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Recipe Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Manager

Dyer, IN · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Knowledge of culinary techniques and recipe development Requirements * Must be 18 years or older * Be able to lift 25-50 LBS * Reliable transportation * Pass drug and background check * Proven past ...

Lead Baker

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Creative mindset with a passion for recipe development- unique flavor pairings + offerings * Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment * Weekend availability required What We're Looking For:

Assistant Manager

Dyer, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Knowledge of culinary techniques and recipe development Requirements * Must be 18 years or older * Be able to lift 25-50 LBS * Reliable transportation * Pass drug and background check * Proven past ...

Executive Chef, Toro

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

Your expertise in recipe development elevates our menus while your leadership inspires and fosters our culinary talent. You will lead the culinary team and be responsible for overseeing all culinary ...

Executive Chef, Toro

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

Your expertise in recipe development elevates our menus while your leadership inspires and fosters our culinary talent. You will lead the culinary team and be responsible for overseeing all culinary ...

Area Manager I, Sous Chef

Aurora, IL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Able to multitask - tracking/monitoring recipe development and maintaining productivity * Computer literate to input information into the computer * Able to take direction and relay information to ...

Area Manager I, Sous Chef

Aurora, IL · On-site

$58K - $63K/yr

Able to multitask - tracking/monitoring recipe development and maintaining productivity * Computer literate to input information into the computer * Able to take direction and relay information to ...

Partner with the Executive Chef on menu planning, recipe development, seasonal offerings, and premium club food presentations * Ensure all recipes, portion standards, preparation methods, and plating ...

Partner with the Executive Chef on menu planning, recipe development, seasonal offerings, and premium club food presentations * Ensure all recipes, portion standards, preparation methods, and plating ...

Partner with the Executive Chef on menu planning, recipe development, seasonal offerings, and premium club food presentations * Ensure all recipes, portion standards, preparation methods, and plating ...

Partner with the Executive Chef on menu planning, recipe development, seasonal offerings, and premium club food presentations * Ensure all recipes, portion standards, preparation methods, and plating ...

Showing results 21-40

Recipe Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$55K

$83.4K

How much do recipe development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for recipe development in Chicago, IL is $55,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $61,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 skills do you need to be a recipe development?

Recipe development requires strong culinary skills, creativity, and knowledge of food science to create and test new recipes. Attention to detail, proficiency with kitchen tools and ingredients, and the ability to adapt recipes based on feedback are essential. Good organizational skills and understanding of nutrition can also be beneficial.

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 food science, culinary arts, and food photography 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 and flavor pairing. Building a portfolio of tested recipes and proficiency with food photography or writing can also help establish credibility in the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Recipe Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Recipe Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Recipe Development jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Recipe Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Recipe Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Recipe Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Recipe Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,071 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description

An Assistant Kitchen Manager (AKM) is responsible for supporting the Kitchen Manager in the day-to-day operations of a kitchen, including supervising pizza cooks, maintaining food quality and safety standards, managing inventory, ordering supplies when needed, scheduling staff when needed, ensuring proper food handling procedures, and training new kitchen employees, all while upholding cleanliness and organization within the kitchen. 

Key responsibilities of an Assistant Kitchen Manager:

Staff Management:

Oversee the daily tasks of all pizza cooks.

Train new kitchen staff on proper cooking techniques, recipes, and sanitation procedures.

Assign tasks and manage workflow to ensure efficient kitchen operations.

Address staff concerns and resolve kitchen-related conflicts. (With you direct supervisor)

Food Quality and Safety:

Ensure adherence to food safety regulations and standards.

Monitor food quality and consistency throughout the cooking process.

Implement proper food handling practices, including proper storage and rotation.

Conduct regular sanitation checks and maintain a clean kitchen environment.

Inventory and Ordering:

Monitor inventory levels of food supplies and ingredients.

Place orders for food items to maintain stock levels when needed.

Identify areas to save labor or cut supply cost. 

Menu Management:

Assist the Kitchen Manager in developing new menu items and updating existing recipes.

Ensure consistent quality and presentation of menu items according to menu specifications.

Administrative Tasks:

Create staff schedules and manage time off requests if needed.

Maintain kitchen documentation, including recipes, prep lists, and inventory logs. 

Required Skills and Qualifications:

  • Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation practices
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills to effectively manage      a kitchen team
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced      environment
  • Basic computer skills for inventory management and scheduling
  • Knowledge of culinary techniques and recipe development 

Requirements

  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Be able to lift 25-50 LBS
  • Reliable transportation 
  • Pass drug and background check
  • Proven past experience in  management
  • Be an assertive leader
  • Bring a winning attitude every day