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Menu Development Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Troy, IL

$20 - $25/hr

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen, working closely with the Executive Chef to ... Menu Development: Assist with creating new menu items, seasonal specials, and improving existing ...

Culinary Development Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$147K/yr

Additionally, the Culinary Development Chef will be responsible for developing and implementing new ... menu development for retail and restaurant concepts, including on-site training and evaluation of ...

Additionally, the Culinary Development Chef will be responsible for developing and implementing new ... menu development for retail and restaurant concepts, including on-site training and evaluation of ...

Executive Chef

Matteson, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Executive Chef will oversee multiple Food & Beverage concepts, including the Applebee's kitchen ... The ideal candidate is a strong culinary leader with banquet expertise, menu-development experience ...

Head Chef

Chicago, IL

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

As the Head Chef, you will be responsible for menu creation, food preparation, quality control ... Menu Development: Develop innovative and appealing menus that meet the needs and preferences of our ...

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Details The Executive Chef is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence ... Menu Development & Culinary Innovation: * Lead the creation, development, execution, and ongoing ...

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$135K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Details The Executive Chef is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence ... Menu Development & Culinary Innovation: * Lead the creation, development, execution, and ongoing ...

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL

$135K - $145K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Details The Executive Chef is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational excellence ... Menu Development & Culinary Innovation: * Lead the creation, development, execution, and ongoing ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen ... to menu development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen ... to menu development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen. You will ... to menu development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$60K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with culinary leadership on menu development, seasonal features, and special events ... Minimum 2 years of Sous Chef or kitchen management experience * Experience in high-volume, full ...

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL

$68K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Executive Chef Customary Days: Sunday - Saturday Customary Hours: Varies to include evenings ... Ensure menu development aligns with cost efficiency, profitability goals, and operational ...

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Executive Chef Customary Days: Sunday - Saturday Customary Hours: Varies to include evenings ... Ensure menu development aligns with cost efficiency, profitability goals, and operational ...

Chefs work in client's homes, and need to be open to customer input and feedback ... Excel at menu development . You'll create custom menus for your clients each week, as well as ...

Who You Are The R&D Chef is the culinary architect for the brand, bridging the gap between Michelin ... Menu Engineering: Optimize menus for profitability and guest experience, ensuring innovation is ...

Sous Chef

Wilmette, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

Collaborate on seasonal menu development and daily specials. Qualifications * 2+ years of experience as a Sous Chef or in a kitchen leadership position. * Strong knowledge of food preparation ...

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Executive Chef Customary Days: Sunday - Saturday Customary Hours: Varies to include evenings ... Contribute to recipe development, menu innovations, tastings, and culinary concepts that reflect ...

Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Banquet Chef on menu development, seasonal offerings, and custom requests for events. * Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, building a skilled and motivated ...

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Menu Development Chef information

See Illinois salary details

$27.6K

$62K

$92.1K

How much do menu development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development chef in Illinois is $62,012.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $72,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a menu development chef do?

A Menu Development Chef is responsible for creating and refining restaurant or food service menus. They research food trends, develop new recipes, and ensure dishes meet quality, cost, and customer preference standards. Their role involves collaborating with kitchen staff, sourcing ingredients, and balancing creativity with operational feasibility. They may also consider dietary restrictions, sustainability, and market demands to craft appealing menus.

How to become a menu development chef?

To become a menu development chef, typically one needs culinary training or a degree in culinary arts, along with experience in food preparation and kitchen management. Developing menus requires creativity, knowledge of food trends, and skills in recipe development, often supported by familiarity with kitchen tools and food safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the menu development chef position, and why are they important?

A Menu Development Chef needs a strong background in culinary arts, menu planning, and food safety, typically supported by formal culinary education or significant industry experience. Proficiency with recipe costing software, inventory management systems, and HACCP certification are often required. Creativity, adaptability, and excellent collaboration skills help chefs stand out in this role. These qualifications ensure the chef can design innovative yet practical menus that meet customer preferences, operational needs, and budget goals.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a menu development chef?

A Menu Development Chef typically spends their days designing and testing new recipes, evaluating food costs, and sourcing high-quality ingredients. They often collaborate closely with kitchen staff, suppliers, and management to ensure new menu items align with the restaurant's brand and cost targets. The role also involves staying up-to-date with culinary trends and conducting staff training on new dishes. This balance of creative experimentation and operational planning makes for a dynamic and rewarding workday.

What are popular job titles related to Menu Development Chef jobs in Illinois?

For Menu Development Chef jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Menu Development Chef job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,012 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

The Sous Chef is the second-in-command in the kitchen, working closely with the Executive Chef to oversee food preparation, ensure consistency, and maintain high culinary standards. This role requires a strong leader who can manage the kitchen staff, execute menu items with precision, and help create a smooth, efficient kitchen operation.

Key Responsibilities:

Kitchen Leadership: Support the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations and leading the team

Food Preparation & Quality Control: Ensure all dishes are prepared consistently, with excellent taste and presentation

Team Supervision & Training: Coach, mentor, and train kitchen staff to uphold culinary standards

Inventory & Ordering: Monitor inventory, place orders, manage food costs, and minimize waste

Health & Safety Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene protocols

Menu Development: Assist with creating new menu items, seasonal specials, and improving existing dishes

Line Cooking & Expedite Service: Step in as needed during busy service periods, including cooking on the line or expediting

Problem-Solving & Efficiency: Address issues quickly to ensure a smooth and productive kitchen environment

What We’re Looking For:

• Minimum 2+ years of experience as a Sous Chef or Lead Line Cook in a high-volume kitchen

• Strong culinary skills and knowledge of cooking techniques, ingredients, and kitchen equipment

• Proven leadership ability with excellent communication and team management skills

• Strong time management and the ability to work efficiently in a high-pressure environment

• Creativity and passion for food innovation and menu development

• Keen attention to detail, especially regarding quality, consistency, and plating

• Food Safety Certification (ServSafe or equivalent preferred)