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Test Kitchen Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY This position reports to the Manager of Food Science and Commercialization and is ... Daily general and heavy cleaning of all test kitchen equipment and test kitchen area; includes ...

JOB SUMMARY This position reports to the Manager of Food Science and Commercialization and is ... Daily general and heavy cleaning of all test kitchen equipment and test kitchen area; includes ...

Associate Test Kitchen

Spartanburg, SC · On-site

$14.20 - $19.58/hr

JOB SUMMARY This position reports to the Manager of Food Science and Commercialization and is ... Daily general and heavy cleaning of all test kitchen equipment and test kitchen area; includes ...

Associate Test Kitchen

Spartanburg, SC · On-site

$14.20 - $19.58/hr

JOB SUMMARY This position reports to the Manager of Food Science and Commercialization and is ... Daily general and heavy cleaning of all test kitchen equipment and test kitchen area; includes ...

R&D Test Kitchen Cook

Denver, CO · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Communicate observations, project updates, and potential concerns to the Test Kitchen Manager in a timely manner. * Safely operate kitchen and pilot plant equipment, including ovens, shredders ...

R&D Test Kitchen Cook

Denver, CO · On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Communicate observations, project updates, and potential concerns to the Test Kitchen Manager in a timely manner. * Safely operate kitchen and pilot plant equipment, including ovens, shredders ...

Senior Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

America's Test Kitchen is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to be a cornerstone of our Product ... Partner deeply with product managers and designers to shape requirements, challenge assumptions ...

Senior Software Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

America's Test Kitchen is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to be a cornerstone of our Product ... Partner deeply with product managers and designers to shape requirements, challenge assumptions ...

Assistant Editor

Boston, MA · On-site

$56K - $58K/yr

America's Test Kitchen is on a mission to find an enthusiastic and dedicated Assistant Editor to ... Manage media transfer and backup during TV, OTT & Video shoots. * Ingest and archive footage ...

Culinary Support - Test kitchen set up/break down, organization of inventory in test kitchen, support the executive kitchen manager, etc. Safety, security, and sanitation - Maintains and manages the ...

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Test Kitchen Manager information

See salary details

$26.5K

$109.1K

$170.5K

How much do test kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for test kitchen manager in the United States is $109,109.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a test kitchen manager?

A Test Kitchen Manager oversees the operations of a test kitchen, which is a facility used to develop, test, and refine recipes and food products before they are released to the public or used commercially. They manage recipe testing, coordinate kitchen staff, maintain equipment, and ensure the highest standards of food safety and quality. Test Kitchen Managers often work for food companies, magazines, or culinary institutions, playing a key role in food innovation and quality assurance.

What are some common challenges faced by test kitchen managers and how can they be addressed?

Test Kitchen Managers often face challenges such as coordinating diverse teams, managing tight deadlines for recipe development, and ensuring food safety compliance. Balancing creativity with strict budget and time constraints requires strong organizational skills and clear communication. Building strong relationships with chefs, food scientists, and marketing teams helps streamline the workflow and troubleshoot issues more efficiently. Staying updated on industry trends and continuously refining processes can also help mitigate these challenges and contribute to a successful test kitchen environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test kitchen manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Test Kitchen Manager, you need expertise in culinary techniques, recipe development, food safety standards, and typically a culinary degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and HACCP certification are commonly required. Strong organizational skills, creativity, and effective team leadership are critical soft skills for managing kitchen operations and fostering innovation. These skills ensure the efficient development of high-quality food products, adherence to safety standards, and successful collaboration within culinary teams.

What is the difference between Test Kitchen Manager vs Test Kitchen Assistant?

AspectTest Kitchen ManagerTest Kitchen Assistant
CredentialsRelevant culinary certifications, management experienceBasic culinary knowledge, entry-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeads test kitchen operations, oversees staffSupports test kitchen activities, assists chefs
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, culinary testing labsFood product companies, culinary testing teams
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership roles in culinary testingCompared for entry-level support roles

The Test Kitchen Manager oversees the entire culinary testing process, manages staff, and ensures quality standards. The Test Kitchen Assistant supports the manager by assisting with food preparation, testing, and administrative tasks. The manager role requires more experience and credentials, while the assistant role is more entry-level and supportive.

More about Test Kitchen Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Test Kitchen Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Test Kitchen Manager job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Test Kitchen jobs?

The most popular types of Test Kitchen jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Test Kitchen Manager jobs?

The top employers for Test Kitchen Manager jobs are:

What states have the most Test Kitchen Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Test Kitchen Manager jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Test Kitchen Manager jobs?

For Test Kitchen Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Test Kitchen Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,109 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Associate Test Kitchen

Spartanburg, SC

Denny's Inc.
Food Services and Drinking Places • 10K+ employees

$14.20 - $19.58/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Denny's rating

4.6

Company rating: 4.6 out of 10

Based on 262 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

This position reports to the Manager of Food Science and Commercialization and is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, organization and day to day equipment operation and inventory storage of the test kitchen.

Essential Functions (Key Responsibilities)

  • Daily washing of dishes and maintenance of kitchen.
  • Daily general and heavy cleaning of all test kitchen equipment and test kitchen area; includes grills, fryers, freezers/coolers, dry storage, counter space, walls, shelves, etc..
  • Assist in the production of all product demonstrations and product tests.
  • Daily receiving and assigning proper storage of all incoming product samples and other miscellaneous freight. Update and share the product inventory log at the end of each day.
  • Other miscellaneous duties as assigned. To include:
    • Assist vendors with setting up for presentations
    • Schedule donation pick-ups with local Soup Kitchen
    • Off-site errands (i.e. grocery store, mailing, dry ice pick up, restaurant pick up, linen pick up and return)
    • Mail packages to appropriate destinations for Product Development team members
    • Some cook/prep may be required on occasion
    • Pull product and ingredients for various test kitchen functions including support for Product Development, Training, Marketing, Purchasing and Operations
    • Other miscellaneous duties assigned

Education & Experience Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • 2 to 3 years of BOH experience in a restaurant or hospitality environment. MS Office and Excel preferred.

Required Knowledge & Skills

  • Good verbal and organizational skills.
  • Must be able to work independently and in a very fast paced and quickly changing environment.
  • Must be flexible and have the ability to work within very tight time constraints.
  • Must be able to operate and maintain industrial kitchen equipment.
  • Must be able to lift at least 40lbs and stand for prolonged periods of time.
  • Must be able to work in cold environments, 32 or below, for an extended period of time (this is required for inventory and cleaning if industrial freezers and coolers).
  • Must be able to work extended hours as needed.
  • Position requires own transportation and must be willing to use personal vehicle for test kitchen errands (grocery, etc.) Gas mileage is reimbursable.

The typical pay range for this role is:

Minimum:$14.20 - Maximum:$19.58

Please note that this range represents the pay range for all positions in the job grade within which the position falls. This job posting is not a promise of any specific pay for any specific employee as the actual pay will take into account a range of factors, including location and experience.

Denny's, Inc.is committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of age, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, sex, sexual orientation,gender identity,disability,genetic information,military or veteran's status, criminal background, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State, or local law.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process shouldcontact 864-597-8000. PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THIS NUMBER TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR APPLICATION.

Denny's, Inc. participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration, and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security, with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information on E-Verify, please contact the DHS at 888-897-7781 or dhs.gov/e-verify. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.


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About Denny's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are the classic American diner and proud of everything that means. Since 1953, we've served quality food and healthy portions at a fair price. No matter where we are, our light is always on, inviting guests around the world into a place where everyone is welcome. Our Denny's family is our most important asset. We trust, support and respect each other and work together for the greater good. We recognize the contributions of all. "Open" means so much more than just being open 24/7. It means being open to all people, appetites and budgets. It says we're open-minded and open to new ideas. Honest, warm and inviting. "Open" is the way we think and act every hour of every day.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Spartanburg, SC, US

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