ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Menu Development Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hawksmoor

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Sous Chef - Hawksmoor Chicago Chicago is the historical powerhouse of American beef, and when ... Taking part in menu development and tastings * Efficiency of services/kitchen * Product and service ...

New

Hawksmoor - US

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chef - Hawksmoor Chicago Chicago is the historical powerhouse of American beef, and when ... Taking part in menu development and tastings * Efficiency of services/kitchen * Product and service ...

New

Hawksmoor - Chicago

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$70K - $80K/yr

Sous Chef - Hawksmoor Chicago Chicago is the historical powerhouse of American beef, and when ... Taking part in menu development and tastings * Efficiency of services/kitchen * Product and service ...

New

Hawksmoor - Chicago

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Sous Chef - Hawksmoor Chicago Chicago is the historical powerhouse of American beef, and when ... Taking part in menu development and tastings * Efficiency of services/kitchen * Product and service ...

New

Hiro Izakaya

Sushi Chef

Chicago, IL

$75K - $85K/yr

Collaborate with kitchen leadership on menu development, specials, seasonal offerings, food cost ... Sushi Chef or in a Japanese kitchen preferred * Strong knowledge of sushi preparation, fish ...

Zenzi Den

Executive Chef

Glenview, IL

$80K - $85K/yr

Ballyhoo Hospitality Group is currently seeking a passionate Executive Chef to join our talented ... Experience in creative and dynamic menu development * Obtain Illinois Certified Professional Food ...

Black Gates

Assistant Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Contribute creative ideas for plating, menu development, and seasonal specials. Qualifications Previous experience as an Assistant Chef, Line Cook, or in a similar kitchen role. A strong eye for ...

doco

Events Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

We're seeking a dynamic Sous Chef who elevates daily kitchen excellence, motivates a high-performing team, and contributes to creative, cost-smart menu development at DO&CO's Chicago, IL kitchen. You ...

doco

Events Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$51K - $69K/yr

We're seeking a dynamic Sous Chef who elevates daily kitchen excellence, motivates a high-performing team, and contributes to creative, cost-smart menu development at DO&CO's Chicago, IL kitchen. You ...

DO & CO

Events Sous Chef

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

We're seeking a dynamic Sous Chef who elevates daily kitchen excellence, motivates a high-performing team, and contributes to creative, cost-smart menu development at DO&CO's Chicago, IL kitchen. You ...

Urbana Country Club

Sous Chef

Urbana, IL

$50/hr

Requirements POSITION SUMMARY The Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leadership role responsible for ... Contribute to seasonal menu development and recipe testing aligned with member preferences and ...

Urbana Country Club

Sous Chef

Urbana, IL · On-site

$50/hr

Requirements POSITION SUMMARY The Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leadership role responsible for ... Contribute to seasonal menu development and recipe testing aligned with member preferences and ...

Urbana Country Club

Sous Chef

Urbana, IL · On-site

$50/hr

Requirements POSITION SUMMARY The Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leadership role responsible for ... Contribute to seasonal menu development and recipe testing aligned with member preferences and ...

Boeufhaus

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

We've celebrated our 11th anniversary and are looking for a strong, dedicated, professional Chef to ... Creativity welcome - new menu development and promotions are a key part of this role. The ...

New

Eurest

PITMASTER / DISTRICT CHEF - IL

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

... Drive menu development, innovation, and new culinary program rollouts -Guide chefs on cost controls, purchasing, and inventory management -Ensure high standards for food quality, safety, and ...

Senior Lifestyle

Executive Chef

Oak Brook, IL

$75K - $80K/yr

... menu development. * Coordinate prep for the following day's menu. * Lead a pre-meal meeting with ... Manage and supervise Sous Chefs, Cooks, Lead Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Utility Workers as needed.

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsMenu Development Chef JobsMenu Development Chef Jobs in Illinois

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 Jun 11, 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.

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.

How to become a menu developer?

To become a menu development chef, gain experience in culinary arts through formal education or apprenticeships, and develop skills in menu planning, food presentation, and cost control. Familiarity with current food trends and proficiency with kitchen management tools can enhance your qualifications. Building a portfolio of successful menu concepts and obtaining relevant certifications can also improve job prospects.

What does a development chef do?

A development chef creates and tests new menu items, recipes, and culinary concepts to enhance a restaurant or food company's offerings. They often collaborate with kitchen staff, conduct taste tests, and ensure recipes meet quality and consistency standards, using culinary skills and knowledge of food trends. Development chefs may also work with suppliers and use kitchen tools to refine dishes before they are introduced to the menu.

What is the highest paying chef position?

The highest paying chef position is typically Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine, especially in high-end restaurants, hotels, or resort settings. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often management of large teams and budgets, with salaries reaching six figures or more in some markets.

How much does a menu developer make?

A menu development chef typically earns between $45,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the menus they create. Salaries can vary based on the size of the establishment and whether the role involves additional responsibilities such as food styling or culinary innovation.

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:
What job categories do people searching Menu Development Chef jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Menu Development Chef jobs in Illinois are:
Menu Development Chef jobs near you

Sous Chef

Hawksmoor

Chicago, IL • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Sous Chef - Hawksmoor Chicago
Chicago is the historical powerhouse of American beef, and when Hawksmoor found out about an actual powerhouse building, it felt like fate. So, after years of dreaming, we finally made the move to Chicago. And we've found ourselves a home we cannot wait to settle into.
The LaSalle Street Cable Car Powerhouse is a beautiful, designated landmark, initially opened in 1887, in the heyday of Chicago's cable car system. We've done it justice by restoring the original features to their former glory and, at the same time, breathing new life into the space.
Reporting to the Executive Chef, we're looking for a brand-new Sous Chef to join our team and support our second international restaurant in Chicago.
Work somewhere awesome:
Careers with Hawksmoor Group are among the best - generous pay and benefits, award-winning restaurants, unrivalled career opportunities and some of the happiest people in the business (as voted by the people who work here). The Sunday Times has recognised us in their Best Companies awards, for seven years in a row, as one of the top 100 companies to work for in the UK and we endeavour to do the same in the US.
Key responsibilities of the role include:
  • To support the Executive Chef in;
  • Food quality and consistency
  • Taking part in menu development and tastings
  • Efficiency of services/kitchen
  • Product and service standards
  • Health & Safety
  • Maintenance of kitchen equipment
  • Set an example to staff when running the pass or working on a section.
  • Giving support to senior staff within the team FOH/BOH
  • To support the Executive Chef and manage the kitchen's financial performance, including:
  • Being aware of GP targets
  • Ensure stock levels are appropriate and ordering is optimised
  • A good understanding of:
  • Product
  • Company recipes (which must be followed exactly)
  • Systems, including QSR, Stock management and inventory control

To be considered for the role you will have:
  • Extensive experience running some of the best kitchens in Chicago.
  • Experience launching and opening restaurants in Chicago and the US.
  • Comfortable and experienced with high volume businesses in terms of both covers and revenue.
  • Top management and interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent leadership skills with ability to teach, coach and train all FOH and BOH employees.

Salary, package and benefits all to be discussed at the interview.

Apply