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Recipe Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

$55.1K

$83.5K

How much do recipe development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for recipe development in Chicago, IL is $55,071.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $61,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 styling and photography 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, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,071 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Lead Baker

Khepri Kitchen

Mount Prospect, IL • On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Employee discounts

Lead Baker
Khepri Kitchen | Mount Prospect, IL
Full-Time | Scratch Kitchen | Leadership Opportunity

Khepri is seeking an experienced, passionate Lead Baker to oversee our bakery program and help shape the future of our seasonal menu. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who loves creating from scratch, mentoring others, and bringing fresh ideas to the table.
You’ll lead daily bakery production, collaborate on menu development, oversee one baker, and play an important role in catering and special events. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in quality, consistency, creativity, and teamwork.
Compensation:
90-Day Probationary Period
  • Starting at $26-29/hour (based on experience)
  • Full-time position
  • Performance review after 90 days
After Successful Completion
  • Performance reviews + potential pay increase + transition to a full-time salaried position based on performance and experience
  • Growth opportunities within the company
Responsibilities:
  • Lead all daily bakery production in a scratch kitchen
  • Maintain consistent quality, presentation, and production standards
  • Collaborate with ownership and the culinary team on seasonal menu development
  • Develop and test new baked goods, pastries, desserts, and specialty menu items
  • Execute daily prep schedules and production planning
  • Oversee catering bakery production and custom orders
  • Supervise, train, and mentor one baker while creating a positive team culture
  • Manage bakery inventory, ordering, and ingredient organization
  • Monitor food costs, minimize waste, and maintain efficient production
  • Ensure all food safety and sanitation standards are consistently followed
  • Work closely with front-of-house to ensure product availability and communication
  • Assist with special events, holiday offerings, and menu launches
Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of professional baking experience
  • Leadership or supervisory experience preferred
  • Strong understanding of bread, pastries, desserts, laminated doughs, and seasonal baking
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills
  • 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:
  • Passionate about scratch baking and quality ingredients
  • Excited to collaborate and contribute creative ideas
  • A supportive leader who enjoys mentoring others
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and takes ownership of their work
  • Committed to continuous learning and helping our bakery evolve
If you’re ready to help build an exceptional bakery program while leading a small team in a collaborative, community-focused kitchen, we’d love to meet you.