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Menu Planning Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Nova-Tech Engineering

Cafeteria Cook

Willmar, MN · On-site

Help manage food costs through thoughtful menu planning, portion control, waste reduction, and cost-to-plate awareness. * Prepare and fulfill catering orders for meetings and company events.

Nova-Tech Engineering

Cafeteria Cook

Willmar, MN · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Help manage food costs through thoughtful menu planning, portion control, waste reduction, and cost-to-plate awareness. * Prepare and fulfill catering orders for meetings and company events.

Franklin Restorative Care Center

Dietary Cook

Franklin, MN

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Ensure food is cooked to proper temperatures and served attractively * Assist with menu planning and special diets as directed * Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and equipment

Cura Health

Cook

Watkins, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and equipment. * Assist in menu planning and recipe development as needed. Requirements * Previous cooking experience, preferably in a healthcare ...

Cura Health

Cook

Watkins, MN · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and equipment. * Assist in menu planning and recipe development as needed. Requirements * Previous cooking experience, preferably in a healthcare ...

Shooting Star Casino

Executive Chef

Mahnomen, MN · On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

... menu planning. • Works for new service area design as required. • Coordinate all training activities. Develop and prepare food products to be served to our guests, ensuring good food quality and ...

Cura Health

Evening Dietary Cook in Sandstone

Sandstone, MN · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Ensure all food is prepared safely and meets quality standards. * Assist in menu planning and accommodate special diets as prescribed by healthcare professionals. * Maintain cleanliness and ...

Cura Health

Evening Dietary Cook in Sandstone

Sandstone, MN · On-site

$14 - $17.75/hr

Ensure all food is prepared safely and meets quality standards. * Assist in menu planning and accommodate special diets as prescribed by healthcare professionals. * Maintain cleanliness and ...

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All JobsMenu Planning JobsMenu Planning Jobs in Minnesota

Menu Planning information

See Minnesota salary details

$54.8K

$101.1K

$153.8K

How much do menu planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu planning in Minnesota is $101,093.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $114,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 does a menu planning do?

A menu planner develops and organizes menus for restaurants, cafeterias, or food services to ensure a balanced, appealing, and cost-effective selection of dishes. They consider factors like nutrition, seasonality, ingredient availability, and customer preferences, often using tools like nutritional analysis software. Strong organizational and culinary knowledge are essential for this role.
What are popular job titles related to Menu Planning jobs in Minnesota? For Menu Planning jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Menu Planning jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Menu Planning jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Menu Planning jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Menu Planning job openings:
Menu Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Menu Planning job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,093 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Cafeteria Cook

Nova-Tech Engineering

Willmar, MN • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Cafeteria Cook
Pay Range: $22 - $25/Hour
Who is Nova-Tech Engineering?
Headquartered in Willmar, MN, Nova-Tech Engineering is a growing, dynamic company founded in 1992 that began as one person’s passion to benefit the agricultural industry.  Through innovative process automation technology, the company engineers and manufactures products that serve over 500 commercial poultry hatcheries in over 65 countries worldwide. 
Nova-Tech houses every aspect of its business on the MinnWest Technology Campus, including a manufacturing facility located just steps away from our engineering and drafting teams. Walking from building to building, you can observe our whole process, from concept to final product.
What we’re looking for:
  • Prepare fresh, high-quality meals from scratch whenever possible while maintaining consistency, presentation, and flavor.
  • Plan and prepare daily menu offerings that are nutritious, appealing, and responsive to customer preferences.
  • Help manage food costs through thoughtful menu planning, portion control, waste reduction, and cost-to-plate awareness.
  • Prepare and fulfill catering orders for meetings and company events.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen while following all food safety regulations and company standards.
  • Order, receive, and organize food and kitchen supplies to support daily operations.
  • Ensure food stations remain stocked and ready throughout service while providing an excellent customer experience.
  • Monitor kitchen operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend ideas that enhance quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Safely operate and maintain commercial kitchen equipment.
  • Support front-of-house operations by assisting with cashier duties and customer service as needed.
  • Work independently while collaborating effectively with others to support daily food service operations.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to cleanliness, food safety, continuous improvement, and the overall employee dining experience.

What you’ll do:
At Nova-Tech Engineering, we're looking for a Cook who is passionate about cooking from scratch, takes pride in delivering exceptional food, and enjoys serving others in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Our cafeteria is open to the public serving lunch Monday - Friday and is located on the MinnWest Campus. Campus Crave is more than a cafeteria. It's a place where employees gather, recharge, and connect. As our Cook, you'll play an important role in creating a positive dining experience by preparing delicious meals, maintaining high food safety standards, and helping ensure every customer receives outstanding service. We believe in building on people's strengths. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and creating an exceptional experience for both our employees and customers.
Other key areas include:
  • 3+ years of commercial kitchen, cafeteria, restaurant, catering, or food service experience.
  • Experience in menu planning, inventory control, and budgeting.
  • A customer-focused mindset with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to communicate professionally and work collaboratively with employees, vendors, and guests.
  • ServSafe certification required, or ability to obtain within 90 days.
  • Ability to understand and apply food service budget principles, including food costs, cost-to-plate, portion control, inventory levels, waste reduction, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

Our location:
In 2005, Nova-Tech partnered with Life-Science Innovations to buy a 37-building, 110-acre historic hospital facility in Willmar from the State of Minnesota.  Since that time, we have developed the resulting MinnWest Technology Campus into the largest privately owned technology park in the country. Willmar, MN is a bustling community located less than two hours from Minneapolis and one hour from St. Cloud known for its lakes and vibrant entertainment.
Things to check out: Willmar Stingers, Willmar WarHawks, Little Crow Ski Team, Green Lake and boat cruises, Glacial Lakes State Trail, Dorothy A. Olson Aquatic Center, The Barn Theatre, Sibley State Park, Robbins Island, Destination Playground, YMCA, Ridgewater College, area golf courses and simulators, local breweries, restaurants, and shopping.
Why join our team?
Nova-Tech Engineering offers a flexible, collaborative, and productive work environment focusing on culture and strengths.  We’ve worked hard to create our unique culture and seek team members who match our core values so we can continue to create revolutionary solutions that forever change industries and enhance quality of life. 
The MinnWest Technology Campus offers a wide array of on-site amenities including a cafeteria, pool, fitness center, gymnasium, meeting spaces, daycare center, and more! We offer competitive wages with generous paid time off and benefits starting day one! Learn more at www.nteglobal.com.        
To Apply or Further Inquire Contact:
Rachel Weiss | Talent Acquisition
Rachel.Weiss@nteglobal.com
(320) 222-9790

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