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Menu Development Chef Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Senior Lifestyle

Executive Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$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.

doco

Chinese Cuisine Chef

Chicago, IL

$68K - $93K/yr

Chinese Cuisine Chef We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic, energetic, and eager Chinese ... Experience designing or supporting Asian-inspired menus, including menu development, tasting ...

doco

Chinese Cuisine Chef

Chicago, IL

$68K - $93K/yr

Chinese Cuisine Chef We have an incredible opportunity for a dynamic, energetic, and eager Chinese ... Experience designing or supporting Asian-inspired menus, including menu development, tasting ...

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Hotel Executive Chef North Chicago Salary: $75K - $100K About the Role We are seeking an ... Menu Development & Food Quality * Design seasonal and outlet-specific menus that balance creativity ...

Davidson Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you will communicates daily with the Executive Chef for an update regarding ... You will also play an integral role in menu development, managing inventory, maintaining a clean ...

Hotel Lincoln

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

As our Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing our culinary operations, menu development, food quality, and ensuring our guests are wowed by every bite. This is an exciting opportunity ...

Pinecrest Golf Course

SOUS CHEF

Huntley, IL · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

... menu development, food purchasing, preparation and maintenance of quality standards, sanitation and cleanliness, managing employees, training in cooking, preparation, plate presentation, portion ...

Hotel Lincoln

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

As our Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing our culinary operations, menu development, food quality, and ensuring our guests are wowed by every bite. This is an exciting opportunity ...

Hotel Lincoln

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you will communicates daily with the Executive Chef for an update regarding ... You will also play an integral role in menu development, managing inventory, maintaining a clean ...

Hotel Lincoln

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$65K - $68K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you will communicates daily with the Executive Chef for an update regarding ... You will also play an integral role in menu development, managing inventory, maintaining a clean ...

Hotel Lincoln

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL

$65K - $68K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you will communicates daily with the Executive Chef for an update regarding ... You will also play an integral role in menu development, managing inventory, maintaining a clean ...

The Forester by Hyatt

Executive Chef

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

EXECUTIVE CHEF Reports to: General Manager Department: Kitchen OUR STORY The Forester Hotel is the ... menu development, and financial performance. • Advanced understanding of food preparation ...

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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 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
Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Senior Lifestyle

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Senior Lifestyle rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 228 rated social care providers

Job description

Company Description
Do you have HEART? We are looking for individuals who can embrace our mission to purposely brighten and enrich the lives of those we serve with HEART; Hospitality, Excellence, Appreciation, Respect & Teamwork. In this role you will oversee daily operations of the kitchen and ensure the highest quality food products and service at the community.
Job Description
Salary range $75k-$80k
  • Prepare meals from standardized recipes in accordance with order in a timely and attractive manner.
  • Set up food service line and workstations with needed condiments.
  • Ensure all condiments and garnishes that are required are prepared and served with the appropriate foods.
  • Assist in recipe and menu development.
  • Coordinate prep for the following day's menu.
  • Lead a pre-meal meeting with food servers to review detail of daily menu.
  • Assist with training of new kitchen employees.
  • Ensure an adequate number of culinary employees each shift and ensures absences are covered as to not allow coverage holes.
  • Assist with scheduling of employees within the department.
  • Assist with food ordering, monitoring inventory and creating the menu cycle.
  • Keep stock rooms, coolers, and freezers clean and ensure that food supply stocks are rotated and that all perishables are labeled, dated, and stored properly.
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness and food preparation according to state and local health department code requirements.
  • Keep food waste to a minimum by utilizing food storage and food recycling techniques.
  • Manage and supervise Sous Chefs, Cooks, Lead Cooks, Prep Cooks, and Utility Workers as needed.

Qualifications
  • 3+ years of experience working in a commercial kitchen environment and/or a related certificate or degree from a college or technical school.
  • Associate's Degree in culinary related field is preferred.
  • Serv Safe or other required local, county or state certifications.
  • You are organized and great at communicating with co-workers and residents.
  • You take pride in the quality and presentation of food that you have helped to prepare.
  • You have basic to advanced knowledge of cooking and preparation of meals.
  • You have a thorough understanding of food service techniques and requirements.
  • You have great management skills and a willingness and desire to work harmoniously with all staff members.
  • You have the ability to switch tasks quickly and often.

Additional Information
Senior Lifestyle offers a comprehensive benefits plan to eligible team members including health, dental, vision, retirement benefits, short-term disability, long-term disability, and paid time off. All Senior Lifestyle positions are eligible to use DailyPay, an application that allows you to access your earned but unpaid wages before your next payday. Senior Lifestyle requires that all employees provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination unless exempt due to medical, religious, or personal beliefs. Government requirements or exclusions may apply.

What Senior Lifestyle employees say

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About Senior Lifestyle

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Senior Lifestyle is a leading senior living management company that is dedicated to providing exceptional care and enriching experiences for older adults. With a commitment to creating vibrant communities, Senior Lifestyle offers a wide range of senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities. At Senior Lifestyle, residents are at the heart of everything they do. Senior Lifestyle highly trained and compassionate staff provides personalized care, ensuring the physical, emotional, and social well-being of each resident. With a focus on promoting independence and maintaining an active lifestyle, Senior Lifestyle offers a variety of amenities, engaging activities, and wellness programs that cater to the unique needs and preferences of residents.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Northbrook, IL, US

Year founded

1985

Social media

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