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Test Kitchen Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

IPOT

Restaurant - BBQ Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... kitchen cleanliness and follow strict food safety standards * Collaborate with the team to test new ... management and prep list planning * Work evening/night shifts (4 PM - 12 AM) and support peak ...

Hualapai Tribe

Cook

Upper Lake, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

Prepares food according to recipes provided or selected by the Kitchen Manager from the menu ... Conditions of employment with the Running Creek Casino include passing a pre-employment drug test ...

Running Creek Casino

Cook

Upper Lake, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20/hr

Prepares food according to recipes provided or selected by the Kitchen Manager from the menu ... Conditions of employment with the Running Creek Casino include passing a pre-employment drug test ...

Brunos Italian Kitchen

Line Cook

Brea, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Observes and tests food being cooked by tasting, smelling and piercing with cooking utensil to ... Must demonstrate ability to present and discuss menu item preparation with kitchen manager and Chef ...

Brunos Italian Kitchen

Line Cook

Brea, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Observes and tests food being cooked by tasting, smelling and piercing with cooking utensil to ... Must demonstrate ability to present and discuss menu item preparation with kitchen manager and Chef ...

O'Connor Woods

Dishwasher

Stockton, CA

$17 - $18/hr

The Dishwasher reports direct to the Kitchen Manager or Executive Chef. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS ... test, TB screen test and health screen. O'Connor Woods is an Equal Opportunity employer. All ...

Salted

VP of Culinary

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

This role reports directly to our CEO and initially will manage a team of two (Culinary Director ... Test Kitchen) * Develop and execute an LTO strategy that balances culinary innovation with the ...

Salted

VP of Culinary

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

This role reports directly to our CEO and initially will manage a team of two (Culinary Director ... Test Kitchen) * Develop and execute an LTO strategy that balances culinary innovation with the ...

GLOM Global Inc

Kitchen Assistant

Livermore, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

... test for tuberculosis and satisfactory results. · Health Screening. · CPR/First Aid/BLS ... S. · Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. · Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage ...

GLOM Global Inc

Kitchen Assistant

Livermore, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

... test for tuberculosis and satisfactory results. · Health Screening. · CPR/First Aid/BLS ... S. · Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. · Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage ...

Cha Cha's Latin Kitchen Brea

Line Cook

Brea, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Observes and tests food being cooked by tasting, smelling and piercing with cooking utensil to ... Must demonstrate ability to present and discuss menu item preparation with kitchen manager and Chef ...

O'Connor Woods

Cook III

Stockton, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Provides direct support to the Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager. * Provide creativity with ... Ability to pass a criminal background clearance check, drug screen, physical and TB test. * Must be ...

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Test Kitchen Manager information

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.

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

The most popular types of Test Kitchen jobs in California are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Test Kitchen Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Test Kitchen Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Test Kitchen Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Test Kitchen Manager job openings:

Test Kitchen Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Kitchen Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Restaurant - BBQ Chef

IPOT

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description


We're a fast-growing Chinese hotpot and BBQ restaurant in San Francisco, and we're now expanding our kitchen with authentic American BBQ. We're looking for passionate BBQ Chefs who know their way around smoke, fire, and flavor - from slow-smoked brisket and ribs to Asian-style Yakiniku and hotpot grill. If you love working with premium meats and want to help develop bold, unforgettable flavors for a next-generation dining concept, this is your role.
Responsibilities
  • Smoke, grill, and prepare high-quality meats (brisket, ribs, chicken, pork belly, Wagyu, lamb, etc.)
  • Balance flavors and techniques between American BBQ and Asian BBQ
  • Slice, marinate, and season proteins for both BBQ and hotpot service
  • Maintain consistency in marinades, rubs, and smoke profiles
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness and follow strict food safety standards
  • Collaborate with the team to test new recipes and develop new menu items
  • Support delivery operations, including proper packaging, portioning, and quality control for off-site orders
  • Assist with inventory management and prep list planning
  • Work evening/night shifts (4 PM - 12 AM) and support peak dinner service

Requirements
  • Experience in American BBQ (smoking, grilling, slow-cooking) strongly preferred
  • Kitchen experience in Chinese or Asian cuisine (Hotpot/Yakiniku) is a plus
  • Strong knife skills and attention to detail
  • Interest in product development and menu innovation
  • Experience with or interest in delivery prep and packaging is a plus
  • Team player with a great attitude and communication skills
  • Speaks Chinese / Cantonese (preferred but not required)
  • Can work nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.
  • ServSafe or California Food Handler certification is a plus
  • Able to stand for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs as part of daily kitchen work

Benefits
  • Competitive hourly pay (based on experience)
  • Free staff meals every shift
  • Growth opportunities into lead/sous chef and R&D positions
  • Fun, fast-paced team and supportive work environment

Apply