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Food Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Food Consultant information

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$10

$49

$118

How much do food consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for food consultant in the United States is $49.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $62.50 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.
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What cities are hiring for Food Consultant jobs?

Cities with the most Food Consultant job openings:

What states have the most Food Consultant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Food Consultant jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Food Consultant jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Consultant jobs are:

Infographic showing various Food Consultant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,425 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Senior Consultant, Food Safety and Quality Assurance

Intertek

Bozeman, MT • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Intertek rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 78 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 121 rated laboratories


Job description


Senior Consultant, Food Safety and Quality Assurance - Remote
Intertek, a leading provider of quality and safety solutions to many of the world's top-recognized brands and companies, is actively seeking a Senior Consultant to join our Food Safety and Quality Assurance team. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow a versatile career in the food manufacturing industry.
Intertek's People Assurance teams empower your workforce to identify and close operational gaps and mitigate risk by assuring smart actions across your organization. Intertek Alchemy provides frontline worker training solutions for processors, manufacturers, packagers, and distributors of all sizes. Intertek Catalyst inspires and engages workforces with highly creative, custom-branded, asset protection communication programs tailor-made strategic solutions designed to leverage our clients' company brand, values, and objectives to optimize the culture of their people. Intertek Wisetail provides a custom branded training and communication platform built to engage today's workforce with a complete learning management system, giving customers the tools to grow their passionate workforce.
What are we looking for?
ConsultingDeliveryandClientSupport
Provide hands-on consulting services to food industry clients across SQF, BRCGS, and FSSC 22000 standards to ensure audit readiness and sustained compliance. Partner with clients to identify business objectives, develop an FSQA program strategy, and facilitate implementation of the plan. Lead the development, reassessment, and enhancement of HACCP/Food Safety Plans, prerequisite programs, and regulatory documentation. Support clients in addressing USDA-FSIS and FDA compliance requirements, including responses to regulatory findings such as NRs and 483s.
Conduct training courses on Preventive Controls for Human Food, HACCP, and other food safety topics, as qualified. Deliver audit services for GFSI standards (SQF, BRCGS, FSSC 22000) when appropriately credentialed.
ClientRelationshipManagementandProgramExecution
Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with client stakeholders to support continuous improvement in food safety, quality, productivity, and culture. Conduct recurring program check-ins, including monthly Advantage Program client calls, to sustain system effectiveness.
Ensure timely completion of client deliverables, documentation management, and system updates. Maintain accurate client records and activity tracking. Manage travel schedules, expenses, and administrative requirements associated with consulting engagements.
Business Enablement and Growth Support
Identify opportunities to enhance client value through additional Intertek Alchemy products and consulting services. Practice consultative selling to promote Intertek Alchemy products and services to achieve client business needs. Collaborate with Business Development and Business Operations teams on scheduling and opportunity alignment.
Partner with Leadership to identify and promote business development opportunities through industry updates and thought leadership initiatives. Coordinate with Marketing with participation in SME role including webinars, speaking engagements, and written content as needed.
Operational Excellence and Internal Collaboration
Ensure consistent execution of consulting engagements by maintaining high standards of documentation accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with internal systems. Communicate effectively with the Senior Director, Technical Consulting and Services regarding client needs, project status, and escalation items.
Support continuous improvement in delivery processes, tools, and methodologies that enhance consulting effectiveness and scalability.
Minimum Requirements :
  • Experience: 10+ years in food safety, quality assurance, and auditing within the food industry, including 2+ years in consulting and/or commercial training.
  • Regulatory Expertise: Strong knowledge of USDA-FSIS, FDA, and broader food safety compliance requirements.
  • GFSI Knowledge: Demonstrated expertise with SQF, BRCGS, and/or FSSC 22000, including active or prior auditor certification under at least one scheme.
  • Certifications: Current PCQI and HACCP certification, plus qualification as a PCQI for Human Food Trainer.
  • Consulting & Communication: Proven client-facing consulting, training, relationship management, and communication skills, with the ability to influence and educate stakeholders.
  • Systems & Travel: Moderate CRM/ERP proficiency (e.g., NetSuite), strong documentation/reporting discipline, and willingness to travel 80%+, including domestic client-site travel.

What we have to offer:
When Working with Intertek, you can expect salary and benefit package competitively placed within the local market, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement and more.
Intertek is a drug-free workplace. As a condition of employment, certain positions may be required to pass a pre-employment drug test based on the type of work that will be performed.
Intertek believes that Our People are our strongest tool for success. We are an Equal
Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to veteran status or on the basis of disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender
identity.
For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, or who need assistance applying, please email intertekusahr@intertek.com or call 1-877-694-8543 (option #5) to speak with a member of the HR Department.
About Us
Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification (ATIC) solutions for our customers' operations and supply chains. Working at Intertek means joining a global network of state-of-the-art facilities and passionate people who deliver superior customer service with a purpose of bringing quality, safety, and sustainability to life.
About the Team
Intertek's People Assurance team provides range of workforce-focused solutions that empower our clients' employees to identify and close operational gaps and mitigate risk by assuring smart actions across organizations. Our services give clients the tools they need to build, maintain, and protect their brands, supporting them in the continuous evolution of their workforce to maximize employee potential.

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