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Recipe Development Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Nonni's

Marketing PMO Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Monitor and track recipe development activities across multiple concurrent projects * Manage recipe variations and ensure version control and documentation accuracy * Assess downstream impacts of ...

Mars

SAP PLM Architect (Lead)

Chicago, IL · On-site

Recipe Development, Specifications Management, Change Records / Product Change Management. • Own functional solution alignment with SAP S/4HANA (Private Cloud, RISE) and SAP BTP. • Partner with ...

Acxion

Culinary R&D Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

... recipe development, and final product specifications * Translate emerging culinary, consumer, and menu trends into relevant, on-brand concepts for clients * Test, refine, and scale recipes and ...

Acxion Foodservice

Culinary R&D Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

... recipe development, and final product specifications Translate emerging culinary, consumer, and menu trends into relevant, on-brand concepts for clients Test, refine, and scale recipes and products ...

Mars, Incorporated

SAP PLM Architect (Lead)

Chicago, IL · On-site

Hands-on configuration experience with SAP PLM components such as Recipe Development, Specifications Management, and related modules. * Strong understanding of S/4HANA, SAP BTP, and RISE environments ...

Mars

SAP PLM Architect (Lead)

Chicago, IL

Handson configuration experience with SAP PLM components such as Recipe Development, Specifications Management, and related modules. * Strong understanding of S/4HANA, SAP BTP, and RISE environments ...

Asador Bastian

Pastry Sous Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

Maintain recipe consistency, portion control, and production efficiency. * Assist with menu development, seasonal dessert creation, and recipe testing. * Monitor inventory levels and communicate ...

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All JobsRecipe Development JobsRecipe Development Jobs in Illinois

Recipe Development information

See Illinois salary details

$28.1K

$51.8K

$78.5K

How much do recipe development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for recipe development in Illinois is $51,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,200.00 and $58,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is recipe developer a job?

Yes, a recipe developer is a professional who creates and tests new recipes for food companies, publications, or restaurants. They often have skills in culinary arts, food science, and may use tools like recipe management software; some positions require culinary certifications or degrees. Recipe development is a recognized career in the food industry with specific job responsibilities and work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Recipe Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Recipe Development, you need a strong culinary background, creativity in food pairing, and a solid understanding of nutrition and food science, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with recipe management software, food costing tools, and kitchen equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and excellent communication skills help you refine recipes and collaborate with chefs, clients, or brands. These skills ensure the creation of innovative, reliable, and appealing recipes that meet both culinary standards and consumer expectations.

What are some common challenges faced in a recipe development role, and how can they be managed?

One of the main challenges in recipe development is balancing creativity with practicality, as recipes must be both innovative and reproducible by home cooks or commercial kitchens. Developers often need to test multiple iterations to ensure consistency, flavor, and clarity in instructions. Managing feedback from taste testers, nutritionists, and editorial teams is also key, requiring strong communication and flexibility. Staying organized and documenting each version meticulously helps streamline the process and minimize errors.

What is recipe development?

Recipe development is the process of creating, testing, and refining recipes to achieve desired flavors, textures, and presentation. This involves experimenting with ingredients, cooking methods, and measurements to ensure the final dish is both delicious and reliable. Professionals in recipe development often work for food brands, magazines, or restaurants, ensuring recipes are innovative, accurate, and easy for others to follow. The process may also include considering dietary restrictions, nutrition, and food trends.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of recipe development, highly experienced and successful chefs or food entrepreneurs can reach annual earnings of $500,000 or more, especially if they own popular restaurants, publish bestselling cookbooks, or have lucrative media deals. Such high income levels typically require extensive industry experience, strong branding, and multiple revenue streams. Most recipe developers or culinary professionals earning this level of income operate in high-profile environments or have diversified their culinary careers beyond standard roles.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Recipe Development Job?

The qualifications to get a recipe development job depend greatly on your career path. If you start in the restaurant or fine dining industry, you may get a book deal to write about your restaurant’s food or ingredients. This requires years of patience and success as a cook. Others study food science or nutrition in college or at a culinary institute. Other recipe developers may have no formal background in food or food science, but they combine their passion for cooking with their writing skills and develop recipes for their audience.

How much do recipe developers get paid?

Recipe developers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Freelance recipe developers may charge per project or hour, with rates ranging from $20 to $100 or more per hour. Skills in culinary arts, food science, and recipe testing can influence earning potential.

How do you become a recipe developer?

To become a recipe developer, individuals typically gain culinary skills through formal education or hands-on experience in kitchens, and develop a strong understanding of food science, flavor pairing, and presentation. Building a portfolio of tested recipes and proficiency with food photography or writing can also help establish credibility in the field.
More about Recipe Development jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Recipe Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Recipe Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Recipe Development jobs in Illinois? For Recipe Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recipe Development jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Recipe Development jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Recipe Development jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Recipe Development job openings:
Recipe Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recipe Development job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,763 per year, or $24.9 per hour.
Airline Lounges Culinary Development Manager

Airline Lounges Culinary Development Manager

Sodexo

Chicago, IL • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,129 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

342nd of 487 rated business services

Job description

Role Overview

Sodexo Live! has an exciting, remote opening for a Culinary Development Manager to support our Airport Dimensions Lounge client on a national scale.  The successful candidate will support recipe development and related strategic initiatives and engage in menu design, menu changes, menu costing, training, as well as client facing communication and partnership.  You will also support P&L management, new lounge openings, and team development. 

This is a remote position, and our preferred candidate would reside on the East Coast, near a major airport.  

What You'll Do
  • menu design and development
  • menu costing
  • team training and development
  • client communications 
  • new lounge openings
What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring
  • 3-5 years of proven leadership experience in a recognized restaurant or hospitality company or group
  • proven track record of menu development and training
  • excellent culinary background including operations and management
  • ability to travel nationally
  • desire to learn and grow in a culinary discipline
Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Minimum Management Experience - 5 years   

Minimum Functional Experience - 3 years of experience in operations

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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