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Development Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Nbutexas

Hotel Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Creative menu development and seasonal innovation * Strong leadership and development of Sous Chefs and culinary teams * Hands‑on knowledge of food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and menu ...

Coma Coffee Roasters

Sous Chef

Edwardsville, IL · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Collaborate with the Executive Chef on quarterly menu development, features, and seasonal offerings. * Ensure proper product rotation, storage, and inventory control to minimize waste. * Maintain ...

BLUE PLATE CATERING LTD

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Leadership & Team Development Serve as the second-in-command to the Executive Chef, overseeing daily kitchen operations and ensuring smooth execution in their absence. Lead, mentor, and develop the ...

Gecko Hospitality

Hotel Sous Chef

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

This individual should be passionate about hospitality, food presentation, team development, and delivering an exceptional guest experience. Key Responsibilities * Assist the Executive Chef with the ...

Blue Plate Catering

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Leadership & Team Development * Serve as the second-in-command to the Executive Chef, overseeing daily kitchen operations and ensuring smooth execution in their absence. * Lead, mentor, and develop ...

Goodwin Recruiting

Restaurant Sous Chef

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Ongoing leadership and culinary development through company training programs * Scholarship opportunities and career advancement pathways * Employee referral bonuses Restaurant Chef Requirements ...

New

DineAmic Hospitality

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

... continuous learning and development * Identify, address and document individual employee ... Manage Sous Chefs and ensure they are properly supervising kitchen staff and following all ...

Blue Plate Catering

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

Leadership & Team Development • Serve as the second-in-command to the Executive Chef, overseeing daily kitchen operations and ensuring smooth execution in their absence. • Lead, mentor, and ...

Koch Industries

Business Development Manager

Lisle, IL · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Proven experience in business development, sales, or account management * Strong understanding of ... At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ...

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 ...

QUEST FOOD MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC

Chef Manager

Dixon, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

We support professional growth through training, development and access to highly visible leadership. Position Summary The Chef Manager position will assist in overseeing the cafeteria and catering ...

Invited

Banquet Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

Air-Culinaire-Worldwide

Executive Chef

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... development. The Kitchen Manager/Executive Chef must have an excellent driving record and valid ... driver's license, and be able to pass a FAA on-ramp security clearance and pre-employment and ...

Topography Hospitality, LLC

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $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 ...

Hawksmoor - Chicago

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 12, 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a development chef?

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.

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 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.

What do development chefs do?

Development chefs create and test new recipes, menu items, and food products for restaurants, food companies, or manufacturers. They often work in test kitchens, collaborate with culinary teams, and use their knowledge of ingredients, food trends, and food safety standards to innovate and improve offerings.

What is a typical day for a development chef?

A development chef's day involves creating and testing new recipes, developing product concepts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as marketing and production. They often work in a kitchen or laboratory environment, utilizing culinary skills, food science knowledge, and sometimes specialized tools or software to refine products and ensure quality standards.

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
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,040 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Hotel Executive Chef

Chicago, IL • On-site

Nbutexas
See more jobs at Nbutexasexternal

$100K - $130K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

A distinctive upscale boutique hotel is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead a diverse, multi-outlet culinary operation.

This is an opportunity for a chef who wants more than simply executing someone else's playbook. You will have the autonomy to shape the culinary vision, develop menus, elevate the guest experience, build strong teams, and put your own stamp on the property.

The Executive Chef will oversee multiple culinary experiences, including upscale dining, lounge and café operations, in-room dining, weddings, banquets, catering, and special events.

What We're Looking For
  • 5+ years of Executive Chef experience in an upscale, luxury, boutique, resort, or full-service hotel
  • Proven leadership across multiple culinary outlets
  • Strong banquet, wedding, and catering experience
  • Scratch-cooking and upscale restaurant background
  • Creative menu development and seasonal innovation
  • Strong leadership and development of Sous Chefs and culinary teams
  • Hands‑on knowledge of food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and menu engineering
  • Ability to balance creativity with consistency, profitability, and operational discipline
  • Italian culinary experience is a plus

The right chef is both a culinary leader and a business operator — someone who enjoys creating exceptional food while developing people, protecting standards, and owning the numbers.

Compensation & Benefits
  • $100,000–$130,000 base salary
  • Annual bonus opportunity
  • Medical, Dental & Vision
  • 401(k) with company match
  • PTO and paid holidays
  • Hotel and restaurant discounts
  • Additional employer-paid and voluntary benefits

JOB ID: 180208#post

Melissa Driza

#J-18808-Ljbffr

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