ... Graduate of an accredited culinary program is a plus EOE Pay Range USD $65,000.00 - USD $70,000.00 ...

Sous Chef

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

At least 2 years of Culinary Management experience in an upscale / fine dining establishment ... Graduate of an accredited culinary program is a plus EOE Pay Range USD $65,000.00 - USD $70,000.00 ...

Our culinary program explores the vibrant flavors of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and ... RESTAURANT OPERATIONS MANAGER! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Restaurant ...

Our culinary program explores the vibrant flavors of Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and ... RESTAURANT OPERATIONS MANAGER! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Restaurant ...

... or culinary program curriculum; or equivalent combination of education and experience * Proven ability to manage financial performance, including labor and food costs, inventory controls, and ...

New

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

... or culinary program curriculum; or equivalent combination of education and experience * Proven ability to manage financial performance, including labor and food costs, inventory controls, and ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

... or culinary program curriculum; or equivalent combination of education and experience * Proven ability to manage financial performance, including labor and food costs, inventory controls, and ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

CATERING SOUS CHEF

Compass Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,099 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Salary: $80000 - $85000 / year

What makes FLIK click


What makes FLIK click? Our people. The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value and recognize their contributions.
 

We keep our people renewed, excited and engaged by providing hands-on training and educating them about the latest trends. We give them a stake in successfully raising the bar. Our people love what they do and they love sharing their passion. Join our team and see the FLIK difference. Where a job isn’t merely a job but the start of a career where you can flourish.

Job Summary

As the Catering Sous Chef, you will play a key role in the successful operation of the culinary program. Working closely with the Executive Chef, you’ll help lead daily kitchen operations, develop menus, oversee food production, and ensure exceptional standards for quality, presentation, and service.

This is a great opportunity for an energetic, hands-on culinary professional who enjoys a fast-paced environment, developing teams, and bringing new ideas to the kitchen.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Executive Chef with daily culinary operations and overall kitchen management.
  • Supervise and support culinary associates while maintaining high standards for quality and productivity.
  • Assist with menu planning, development, preparation, and presentation.
  • Prepare and execute high-quality food for daily dining and catering events.
  • Assist with ordering, inventory, food cost control, and managing account expenditures.
  • Ensure proper food safety, sanitation, storage, and kitchen procedures are followed.
  • Support the rollout of new culinary programs and initiatives in partnership with company culinary and marketing teams.
  • Train, coach, and develop culinary team members.
  • Participate in client satisfaction initiatives and maintain strong service standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional experience.
  • Previous culinary or kitchen management experience.
  • High-volume, complex foodservice experience strongly preferred.
  • Catering and institutional/batch cooking experience a plus.
  • Strong knowledge of food trends, production, presentation, sanitation, and food cost controls.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, email, and internet applications.
  • ServSafe certification highly desirable.
  • Passion for quality, culinary creativity, and exceptional hospitality.

Apply to Flik today!

Flik is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

 

Associates at Flik Hospitality are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. 

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FlikHospitality.pdf 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

Flik maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1552596

Flik Hospitality Group 

Kristan McIntosh 

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