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Development Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Glencoe, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$112/hr

The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing the culinary operations, leading the kitchen team ... development, design, reporting, or operational efficiency. Employees are expected to use AI ...

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$112/hr

The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing the culinary operations, leading the kitchen team ... development, design, reporting, or operational efficiency. Employees are expected to use AI ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$60K - $65K/yr

Description For almost 30 years, One Off Hospitality has developed and operated some of Chicago's most beloved places to eat and drink. More importantly, we're a group of people - chefs, hospitality ...

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 ...

Sous Chef

Glencoe, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Sous Chef - Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chef Location: Chicago Reporting to: Senior Sous Chef Position Overview Culinary Excellence ... Team Support & Development Work closely with the kitchen team, providing guidance, training, and ...

Sushi Chef

Frankfort, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Training & development Senso is a modern Japanese fusion restaurant and cocktail bar in downtown Frankfort. We are busy and looking to fill a position for an experienced and talented sushi chef's who ...

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 ...

Experience supporting menu development, seasonal features, and special event execution. * Working ... Chef coats provided * Supportive leadership team and collaborative workplace culture If you are ...

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 ...

Sous Chef - NAIA

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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.

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Led by Chef Jimmy Papadopoulos, we are opening in the West Loop and building something permanent ... Performance bonus tied to kitchen consistency and team development metric * Health benefits with ...

We are an expanding restaurant group offering opportunities for professional development. Executive Sous Chef at Ballyhoo Hospitality will partner with the Executive Chef in leading all aspects of ...

SOUS CHEF

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Job Summary As the Sous Chef , you will play a key leadership role in the daily operation of the ... Train and mentor cooks and hourly associates, promoting skill development, consistency, and ...

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Development Chef information

See Illinois salary details

$32K

$75K

$128.9K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 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:
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,040 per year, or $36.1 per hour.
Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Skokie Country Club

Glencoe, IL • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 hours ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

ABOUT SKOKIECC: Skokie Country Club, located in Glencoe, IL has one of the top performing private club F&B operations in the country! We currently do $4 Million in Food and Beverage sales annually. The budgeted food cost is 42% and the kitchen labor budget is just above 1 Million annually. 60% of our business is a la carte and 40% is banquet.
BASIC JOB DESCRIPTION: Schedule flexibility is a must. We are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Sous Chef is responsible to assist the Executive Chef for the overall kitchen operation, ensuring maximum member/guest satisfaction, through planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the Kitchen operation and administration. Menu creativity and staying current on industry trends is critical to the success of this position. The ideal candidate will be one that can stay cool under pressure in a high-volume restaurant operation.

QUALIFICATION:

  • 25+ years of experience in a high-volume and/or upscale kitchen environment
  • Demonstrated strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage kitchen staff effectively
  • Advanced knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation, and presentation standards
  • Proficiency in health and safety regulations, including ServSafe certification (or equivalent)
  • Experience with menu planning, recipe development, and seasonal menu adjustments
  • Skilled in inventory management, food cost control, and waste reduction
  • Ability to perform and lead effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

  • Culinary arts degree preferred, but not required

OVERALL: This is a perfect opportunity for a talented individual looking to ultimately advance towards an executive sous chef and Executive Chef role. The Club is known for excellent compensation and benefits packages, assisting with career advancement and providing a team oriented working environment.
START DATE: Immediate
REPORTS TO: Executive Chef
WORKING RELATIONSHIP: Works closely with Executive Chef, Catering Director and other food and beverage managers.
DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: Kitchen staff
Personality / Work Traits: Passion for Food quality and presentation, organized, team motivator, detail-oriented ability to communicate and work with others.
COMPENSATION: Competitive salary based on experience starting from $75,000 - $85,000/yr
BENEFITS:
  • Health, dental and vision insurance after 90 days of continual employment for full-time employees
  • Short term and long term disability
  • 401K after 1 year of continual employment for full and regular part-time employees
  • Paid vacation and PTO for full-and part-time employees
  • Employee Assistance Program for all employees
  • Paid Holidays for all employees
  • Free employee meal included per shift for all employees
  • Other benefits as described in the Employee Handbook
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Ability to stand/walk for 6 or more hours
  • Regularly lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
  • Vision abilities of close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth participation, and ability to adjust focus
  • Ability to reach hands and arms in any direction and kneel/stoop repeatedly