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Development Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

REGIONAL CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $124K/yr

You will be responsible for the research, testing, development, documenting, training, implementing ... Orientates new Chefs within their respective Core Culinary Standards, and established food programs.

Compass Group

REGIONAL CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $124K/yr

You will be responsible for the research, testing, development, documenting, training, implementing ... Orientates new Chefs within their respective Core Culinary Standards, and established food programs.

Skokie Country Club

Sous Chef

Glencoe, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Benefits: * Training & development * Company parties * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Competitive ... The Sous Chef is responsible to assist the Executive Chef for the overall kitchen operation ...

Comida

Chef

Evanston, IL · On-site

$69K/yr

... development/refinement, ordering, food costing, scheduling, hiring and training of kitchen staff and other operational components. $69,000 or higher depending on experience plus bonus and equity.

Goodwin Recruiting

Resort Sous Chef

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Resort Sous Chef Join a wonderful resort destination where you'll have the opportunity to lead a ... Ongoing leadership and culinary development through company training programs * Scholarship ...

Compass Corporate

REGIONAL CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $124K/yr

You will be responsible for the research, testing, development, documenting, training, implementing ... Orientates new Chefs within their respective Core Culinary Standards, and established food programs.

Compass Group

REGIONAL CHEF

Chicago, IL

$114K - $124K/yr

You will be responsible for the research, testing, development, documenting, training, implementing ... Orientates new Chefs within their respective Core Culinary Standards, and established food programs.

Goodwin Recruiting

Chef De Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Continuing education and professional development opportunities * Complimentary dry cleaning for chef uniforms * Paid vacation, holidays, and personal time * Dining privileges and employee wellness ...

ClubCorp

Banquet Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

This role focuses exclusively on banquet services, with duties that include menu development, food ... The Banquet Chef works closely with the Executive Chef and event staff to ensure the highest ...

Invited Clubs

Banquet Chef

Chicago, IL

This role focuses exclusively on banquet services, with duties that include menu development, food ... The Banquet Chef works closely with the Executive Chef and event staff to ensure the highest ...

Invited

Banquet Chef

Chicago, IL

This role focuses exclusively on banquet services, with duties that include menu development, food ... The Banquet Chef works closely with the Executive Chef and event staff to ensure the highest ...

Topography Hospitality-The Lake

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$75K - $85K/yr

The Lake will be Topography's first property to open, with additional projects in development ... Chef- and craft-driven, not formulaic * Technically excellent, yet warm and human * Consistently ...

Skokie Country Club

Sous Chef

Glencoe, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Benefits: * Training & development * Company parties * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Competitive ... The Sous Chef is responsible to assist the Executive Chef for the overall kitchen operation ...

Hawksmoor - Chicago

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$75K - $80K/yr

Sous Chef - Hawksmoor Chicago Chicago is the historical powerhouse of American beef, and when ... Taking part in menu development and tastings * Efficiency of services/kitchen * Product and service ...

Jibek Jolu

Chef

Glenview, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

We are seeking a talented and motivated Chef to lead our Back of House (BOH) operations and drive ... Room for professional growth and development. How to Apply: If you're passionate about culinary ...

Avli - Lakeshore East

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$62K - $70K/yr

As a Sous Chef at Avli, you will be instrumental in driving culinary excellence and leading our ... Team Development: Hire, train, and develop a high-performing kitchen team. Provide ongoing coaching ...

Venteux

Sous Chef - Venteux

Chicago, IL

$60K - $65K/yr

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Assist Executive Chef to plan, direct, oversee the restaurant's kitchen ... Training, Development, and Management of Kitchen Staff. • Train and educate staff on food ...

Mariscos San Pedro

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

As a Sous Chef at Mariscos San Pedro, you will play a pivotal role in maintaining our high ... and development. * Manage inventory, order supplies, and ensure efficient use of resources to ...

Clique Hospitality L.L.C.

Sous Chef - Venteux

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Assist Executive Chef to plan, direct, oversee the restaurant's kitchen ... Training, Development, and Management of Kitchen Staff. • Train and educate staff on food ...

Venteux

Sous Chef - Venteux

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Assist Executive Chef to plan, direct, oversee the restaurant's kitchen ... Training, Development, and Management of Kitchen Staff. Train and educate staff on food preparation ...

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All JobsDevelopment Chef JobsDevelopment Chef Jobs in Illinois

Development Chef information

See Illinois salary details

$32K

$75K

$128.9K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in Illinois is $75,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $87,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Development Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectDevelopment ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, culinary certificationsCulinary degree, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch and development kitchens, innovation labsRestaurant kitchens, food service establishments
Employer & IndustryFood companies, product development firmsHotels, restaurants, catering services
Primary FocusCreating new recipes, product developmentManaging kitchen operations, preparing dishes

The main difference between a Development Chef and a Sous Chef lies in their focus and work environment. Development Chefs primarily work in research and development settings, creating new recipes and food products, while Sous Chefs are hands-on kitchen leaders managing daily kitchen operations in restaurants or hotels. Both roles require culinary credentials, but their responsibilities and workplaces differ significantly.

How does a Development Chef collaborate with other departments to create new menu items?

A Development Chef works closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, procurement, and operations, to develop innovative menu items that align with brand objectives and operational capabilities. This often involves conducting taste panels, sourcing new ingredients, and ensuring recipes are scalable for production. Regular communication and collaboration with these departments are essential to ensure that new dishes meet cost, quality, and consistency standards before being rolled out to restaurants or retail outlets.

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

To thrive as a Development Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, creativity in recipe development, and a solid understanding of food safety regulations, often supported by formal culinary training and relevant certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food production management systems, and nutritional analysis software is typically expected. Strong project management, collaboration, and communication skills set outstanding Development Chefs apart. These abilities ensure innovative yet practical menu concepts that meet business goals and delight customers.

What is a Development Chef?

A Development Chef is a culinary professional who specializes in creating and testing new recipes, food products, and menu items for restaurants, food manufacturers, or catering businesses. They blend creativity with technical expertise to innovate dishes that meet specific market trends, dietary requirements, and brand standards. Development Chefs often work closely with food technologists, marketing teams, and suppliers to ensure new products are both delicious and commercially viable. Their work may involve research, taste testing, and refining recipes to achieve the best possible result for consumers.
What are popular job titles related to Development Chef jobs in Illinois? For Development Chef jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Chef jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Development Chef jobs in Illinois are:
Development Chef jobs near you
REGIONAL CHEF

REGIONAL CHEF

Compass Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

$114K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,077 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 451 rated business services

Job description

Salary: $114,000.00 - $124,000.00
Other Forms of Compensation: 20% Annual Bonus
Pay Grade: ((payGrade_obj))
A family of companies and experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you've been hungry and away from home, chances are you've tasted Compass Group's delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
Job Summary
Job Summary:
Working as the Regional Chef you will work with leadership team in planning, implementing and supporting new food concepts or programs within a respective territory. You will be responsible for the research, testing, development, documenting, training, implementing, monitoring, evaluating and making necessary adjustments to innovative new dishes, concepts and/or food programs. This position will play a key role in new facility design and roll out, menu creation, cost reduction, establishing and maintaining culinary standards and more.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Orientates new Chefs within their respective Core Culinary Standards, and established food programs.
  • Maintains all Culinary Programs and Standards in their home account to the level of Culinary Center for Excellence.
  • Provides support for new account openings and or renovations within the territory.
  • Provides Culinary Leadership to Chefs within the respective Territory.
  • Assists with training, coaching, and development of Culinary personnel within assigned territory.
  • Completes all required reports, logs, and Core Culinary Reviews in a timely manner.
  • Communicates effectively with Corporate Executive Chef, Regional Director of Operations, and unit level Chefs via email, conference calls, etc.
  • Reads and complies with all policies and procedures of the Company as appropriate.
  • Projects and practices consistent ownership attributes, which provide a high level of quality and service at all points of contact.
  • Is comfortable and familiar preparing food in a regulatory environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Culinary Arts Degree from a recognized Culinary school (i.e. CIA, Johnson and Wales) or equivalent experience
  • Five years of progressive food service production management experience
  • Previous multi-unit experience preferred
  • Serv-Safe Certification
  • Must be computer literate able to utilize Microsoft Office Suite and Webtrition Software packages
  • This position will require 75% travel
  • Certified Executive Chef an added plus!

Apply to Compass Group today!
Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story
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. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

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_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1526390
Compass Corporate
Steven Goldberg
((req_classification))

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