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Menu Development Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Owns menu development, recipe standards, production systems, prep lists, cooking execution, kitchen quality, consistency, and prepared foods innovation. * Leads kitchen production employees and ...

Executive Chef

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Owns menu development, recipe standards, production systems, prep lists, cooking execution, kitchen quality, consistency, and prepared foods innovation. * Leads kitchen production employees and ...

Extensive knowledge of food cost controls, labor management, menu development, sanitation, and quality standards; ServSafe Certification required. Requirements: * Lead all daily kitchen operations ...

F&B

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$48K - $62K/yr

Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards in all food handling and service areas. * Assist in menu development and pricing strategies to align with customer preferences and ...

Sous Chef

Hartland, WI · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

A key player in menu development & testing, including lunch, dinner, theme nights, window, Friday nights, Sunday nights and club events * Banquet & special event production * Helps with creation ...

Bar Manager

Neenah, WI

$55K - $65K/yr

Familiarity with menu development and seasonal beverage programming. About the team This is a hotel bar and restaurant that serves travelers and Neenah regulars side by side. The pace is real, the ...

Menu development within provided guidelines * Ordering and maintaining inventory * Hiring and developing team members * Meal preparation and serving * Ensure that all food is presented in an ...

Menu development within provided guidelines * Ordering and maintaining inventory * Hiring and developing team members * Meal preparation and serving * Ensure that all food is presented in an ...

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Menu Development information

See Wisconsin salary details

$50.5K

$108.7K

$175.1K

How much do menu development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development in Wisconsin is $108,704.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $122,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is menu development?

A Menu Development job involves creating, testing, and refining food and beverage menus for restaurants, cafes, or catering businesses. Professionals in this role research food trends, balance flavors, and ensure profitability while maintaining brand identity. They collaborate with chefs, suppliers, and marketing teams to design appealing and cost-effective menu items. Additionally, they may consider dietary restrictions, sustainability, and customer preferences to enhance the dining experience.

What does someone in menu development do?

In a Menu Development role, daily tasks often include researching food trends, developing and testing new recipes, analyzing menu performance data, and collaborating with chefs, nutritionists, and procurement teams. Menu developers may also be responsible for adjusting existing menus to optimize profitability and catering to customer preferences while ensuring quality and consistency. Regular meetings and tastings are part of the job, as is working closely with marketing teams to create visually appealing menu descriptions. This collaborative environment allows you to have a direct impact on both culinary creativity and the business success of the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in menu development?

Excelling in Menu Development requires a strong understanding of culinary trends, nutrition, recipe costing, and food safety, often backed by experience in culinary arts or hospitality management. Familiarity with menu engineering software, inventory systems, and culinary certifications such as ServSafe are commonly beneficial. Creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail help professionals design attractive and cost-effective menus that align with brand standards. These skills ensure menus are innovative, profitable, and meet customer and operational needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Menu Development jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Menu Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Menu Development jobs in Wisconsin? For Menu Development jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Menu Development jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Menu Development jobs in Wisconsin are:
Infographic showing various Menu Development job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,704 per year, or $52.3 per hour.

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

610th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Position Title:Executive ChefJob Category:Academic StaffEmployment Type:RegularJob Profile:Executive ChefJob Duties:

Under the general direction of the Director of Dining & Retail Services (DRS), this position supports the University's mission by leading the department in delivering high-quality food services and exceptional customer experiences across all service areas.

The Executive Chef serves as the culinary expert and visionary responsible for food quality, menu development, culinary innovation, and presentation standards. Provides leadership, supervision, and professional development for culinary staff and serves as a public representative of Dining & Retail Services.

This position has full responsibility for culinary program administration across multiple service platforms, including residential dining, retail operations, and catering services and requires the following:

  • Strong knowledge of culinary principles and high-volume food production.

  • Leadership and staff development skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple operations.

  • Financial and operational analysis capability.

  • Strong communicationand problem-solving skills.

Key Job Responsibilities:

35% Staff Leadership, Development, and Supervision

  • Directs, supervises, and develops kitchen production staff to ensure effective operations and quality outcomes
  • Designs, implements, and evaluates training programs including food safety, culinary skills, and waste reduction
  • Establishes performance expectations and conducts evaluations
  • Promotes an inclusive and engaged work environment
  • Oversees staffing plans and labor utilization

30% Culinary Program Management & Menu Development

  • Direct and administers menu development across all units
  • Ensures alignment with dietary needs and customer preferences
  • Integrates seasonal and local sourcing
  • Oversee recipe testing, costing, and documentation
  • Collaborates on procurement standards

15% Culinary Operations & Quality Assurance

  • Plans and evaluates production systems
  • Enforces quality and safety standards
  • Ensures compliance with regulations
  • Monitors product consistency and service standards

10% Catering & Special Events Administration

  • Direct and administer UWM Catering operations
  • Establishes catering standards and oversees events
  • Develop partnerships and expand services
  • Monitors financial and operational performance
  • Implements improvements and innovation

5% External Relations & Program Representation

  • Represents Dining Services to stakeholders
  • Supports academic partnerships
  • Promotes culinary programs

5% Financial & Operational Support

  • Analyzes food and labor costs
  • Supports budget planning
  • Evaluate customer feedback
  • Assists with operational support and facilities planning
Department:

Dining and Retail Services

Compensation:

$85,000 - $100,000 Annually

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience-associate's degree plus 8 years of management experience in a higher education setting

  • Minimum of5 years of progressive foodservice management experience, preferably in ahigher educationdining environment

  • Demonstrated experience managing food, labor, and operating budgets

  • Knowledge of institutional food purchasing, inventory systems, and POS platforms

  • Experience with standardized recipes, menu development, and production systems

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Valid Driver's License and ability to qualify tooperateState of Wisconsin vehicles

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, Hospitality Management, or related field.

  • Certified Executive Chef (CEC)

  • Experience in university,collegeor large institutional dining programs.

  • Experience supervising managers and leading multi-layered teams

  • ServSafeManager Certification or ability to obtain within requiredtimeframe

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are required to apply online and provide BOTH cover letter and resume addressing your professional level work experience as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications.

Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. Applications missing any of the required documents listed prior to the application deadline will be marked as incomplete and will not be considered. In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

Finalist candidates(s) will be asked to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.

This is a continuous recruitment with an initial review date of 07/23/2026. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by 07/22/2026. Applications submitted after 07/22/2026 may not be reviewed.

Contact Information:

Questions about this position can be directed to Jennifer Brown (brow2366@uwm.edu)

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWMis a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law.UWMwill not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBCand Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check.UWMtakes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For theUWMAnnual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, seehttp://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.


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