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Menu Planning Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Cook

Martin, TN

$13 - $16/hr

The Cook is responsible for menu planning, food ordering, keeping the kitchen clean, following food safety guidelines, and ensuring meals are prepared and served on time. What You'll Do * Prepare and ...

Support menu planning and resident dietary needs * Manage food quality, inventory, and costs * Address resident dining concerns Dietary Supervisor Qualifications: * Dietary services experience (healt ...

Support menu planning and resident dietary needs * Manage food quality, inventory, and costs * Address resident dining concerns Dietary Supervisor Qualifications: * Dietary services experience (healt ...

Assists with menu planning and production schedules. * Carries product from walk-in to work areas for preparation. * Ensures specified weights and portions are used for all products and recipes.

Cook

Memphis, TN · On-site

$18/hr

Assists with menu planning and production schedules. * Carries product from walk-in to work areas for preparation. * Ensures specified weights and portions are used for all products and recipes.

Salad Maker

Germantown, TN

$12 - $14/hr

Reads and comprehends written recipes and instructions for food preparation and production. (Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide recipe portions to accommodate menu planning and production

Assists with menu planning and production schedules. * Carries product from walk-in to work areas for preparation. * Ensures specified weights and portions are used for all products and recipes.

Baker

Memphis, TN · On-site

$15/hr

Reads and comprehends written recipes and instructions for food preparation and production. (Able to add, subtract, multiply and divide recipe portions to accommodate menu planning and production.

$70K - $80K/yr

Collaborate with the chef de cuisine to contribute ideas for menu planning, incorporating creativity and innovation. * Actively participate in the development of new dishes, ensuring they align with ...

Cook

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Maintain food quality by using proper cooking temperatures, holding practices, and storage techniques to prevent contamination, spoilage, and waste. * Assist in menu planning and placing orders for ...

Cook

Murfreesboro, TN

$12.50 - $17/hr

Maintain food quality by using proper cooking temperatures, holding practices, and storage techniques to prevent contamination, spoilage, and waste. * Assist in menu planning and placing orders for ...

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Menu Planning information

See Tennessee salary details

$50.8K

$93.7K

$142.5K

How much do menu planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu planning in Tennessee is $93,683.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $105,700.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Menu Planning jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Menu Planning jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Menu Planning jobs in Tennessee? For Menu Planning jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Menu Planning jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Menu Planning jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Menu Planning job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,683 per year, or $45 per hour.

Food Service Director

Morning Pointe Senior Living

Lenoir City, TN

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Morning Pointe Senior Living rating

4.3

Company rating: 4.3 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

230th of 239 rated social care providers


Job description

Title: Food Service Director

Reports To: Executive Director


Primary Purpose


This position is part of the Operations Leadership Team responsible for the creation of resident-focused, high-performance, high-commitment work teams that support the Morning Pointe purpose of “partnering with families in meeting the challenges of life.” The Food Service Director is responsible for delivering nutritious food and beverages with quality service while managing costs and meeting state health and regulatory standards. Responsibilities include kitchen management, menu planning, meal preparation, food and equipment inventory control, and kitchen staff supervision.


Qualifications / Skills Needed


The successful candidate must have five (5) years of professional dietary experience. Preference given to candidates with certification or formal training in the culinary field. Food Service / Dietary experience in senior living or healthcare settings is desired. Kitchen staff supervision, menu planning, and inventory control experience is required. Knowledge of HACCP guidelines and the nutritional needs of the older adult is required. Strong verbal and written communication skills, along with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, are essential. Occasional travel may be required.


Required Certification:


The Food Service Director must obtain and maintain a current ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, or an equivalent ANSI-accredited Food Protection Manager certification, as a condition of employment. Certification must remain active, unexpired, and available for review during Health Department inspections.


Duties include, but are not limited to:


General / Leadership


• Plan, prepare, and deliver all resident and employee meals, including special events.

• Ensure successful implementation of Kitchen Policies & Procedures, menu planning, and special events.

• Build strong relationships and maintain open communication with residents and families to ensure nutritional needs are met.

• Monitor kitchen and dining room areas for cleanliness, safety, and proper equipment function; maintain appropriate supply levels and complete inventory as required.

• Ensure continuous compliance with local, state, and federal health regulations, including the on-site presence of a Certified Food Protection Manager during food preparation and service.

• Plan and carry out special duties or projects assigned.


Staff Management


• Provide leadership, training, and direction to all food service staff members.

• Under the Executive Director’s guidance, direct and evaluate food service staff during the 90-day training period and annual review process.

• With Executive Director’s guidance, document associate counseling and disciplinary actions.

• Deliver Food Service and Kitchen Safety Training Programs for all food service staff members.

• Assist in identifying and supporting a designated backup certified Food Protection manager.



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