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Executive Chef Culinary Director Jobs in Springfield, IL

Join us at Illini Country Club, where culinary excellence meets exceptional member experiences. We ... Consistently follow portion control and presentation specifications set by the Executive Chef.

Collaborates with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to develop new recipes and menu items. Suggests improvements to existing dishes and introduces innovative culinary ideas. * Maintains a clean and ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Collaborates with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to develop new recipes and menu items. Suggests improvements to existing dishes and introduces innovative culinary ideas. * Maintains a clean and ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

Collaborates with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to develop new recipes and menu items. Suggests improvements to existing dishes and introduces innovative culinary ideas. * Maintains a clean and ...

Collaborates with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to develop new recipes and menu items. Suggests improvements to existing dishes and introduces innovative culinary ideas. * Maintains a clean and ...

Collaborates with the Executive Chef and kitchen team to develop new recipes and menu items. Suggests improvements to existing dishes and introduces innovative culinary ideas. * Maintains a clean and ...

Sous Chef

Springfield, IL · On-site

$45K - $50K/yr

... and Executive Team -Labor Cost - Manage kitchen labor to obtain goals, and review practices to ... to Director of Store Operations on policies and procedures -Establish and maintain a regular ...

... culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by ...

... culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by ...

... culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by ...

DISHWASHER

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16.23/hr

... culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by ...

COOK

Springfield, IL · On-site

$18/hr

... culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by ...

... culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by ...

Executive Chef Culinary Director information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$39.6K

$86.1K

$128.8K

How much do executive chef culinary director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef culinary director in Springfield, IL is $86,114.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,900.00 and $97,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an executive chef culinary director?

An Executive Chef Culinary Director is a senior culinary professional responsible for overseeing the entire culinary operations of a restaurant, hotel, or hospitality group. This role combines creative menu development, kitchen management, and strategic leadership to ensure high-quality food and efficient service. The Culinary Director manages kitchen staff, controls budgets, and maintains food safety standards, while also collaborating with other departments to deliver an exceptional dining experience. They often play a key role in setting the culinary vision and driving innovation within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive chef culinary director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Chef Culinary Director, you need advanced culinary expertise, leadership experience, and often a degree in culinary arts or hospitality management. Mastery of kitchen management systems, menu development software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Outstanding creativity, team leadership, and communication skills set top professionals apart in this role. These competencies ensure high-quality cuisine, efficient operations, and a positive dining experience that supports business success.

How does an executive chef culinary director balance creative menu development with administrative leadership duties?

An Executive Chef Culinary Director often splits their time between hands-on culinary innovation and overseeing the broader operational aspects of the kitchen. While menu development and food quality are core responsibilities, they also manage budgets, staff training, and vendor relationships. Collaboration with other department heads, such as restaurant managers and event coordinators, is common to ensure cohesive service delivery. The ability to delegate effectively and foster a strong kitchen team is essential for success, as it allows the director to focus on both creative and strategic tasks. This balance offers both creative satisfaction and opportunities to develop vital leadership skills.

What is the difference between Executive Chef Culinary Director vs Executive Chef?

AspectExecutive ChefCulinary Director
CredentialsCulinary degree, certifications, extensive kitchen experienceSimilar credentials, often with leadership or management certifications
Work EnvironmentKitchen management, food preparation, staff supervisionOversees multiple kitchens or culinary programs, strategic planning
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, resortsLarge hospitality groups, culinary organizations, corporate dining
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on kitchen leadership rolesFocus on culinary strategy and organizational oversight

While both roles require culinary expertise and leadership skills, the Executive Chef primarily manages kitchen operations and food quality, whereas the Culinary Director oversees broader culinary strategies across multiple venues or organizations. The Culinary Director often has a more strategic, organizational focus, while the Executive Chef is more hands-on with daily kitchen management.

What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs in Springfield, IL? For Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Executive Chef Culinary Director jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Executive Chef Culinary Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Executive Chef Culinary Director job openings in Springfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,114 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Join us at Illini Country Club, where culinary excellence meets exceptional member experiences. We strive to create memorable dining moments in a luxurious setting, offering top-notch amenities and a welcoming environment for our members and their guests.

We are seeking a talented and dedicated Cook to join our culinary team. As a Cook on our team, you will play a crucial role in creating high-quality dishes that exceed our members' expectations. You will prepare and cook a variety of meals with precision and care, contributing to an exceptional dining experience in our club’s restaurants and event settings.

The key responsibilities of a Cook on our team are to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of restaurant best practices and cooking methods.
  • Prepare and cook a diverse range of menu items, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts, following established recipes and presentation style.
  • Ensure all dishes are cooked to perfection, meeting our quality standards and exceeding member satisfaction.
  • Consistently follow portion control and presentation specifications set by the Executive Chef.
  • Collaborate with the front of house team to ensure food service is seamless and efficient, especially during peak hours.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment in accordance with health and safety regulations.
  • Assist in the development of new menu items and daily specials by providing creative input and testing recipes.
  • Manage and control food inventory, ensuring the freshness and quality of ingredients.

A successful candidate will:

  • Have proven experience as a cook or in a similar culinary role, preferably within a high-end restaurant or hospitality setting (preferred but not required).
  • Possess strong knowledge of cooking methods, kitchen equipment, and best practices.
  • Work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
  • Be detail-oriented with a commitment to maintaining a high standard of food quality and presentation.
  • Exhibit excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with team members from various departments.
  • Have a current Illinois food handler certification, or be willing to earn certification within seven (7) days of hire.
  • Be able to stand, walk, reach, bend, etc. for extended periods of time.
  • Be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
  • Be available to work a flexible schedule, including holidays and weekends.

We offer:

  • A competitive hourly wage.
  • Opportunities for growth and professional development.
  • A supportive and engaging work environment.
  • Time off under the Paid Leave for All Workers Act.
  • Insurance benefits, 401(k), and paid time off for employees who meet eligibility requirements.

This is a nonexempt position and will be paid on an hourly basis.

Join our team and enjoy being part of an exclusive setting where you can showcase your culinary skills while building rewarding relationships with your fellow employees. If you have a passion for creating memorable food experiences, can follow instructions, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, this could be the job for you. We invite you to apply today to join our club community!