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Director Culinary Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Pearl of Montclare

Food Service Director

Chicago, IL

Food Service Director Human Resource Management and Development * Directly and/or indirectly manages all Culinary and Nutritional Services Department staff. * Experience in working with labor unions ...

Nexus of Geneva

Food Service Director

Geneva, IL

Food Service Director Benefits Health Dental Vision **COMPETITIVE SALARY*** The Food Service ... Human Resource Management and Development * Directly and/or indirectly manages all Culinary and ...

QUEENSIDE HOSPITALITY LLC

Executive Chef

Matteson, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

... development experience, financial knowledge, and the ability to manage multiple kitchen operations in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities * Direct culinary operations for Applebee's, the ...

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All JobsCulinary Development JobsDirector Culinary Development JobsDirector Culinary Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

Director Culinary Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$16.5K

$98.6K

$183.4K

How much do director culinary development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for director culinary development in Chicago, IL is $98,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of culinary development do?

A Director of Culinary Development oversees the creation and enhancement of menu items, recipes, and food concepts for a restaurant, hospitality group, or food company. They work closely with chefs, product developers, and marketing teams to ensure that new dishes align with brand standards and customer preferences. Their responsibilities often include trend research, menu innovation, quality control, and managing culinary teams. This role requires a blend of creativity, leadership, and a deep understanding of culinary techniques and market trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of culinary development?

To thrive as a Director of Culinary Development, you need extensive culinary expertise, menu innovation experience, and a background in food service management, often supported by a culinary degree or equivalent professional certifications. Familiarity with recipe management software, food costing tools, and industry-standard kitchen equipment is essential. Strong leadership, creativity, and excellent communication skills help drive team performance and foster collaboration across departments. These skills are vital for developing successful culinary programs, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining a competitive edge in the food industry.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of culinary development, and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Culinary Development often encounters challenges such as keeping up with rapidly changing food trends, ensuring consistency across multiple locations, and managing cross-functional collaboration between culinary teams and other departments like marketing and operations. To address these, it's important to stay informed about industry innovations, implement clear training protocols, and foster open communication with stakeholders. Building a strong team culture and establishing regular feedback mechanisms also help in overcoming obstacles and driving continuous improvement.

What are popular job titles related to Director Culinary Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Director Culinary Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Culinary Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Culinary Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Director Culinary Development jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Director Culinary Development job openings:

Director Culinary Development jobs near you

Culinary Operations and Procurement Director

Hhs

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Location:

Lutheran Home - CNS

Pay Rate:

Salary - Salary Plan, 90,000.00 USD Annual

Work Shift:

Job Description

This is an In-Person Position. HHS is seeking a high-energy, detail-oriented Operations Analyst to support a premier $10M Senior Living Services client in the Illinois market. This role is a unique opportunity to serve as a strategic financial partner, driving operational performance and delivering real-time insights for our Culinary and Nutrition division.
In this onsite position, you will work side by side with the operations team, playing a critical role in maintaining the day-to-day financial health of the account while identifying opportunities for efficiency and growth.
You will collaborate closely with the Resident District Manager to oversee key operational areas, including procurement, labor management, and inventory control, ensuring services are delivered with both excellence and efficiency.
This position reports directly to the Vice President of Finance, Culinary & Nutrition Solutions, and offers strong visibility and impact within the organization.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Analysis: Prepare and present weekly, monthly, and quarterly financial reports to executive leadership and the client. Provide actionable insights, risk analysis, and opportunities for growth.

Cost Management: Actively manage weekly labor costs and food inventory. Conduct weekly audits to ensure accuracy and address fluctuations in balances immediately.

Procurement & Rebates: Direct procurement data gathering and managing the client purchasing rebate program to maximize financial performance.

Operational Partnership: Collaborate with the Resident District Manager and VP of Operations, to translate P&L data into operational improvements and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for Business Reviews.

Fiscal Oversight: Manage outstanding Receivables and Payables; support the annual budgeting and forecasting processes.

Problem Solving: Address daily operational and financial issues with a high degree of independence, creativity, and discretion.

Qualifications

Experience: 5-7 years of relevant experience with increasing responsibility in financial or operational roles.

Industry Knowledge: Operational and financial experience within Senior Living Services or Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) is a plus.

Education: BS in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Sheets/G Suite.

Logistics: Must be based in Chicago, Illinois, with the ability to work on-site and travel to various communities within the portfolio.

Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work within a dynamic, fast-paced team.

What We Offer

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

401(k) with employer match.

Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick).

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Resource Groups (ERGs).

Dedicated career development and ongoing training.

Who is HHS?

Founded in 1975, HHS is a private, family-owned business providing essential. facility management services-including food, housekeeping, and facilities-to nearly 1,000customers across six industries. We are a rapidly growing organization committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we take pride in promoting from within to develop the next generation of leaders.

HHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Veterans and candidates with military experience are highly encouraged to apply.

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