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Development Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Gecko Hospitality

Banquet Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Banquet Chef on menu development, seasonal offerings, and custom requests for events. * Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, building a skilled and motivated ...

QUEENSIDE HOSPITALITY LLC

Executive Chef

Matteson, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

The Executive Chef will oversee multiple Food & Beverage concepts, including the Applebee's kitchen ... The ideal candidate is a strong culinary leader with banquet expertise, menu-development experience ...

Park Hyatt Chicago

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$63K - $78K/yr

Team Development : Support and develop the culinary team through hands-on training, coaching ... Collaborate with the Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Food & Beverage leadership, and hotel ...

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$63K - $78K/yr

THE ROLE: As Sous Chef , you will serve as a key culinary leader and brand ambassador for Park ... Team Development : Support and develop the culinary team through hands-on training, coaching ...

Invited

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

... a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen. You will ... development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position requires ...

Invited Clubs

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen ... development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position requires ...

Doughboy Restaurant Group

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

The Executive Chef will play a key role in supporting daily food operations, ensuring guest leave ... Focus on continuous development and growth, working with your team to deliver exceptional guest ...

The Alston

Event Chef

Chicago, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

Support menu development for private events, tastings, and custom guest requests as directed by the Executive Chef * Comply with nutrition and allergy regulations and standards, including managing ...

ClubCorp

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen ... development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position requires ...

Perry's Restaurants

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

Outstanding training and development programs * Advancement and growth opportunities * Insurance ... A dynamic work environment based upon professionalism, respect and teamwork The Sous Chef position ...

Skokie Country Club

$75K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible to assist the Executive Chef for the overall kitchen operation ... Experience with menu planning, recipe development, and seasonal menu adjustments * Skilled in ...

Perry's Restaurants

Sous Chef

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

Outstanding training and development programs * Advancement and growth opportunities * Insurance ... A dynamic work environment based upon professionalism, respect and teamwork The Sous Chef position ...

Skokie Country Club

Sous Chef

Glencoe, IL

$75K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible to assist the Executive Chef for the overall kitchen operation ... Experience with menu planning, recipe development, and seasonal menu adjustments * Skilled in ...

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille

Sous Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

Outstanding training and development programs * Advancement and growth opportunities * Insurance ... A dynamic work environment based upon professionalism, respect and teamwork The Sous Chef position ...

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille

Sous Chef

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$65K/yr

Outstanding training and development programs * Advancement and growth opportunities * Insurance ... A dynamic work environment based upon professionalism, respect and teamwork The Sous Chef position ...

Coda Di Volpe

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

Opportunities for professional growth and development * A supportive and inclusive work environment ... Qualifications: * Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar culinary ...

Kings Bowl of Rosemont

Executive Chef

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... training, development, and follow up * Achieve or exceed budgeted labor and other cost centers ... Executive Chef Requirements: * At least 5 years of Culinary Management experience, with at least 2 ...

Jobs on Cash

Executive Chef

Naperville, IL · On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

Job Title: Executive Chef Location: Naperville IL Employment Type: Full-time Responsibilities ... Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen team, ensuring effective training and development of all staff.

DineAmic Hospitality

Sous Chef - Lyra

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chefs are responsible for providing supportive leadership to kitchen staff throughout food ... development and maintenance of recipe books prescribing ingredients, product specifications, and ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 8, 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:
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 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,040 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Banquet Sous Chef

Gecko Hospitality

Chicago, IL • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Banquet Sous Chef

Location: Downtown Chicago, IL

Salary: $80K - $90K




Overview

A flawless banquet operation is the heartbeat of any luxury hotel's events business, and the Banquet Sous Chef makes it happen. In this role, you'll partner with the Executive Chef and Banquet Chef to deliver exceptional cuisine for weddings, galas, conferences, and high-profile functions. You'll lead from the line, set the pace in a high-volume kitchen, and uphold the standards that keep guests coming back. If you take pride in precision under pressure, this is where your craft shines.



Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee banquet food preparation from prep through plating, ensuring every dish meets our quality and presentation standards.
  • Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Banquet Chef on menu development, seasonal offerings, and custom requests for events.
  • Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, building a skilled and motivated team that performs at its best during peak service.
  • Execute large-scale events with consistency, timing, and attention to detail, often serving hundreds of guests in a single seating.
  • Manage inventory, ordering, and food costs to keep operations efficient and waste low.
  • Uphold all health, safety, and sanitation regulations, maintaining a clean and compliant kitchen at all times.
  • Step in for the Banquet Chef when needed, taking ownership of daily kitchen operations.


Qualifications

  • Proven experience in banquet operations within a luxury or upscale hotel setting.
  • Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing kitchen teams.
  • Sharp attention to detail in food quality, presentation, and consistency.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment while staying organized and calm.
  • Solid knowledge of food safety standards and kitchen compliance.


Preferred

  • Experience executing high-profile events such as weddings, galas, and large conferences.
  • Familiarity with cost control, inventory systems, and menu costing.
  • Background in fine dining or multi-outlet hotel kitchens.


Skills & Competencies

  • Clear communication and team leadership under pressure.
  • Strong time management and the ability to juggle multiple events at once.
  • Creativity in menu execution and plating.
  • Problem-solving and quick decision-making during service.
  • Commitment to mentorship and team growth.


Why This Role Matters

This is more than a step up. It's a chance to grow your career in an environment that values craftsmanship, leadership, and the kind of standards that define luxury hospitality. You'll work alongside seasoned culinary leaders, sharpen your skills on a grand stage, and build the foundation for your next move toward Banquet Chef or Executive Chef.


Apply Today

Ready to bring your talent to a kitchen that demands the best and rewards it? If you're an experienced culinary leader who thrives when the stakes are high, we want to hear from you. Submit your resume to jay@geckohospitality.com and take the next confident step in your culinary career.