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Menu Planning Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

SeaWorld

Executive Chef

Busch, AR

$62K - $85K/yr

You will be involved with menu design, planning and operational execution. Ultimately, you will be the face of the Food Program and will also be required to engage with social media marketing ...

FAM HOLDINGS LLC

Line Cook

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$13 - $16.25/hr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food preparation and a keen interest in menu planning. This role is essential for delivering high-quality meals that meet our standards of ...

SeaWorld

Sous Chef

Busch, AR

$43K - $58K/yr

Support menu planning and seasonal food items * Contribute to event menu planning and execution * Manage event and banqueting food inventories * Ensure compliance with food and beverage safety ...

Golden Corral

Kitchen Lead

Fayetteville, AR

$14 - $16.50/hr

Order and maintain inventory of kitchen supplies * Assist with menu planning and recipe development * Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations * Perform other duties as assigned ...

The Springs

Dietary Cook

El Dorado, AR · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Participate in menu planning and food trend research to stay up-to-date with the latest culinary developments * Provide exceptional customer service to our residents, families, and staff * Maintain ...

The Springs of El Dorado

Dietary Cook

El Dorado, AR · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

Participate in menu planning and food trend research to stay up-to-date with the latest culinary developments * Provide exceptional customer service to our residents, families, and staff * Maintain ...

FAM HOLDINGS LLC

Sushi Chef

Little Rock, AR · On-site

Familiarity with catering services is a plus, as well as experience in menu planning. * Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team setting. * A passion for ...

Dermott City Nursing Home

DIETARY MANAGER

Dermott, AR · On-site

Maintain accurate records of dietary operations and menu planning. * Collaborate with healthcare staff to accommodate patients' medical and therapeutic dietary requirements. * Train dietary staff in ...

Dermott City Nursing Home

DIETARY MANAGER

Dermott, AR · On-site

Maintain accurate records of dietary operations and menu planning. * Collaborate with healthcare staff to accommodate patients' medical and therapeutic dietary requirements. * Train dietary staff in ...

Dermott City Nursing Home

DIETARY MANAGER

Dermott, AR · On-site

Maintain accurate records of dietary operations and menu planning. * Collaborate with healthcare staff to accommodate patients' medical and therapeutic dietary requirements. * Train dietary staff in ...

Dermott City Nursing Home

DIETARY MANAGER

Dermott, AR · On-site

Maintain accurate records of dietary operations and menu planning. * Collaborate with healthcare staff to accommodate patients' medical and therapeutic dietary requirements. * Train dietary staff in ...

Golden Corral

Restaurant Assistant Manager

Rogers, AR

$60K - $95K/yr

... menu planning. You work closely with the General and Associate Managers and complete a one-year certification program including a series of modules designed to teach in-store management skills. Our ...

The Springs Living

Dietary Aide

Camden, AR · On-site

$11.50 - $14.50/hr

Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment, adhering to safety and sanitation standards * Assist with menu planning, food ordering, and inventory management as needed * Collaborate with the ...

The Springs of Camden

Dietary Aide

Camden, AR · On-site

$11.50 - $14.50/hr

Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment, adhering to safety and sanitation standards * Assist with menu planning, food ordering, and inventory management as needed * Collaborate with the ...

The Springs

Dietary Aide

Camden, AR · On-site

$11.50 - $14.50/hr

Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment, adhering to safety and sanitation standards * Assist with menu planning, food ordering, and inventory management as needed * Collaborate with the ...

River Lodge Assisted Living

COOK

Mountain Home, AR · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Build positive relationships with residents by incorporating feedback into menu planning. Qualifications * High school diploma or equivalent preferred. * Prior cooking experience in senior living ...

River Lodge Assisted Living

COOK

Mountain Home, AR · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Build positive relationships with residents by incorporating feedback into menu planning. Qualifications * High school diploma or equivalent preferred. * Prior cooking experience in senior living ...

River Lodge Assisted Living

COOK

Mountain Home, AR

$13.25 - $18/hr

Build positive relationships with residents by incorporating feedback into menu planning. Qualifications * High school diploma or equivalent preferred. * Prior cooking experience in senior living ...

River Lodge Assisted Living

COOK

Mountain Home, AR

$13.25 - $18/hr

Build positive relationships with residents by incorporating feedback into menu planning. Qualifications * High school diploma or equivalent preferred. * Prior cooking experience in senior living ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsMenu Planning JobsMenu Planning Jobs in Arkansas

Menu Planning information

See Arkansas salary details

$46.3K

$85.4K

$129.8K

How much do menu planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu planning in Arkansas is $85,352.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $96,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is menu planning?

A Menu Planning job involves designing balanced, cost-effective, and appealing meal options for restaurants, cafeterias, or institutions. This role requires selecting ingredients, considering dietary needs, and ensuring variety while minimizing food waste. Menu planners work closely with chefs, nutritionists, and suppliers to create meals that meet customer preferences and business goals.

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

Success in Menu Planning requires strong culinary knowledge, nutritional understanding, and experience with food cost management, often supported by a degree in culinary arts, nutrition, or hospitality. Familiarity with menu design software, nutritional analysis tools, and inventory management systems is highly beneficial. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with chefs and meeting client or customer preferences. These skills are crucial for developing balanced, appealing, and cost-effective menus that align with organizational goals and customer needs.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in menu planning roles?

Professionals in menu planning often face the challenge of balancing nutritional requirements, budget constraints, and customer preferences while maintaining variety and appeal in their menus. They must also adapt to seasonal ingredient availability, supply chain issues, and evolving dietary trends. Collaboration with chefs, purchasing teams, and nutritionists is common, requiring strong cross-functional communication. Overcoming these challenges successfully ensures the creation of menus that satisfy both operational needs and guest expectations, making the role critical to a food service operation’s success.

What are the qualifications of a menu planning?

A menu planner typically needs strong knowledge of nutrition, culinary skills, and understanding of dietary restrictions. Relevant qualifications may include a culinary degree, certification in nutrition, or experience in food service management. Good organizational skills and familiarity with food safety standards are also important.

What does a menu planning do?

A menu planner develops and organizes menus for restaurants, cafeterias, or food services, ensuring a balanced variety of dishes that meet nutritional, budget, and customer preferences. They consider factors like ingredient availability, food costs, and dietary restrictions, often using tools like menu software to create efficient and appealing menus.

What are popular job titles related to Menu Planning jobs in Arkansas?

For Menu Planning jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Menu Planning jobs in Arkansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Menu Planning jobs in Arkansas are:

Menu Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Menu Planning job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,352 per year, or $41 per hour.

Executive Chef

SeaWorld

Busch, AR

$62K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

What you get to do:

You'll oversee all daily Culinary Operations of Restaurants, Carts & Kiosks, Specialty Snacks, Banqueting, Catering, & Consumer events. You will be involved with menu design, planning and operational execution. Ultimately, you will be the face of the Food Program and will also be required to engage with social media marketing department to create fun, creative items to market to guests. You will also:

  • Oversees all daily Culinary Operations
  • Manage all kitchen (back of house) staff including the Sous Chefs, production bakery staff and all line cooks
  • Oversee the Production Bakery
  • Responsible for producing a cost-effective, high-quality product in all locations.
  • Report into the VP of F&B and must maintain a cooperating relationship with the F&B Director and other heads of departments.
  • Responsible for food cost and recipe management along with food safety protocols and cleanliness.
  • Leads menu planning and seasonal food items
  • Responsible for food inventories in-Park and in the warehouse
  • Responsible for training of new cooks in collaboration with the Sous Chef
  • Involved in Event menu planning & execution
  • Responsible for Food & Beverage safety standards and protocols
  • Responsible for training and development of staff

What it takes to succeed:

  • 3+ years' experience as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a high-volume atmosphere or similar multi-outlet venues
  • Chef experience in a Theme Park preferred
  • Advance knowledge in Food Cost & Inventory Management, and Menu Engineering
  • Advance knowledge of Culinary Food & Safety Protocols
  • Menu planning and engineering experience
  • Experience in running a Culinary "Back-of-house" P&L
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft programs such as Excel and Outlook
  • Supporting multiple venues within the park working both indoors and outdoors daily. Administrative and strategic menu work in an office setting as required
  • Administrative Duties to include:
    • Costing out menus, turning in event recaps with proper costs, documenting and holding Ambassadors accountable, and all other paperwork as required
  • May stand, walk, and move swiftly for several hours at a time; and required to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to work evenings, weekends and holidays and be available for on call status as needed
  • May require travel to other park locations
  • Must adhere to the Parks time and attendance policy
  • Flexible and solution-driven with strong organizational, multi-tasking and time- management skills
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
  • Proven supervisory skills
  • Strong and consistent customer service orientation

The perks of the position:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
  • Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan
  • Voluntary Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

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