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Menu Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Chef de Cuisine

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$36 - $42/hr

The ideal candidate will oversee kitchen management, inventory and ordering, while driving seasonal menu development that aligns with our commitment to Michelin-level culinary excellence. Key ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$67K - $77K/yr

Maintain strict food safety, hygiene, and compliance standards * Assist with menu development and seasonal culinary innovation * Ensure smooth kitchen execution during high-volume service periods

Sous Chef, Full-Time

Carol Stream, IL ยท On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Food Production, Menu Development, and Delivery: * Assist with menu development and implementation including creating daily and weekly specials, updating always available menu when appropriate ...

Sports Bar Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Cocktail and Menu Development : Develop and maintain an innovative cocktail menu that reflects current industry trends and customer preferences, ensuring our offerings remain competitive. Staff ...

Executive Chef

Glenview, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

This role oversees all back-of-house functions, including menu development, food quality, kitchen team leadership, inventory management, food and labor cost controls, and operational excellence. The ...

Executive Chef

Glenview, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

This role oversees all back-of-house functions, including menu development, food quality, kitchen team leadership, inventory management, food and labor cost controls, and operational excellence. The ...

Sous Chef

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Collaborate on seasonal menu development and R&D alongside the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine * Document recipes and plating standards to ensure accurate replication and execution * Maintain and ...

Lead Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$27.50/hr

Collaborate with management on menu development and special event planning. * Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment. Requirements * Proven experience as a cook with leadership or ...

Lead Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$27.50/hr

Collaborate with management on menu development and special event planning. * Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment. Requirements * Proven experience as a cook with leadership or ...

New

Lead Cook

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$27.50/hr

Collaborate with management on menu development and special event planning. * Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment. Requirements * Proven experience as a cook with leadership or ...

Collaborate with management on menu development and special event planning. * Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment. Requirements * Proven experience as a cook with leadership or ...

This role owns the end-to-end development of the food offer, from concept creation and menu engineering to execution, training, supplier alignment, and ongoing performance improvement. The Culinary ...

This role owns the end-to-end development of the food offer, from concept creation and menu engineering to execution, training, supplier alignment, and ongoing performance improvement. The Culinary ...

Specialty Cook 2

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Support menu development, tastings, and seasonal rollouts. * Run the pass/expo when assigned, working side by side with FOH leaders. * Uphold HACCP, sanitation, and safety standards while monitoring ...

Be Seen First

Corporate Executive Chef

Lake Forest, IL ยท On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Proven knowledge of menu development, cost control, budgeting, and kitchen operations. * Passion for delivering exceptional cuisine and creating memorable guest experiences. * If you're an ...

Specialty Cook 2

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

$16.75 - $21.25/hr

Support menu development, tastings, and seasonal rollouts. * Run the pass/expo when assigned, working side by side with FOH leaders. * Uphold HACCP, sanitation, and safety standards while monitoring ...

Be Seen First

Corporate Executive Chef

Lake Forest, IL ยท On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Proven knowledge of menu development, cost control, budgeting, and kitchen operations. * Passion for delivering exceptional cuisine and creating memorable guest experiences. * If you're an ...

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Menu Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51.5K

$110.9K

$178.7K

How much do menu development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development in Chicago, IL is $110,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,700.00 and $125,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Menu Development job?

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 are typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Menu Development?

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 the Menu Development position, and why are they important?

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Menu Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Menu Development jobs in Chicago, IL? For Menu Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Menu Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Menu Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Chef de Cuisine

Chef de Cuisine

mako

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$36 - $42/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

MAKO is a Michelin-starred Omakase restaurant in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago created and led by veteran chef BK Park. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Chef de Cuisine to lead our hot kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will oversee kitchen management, inventory and ordering, while driving seasonal menu development that aligns with our commitment to Michelin-level culinary excellence.
Key Responsibilities Include:

  • Lead and manage all hot kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency.
  • Oversee food ordering, inventory management, and cost control while minimizing waste.
  • Develop and execute seasonal menu changes and innovative dishes that reflect our Michelin-standard.
  • Lead by example in a hands-on role by preparing, cooking, and plating dishes to exact specifications.
  • Ensure strict adherence to recipes, build sheets, portion control, and all established kitchen procedures.
  • Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and kitchen safety.
  • Foster clear, respectful, and effective communication among all kitchen team members.
  • Ensure full compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
  • Continuously uphold exceptional quality, consistency, and attention to detail in every dish served.
Requirements

  • 5+ years experience in a similar role or environment is expected. Experience in fine dining and/or Japanese cuisine are both strongly preferred.
  • Strong and proven ability to meet Key Responsibilities
  • Scheduling availability at nights and on weekends
  • Can stand for 8-10hrs during shift, lift objects up to 50lbs
  • English language ability
Compensation depends on tip splitting and will range due to regular changes in customer/business volume.

Serious inquiries only, please!

More detail about Mako, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/379087-Mako