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Food Consultant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Clarkston Consulting is seeking motivated, self-driven leaders who are energized by team results ... Experience working in regulated environments such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or food safety

Our Solutions Consultants have the opportunity to work in a variety of industries including consumer goods, food & beverage, third-party logistics, transportation and shipping, and more! Deposco ...

As a Services Consultant, you will have the unique opportunity to combine your technical aptitude ... food, government, high-tech/electronics, industrial/wholesale, life sciences, logistics service ...

As a Services Consultant, you will have the unique opportunity to combine your technical aptitude ... food, government, high-tech/electronics, industrial/wholesale, life sciences, logistics service ...

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Food Consultant information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$9

$48

$115

How much do food consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for food consultant in Decatur, GA is $48.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $61.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food consultant?

Food consultants are professionals who provide expert advice and guidance to businesses and individuals in the food industry. Their work can include menu development, kitchen design, food safety, operations improvement, and helping restaurants or food brands create successful products. Food consultants often have backgrounds in culinary arts, nutrition, or hospitality management, and they use their expertise to help clients improve quality, efficiency, and profitability. They may work with restaurants, food manufacturers, catering companies, or even start-ups looking to launch new food products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a food consultant?

To thrive as a Food Consultant, you need expertise in food science, nutrition, menu development, and industry trends, often supported by a degree in culinary arts, nutrition, or hospitality management. Familiarity with regulatory standards, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and menu planning software is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities help set standout consultants apart. These skills ensure that food consultants can deliver tailored, innovative solutions that meet client needs while adhering to safety and industry standards.

How does a food consultant typically collaborate with restaurant owners and kitchen staff to implement menu changes?

A Food Consultant works closely with restaurant owners and kitchen staff by conducting initial assessments, identifying areas for improvement, and then recommending specific menu changes or new recipes. They often provide hands-on training to kitchen staff, oversee taste tests, and monitor the implementation process to ensure consistency and quality. Collaboration involves open communication, regular feedback sessions, and adapting recommendations based on staff capabilities and customer preferences, making teamwork essential in achieving successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Food Consultant vs Food Scientist?

AspectFood ConsultantFood Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in food science, nutrition, or related field; certifications varyBachelor's or higher in food science, chemistry, or microbiology; advanced degrees common
Work EnvironmentConsulting firms, food companies, restaurants, or independentLaboratories, research facilities, food manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, restaurants, government agencies, consulting firmsFood manufacturing, research institutions, academia

Food Consultants focus on advising clients on food quality, safety, and product development, often working directly with businesses. Food Scientists conduct research and experiments to develop new food products or improve existing ones, typically working in labs. Both roles require food-related credentials, but their work environments and primary objectives differ significantly.

How do you become a food consultant?

To become a food consultant, individuals typically need a background in culinary arts, food science, or nutrition, along with experience in the food industry. Gaining relevant skills, such as menu development, food safety, and industry knowledge, and building a professional network can help establish a career in this field. Certifications like ServSafe or specialized training can also enhance credibility.

What job categories do people searching Food Consultant jobs in Decatur, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Consultant jobs in Decatur, GA are:

What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Food Consultant jobs?

Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Food Consultant job openings:

Infographic showing various Food Consultant job openings in Decatur, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, and 65% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,977 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Sr. Principal Food Excellence Consultant

Chick-fil-A Plainfield, Indiana

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assess and diagnose food safety risks and food quality challenges in restaurants.

  • Collaborate with Operators to optimize food production processes and address quality concerns.

  • Provide recommendations and resources to improve food safety, quality, and operational performance.


Job description

How We Work At Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A, Inc. ('Chick-fil-A' or 'the Company') Staff members play a vital role in achieving our strategic goals by developing their skills, fostering inclusive teamwork, and embracing innovation. All Staff are expected to contribute to a compelling future by inspiring and motivating those around them. Growth and development are essential at Chick-fil-A. We want Staff to seek new perspectives and adopt new methods to drive continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving business needs. Lastly, we ask Staff to seek wisdom, expect the best, accept responsibility, respond with courage, and think others first.

Our Flexible Futures Model offers a healthy mix of working in person (currently a minimum of 8-10 days per month) and virtually, strengthening key elements of the Chick-fil-A culture by fostering collaboration and community.

Overview

The Food Excellence Consultant is a key member of the Restaurant Excellence Consulting team, dedicated to supporting Operators in elevating food and service standards across restaurants. This role exists to strengthen quality, speed, and consistency, ensuring a food-safe, customer-centered experience that builds brand trust and drives operational performance. As a trusted expert, the Food Excellence Consultant partners with Operators to determine root causes of Food Safety, Food Quality, and Production Throughput opportunities and offers solutions and resources to help restaurant leadership close gaps in those opportunities.

Responsibilities Diagnose
  • Provide the lens of food safety to Restaurants to assess , identify , and resolve food safety risks.
  • Partner with Operators to identify root causes of customer experience and food quality challenges using holistic assessmentmodels.
  • Analyze current space and equipment utilization to uncover optimization opportunities.
  • Analyze food production processes and decision-making using data, video, and real time observations.
  • Diagnose gaps between food safety/quality self-assessment tools and 3rd party audit findings.
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in restaurant and BTR (Beyond the Restaurant) for Food Safety andQuality.
Engage
  • Consult with Operators on food production process optimization.
  • Facilitate food tasting sessions and troubleshooting to address quality concerns.
  • Collaborate with Operators and teams to understand their goals and opportunities, make supporting recommendationsusing available resources/data and facilitate associated goals setting.
  • Partner with Operators during in - person visits for high-risk locations to support operational improvements.
  • Educate Operators on the application of Lean Principles to optimize systems and processes.
  • Collaborate with Restaurant Design, Facilities Management, Engineering and other Support Center partners to provideoperational reality.
  • Provide guidance and resources for building a culture of food excellence, including best practices for food safety andquality.
Recommend
  • Advise on food production optimization to balance quality, speed, and cost .
  • Recommend best practices for food production throughput and operational requirements.
  • Deliver expert recommendations for optimizing food safety, quality, and production systems, both virtually and in person.
  • This includes the scoping of projects of minor leasehold improvements to unlock key recommendations needed by theOperator and/or their restaurant.
  • Provide actionable insights and best practices for improvement based on 3rd party audits and self - assessments.
  • Offer resources and recommendations for continuous improvement, including operating requirements and best practices.
  • Share troubleshooting resources and best practices for all food products, ensuring consistent excellence.
  • Consult on leadership structure, accountability, and training to support sustained operational improvements.
  • Represent Restaurant Excellence Consulting as a member of an Area Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planningand execution of customer experience initiatives for an Area representing $1-2 Billion in annual revenues and up to 250 CFAlocations.
Required Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to diagnoseoperational challenges and identify root causes.
  • Proven ability to consult, influence, and build relationships .
  • Ability to present expert level content to large audiences
  • Excellent communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to educate and coach others.
  • Ability to develop and implement action plans with measurable goals.
  • Commitment to upholding food safety standards and fostering a culture of excellence.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)
  • Demonstrated expertise in food safety, foodquality, and restaurant operations.
  • Experience in optimizing food productionsystems and processes.
  • Experience in leading training, accountability, and performance improvement initiatives.
  • Ability to represent the Restaurant Excellence Consulting function within cross-functional teams and strategic planning groups.
  • Knowledge of CFA restaurant operations. The new consultant will spend up to three months working as a team member in a restaurant
Required Years of Experience

7

Preferred Years of Experience

10

Travel Requirements

60%

Required Level of Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Preferred Level of Education

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Major/Concentration

Engineering, Food Science, Business (MBA)

Relocation Assistance Provided

No

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