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Development Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

At Soho House a Sous Chef is motivated to positively influence the kitchen team to follow the ... Support "Cook House" education and training demos, trips and on the job staff development to ensure ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$69K - $74K/yr

At Soho House a Sous Chef is motivated to positively influence the kitchen team to follow the ... Support "Cook House" education and training demos, trips and on the job staff development to ensure ...

Sous Chef

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Assists with menu planning and development and ordering of food supplies * Prepare and cook meals to order * Responsible for managing the culinary department in absence of the Executive Chef * Assist ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Sous Chef

Libertyville, IL

$48K - $65K/yr

Assists with menu planning and development and ordering of food supplies * Prepare and cook meals to order * Responsible for managing the culinary department in absence of the Executive Chef * Assist ...

Sous Chef

Libertyville, IL · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Assists with menu planning and development and ordering of food supplies * Prepare and cook meals to order * Responsible for managing the culinary department in absence of the Executive Chef * Assist ...

Sous Chef- Chicago

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chef - Join Our Culinary Leadership Team At Legal Sea Foods, our passion for fresh ... A commitment to excellence in both food and team development What We Offer * Competitive ...

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 ...

New

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 ...

Sous Chef- Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef - Join Our Culinary Leadership Team At Legal Sea Foods, our passion for fresh ... A commitment to excellence in both food and team development What We Offer * Competitive ...

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 ...

Executive Chef

Naperville, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef - Upscale Steakhouse | Naperville, IL Salary: Up to $85,000 + Performance Bonus ... Career Growth & Leadership Development * A stable, respected restaurant group Company Description ...

Sushi Chef - Roka Akor Chicago Location: Chicago, IL Position: Full-Time Roka Akor is seeking a ... Supportive leadership and professional development * Employee dining benefits * The opportunity to ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $73K/yr

Continually working through R&D process with the Executive Chef to further dishes on the menu Qualifications: * Steakhouse experience appreciated, but not required * 2-3 years of experience in a Sous ...

Corporate Chef

Glenview, IL · On-site

$104K - $130K/yr

As the Corporate Chef- Non-Commercial Accounts, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and ... Provide on-site consultations, engaging in menu concept development, tastings, and culinary ...

Showing results 21-40

Development Chef information

See Illinois salary details

$32K

$75K

$128.9K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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?

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:
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 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,040 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

$51K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

The role…

At Soho House a Sous Chef is motivated to positively influence the kitchen team to follow the direction of Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef in planning, organizing and managing the Kitchen Department according to company policies and state standards. As the Sous Chef, your duties will include recruiting and training new employees, adhering to allergy procedure and food preferences as well as working with the Executive Chef on developing new menu options.

A successful Sous Chef is a strong communicator, organized and showcases in-depth knowledge of various cuisines, stations on the line, cooking styles, ingredients, equipment and processes. We hope that you’re a operationally creative professional with strong leadership and management experience looking to share their passion for food by delivering an experience through the dishes they create.

Main Duties

  • Lead by example and alongside the Executive Chef to deliver effective and efficient dining experiences by overseeing the back of house (BOH) operation, staffing, food production, accommodating special request, dietary restrictions and following allergy procedure
  • Maintain Health and Safety standards set by Soho House, local and regional government
  • Establish professional relationships with the team and provide educational opportunities to teach and develop skills and on other areas of the business 
  • Support “Cook House” education and training demos, trips and on the job staff development to ensure safe work habits and proper process as well as procedure if encountered with a dangerous or unsafe situation
  • Influence process to run an effective and efficient kitchen while maintaining the highest food quality and controls for all dishes served
  • Manage staff schedules, payroll, kitchen set up / break down, production, prep is completed and staff wear proper uniform as well as disciplinary procedures are followed when applicable
  • Instill teamwork and synergy exists between the front and back of house staff through proper communication and delegate tasks and staff tasks to ensure smooth service and kitchen operations
  • Instill teamwork and synergy exists between the front and back of house staff through proper communication and delegate tasks and staff tasks to ensure smooth service and kitchen operations

Required Skills/Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 3-4+ years’ experience working in a similar volume-based business that represents global culture and consistent, approachable and elevated dishes
  • Culinary trained and professional who is passionate and curious to develop and grow as a Chef
  • Experienced managing P&L’s, labor, purchasing, vendors and quality control while providing results in revenue
  • Must possess consistent and stabile work experience & encompass the desire to operationally support the business as an individual contributor and leader
  • Must encompass Food Serve Safe certification and have experienced with local sanitation regulations
  • Well-versed and timely email etiquette as well as written and verbal communication
  • Experienced in training and leading team as well as production of large quantity food; preparation and excellent knowledge of quality food operations
  • High school diploma or equivalent trade school certification

Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to seize, grasp, turn and hold objects with hands.
  • Must be able to work on your feet for at least 8 hours.
  • Fast paced movements are required to go from one part of the club to others.
  • Must be able to move, pull, carry, or lift at least 40 pounds.
  • Occasionally kneel, bend, crouch and climb as required.

Why work with us...

Soho House offers competitive compensation packages that feature global benefits and perks. Whether you’re seeking entry-level employment or a new opportunity to expand your profession, we offer training to develop the technical and managerial skills necessary to enhance your career.

  • Health Care + 401K: Full time employees are eligible for full benefits; Medical, Dental & Vision as well as Retirement fund with a 2% match
  • Paid Time Off: Full- Time Employees have sick day's + vacation days
  • Career Development: Soho House can progress your career domestically or internationally as well as managerially or technically
  • Soho Impact: Empowering the Soho House Community to make positive change, through mentoring, apprenticeship, local outreach and sustainability
  • Learning & Development: An extensive range of internally and externally run courses are available for all employees.
  • Cookhouse & House Tonic: Celebrating our passion for food and drink. Check out our monthly calendars and get involved in trips, training's and events. Available to all.
  • Team Events: From fitness sessions to cinema screenings and art classes, each month we hold a series of fun events which you can sign up to.
  • Team Meal: Whilst on duty in our Houses & Restaurants you will be provided with a substantial meal free of charge.