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Test Kitchen Manager Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

R&D Test Kitchen Cook

Denver, CO

$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 ...

Prep/Line Cook

Bailey, CO · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Test the temperature of foods at specified intervals; Perform daily temperature checks for coolers ... Assists Kitchen Manager or Chef/Cook in inventory requests, as requested. * Reports any accidents ...

$22 - $24/hr

This position reports to the Kitchen Manager or Executive Chef. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Work and ... Observe and test foods being cooked by tasting, smelling, and noticing the visual appearance.

$25/hr

This position reports to the Kitchen Manager or Executive Chef. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Work and ... Observe and test foods being cooked by tasting, smelling, and noticing the visual appearance.

$22 - $24/hr

This position reports to the Kitchen Manager or Executive Chef. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Work and ... Observe and test foods being cooked by tasting, smelling, and noticing the visual appearance.

BOH - Prep Cook

Aspen, CO

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Observe/test foods to determine if cooked sufficiently, by tasting, smelling, or piercing them with ... Perform additional responsibilities as requested by the Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen manager at any ...

BOH - Prep Cook

Aspen, CO · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Observe/test foods to determine if cooked sufficiently, by tasting, smelling, or piercing them with ... Perform additional responsibilities as requested by the Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen manager at any ...

BOH - Prep Cook

Aspen, CO · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Observe/test foods to determine if cooked sufficiently, by tasting, smelling, or piercing them with ... Perform additional responsibilities as requested by the Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen manager at any ...

BOH - Prep Cook

Aspen, CO · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Observe/test foods to determine if cooked sufficiently, by tasting, smelling, or piercing them with ... Perform additional responsibilities as requested by the Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen manager at any ...

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Test Kitchen Manager information

See Colorado salary details

$27.9K

$114.7K

$179.3K

How much do test kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for test kitchen manager in Colorado is $114,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,800.00 and $136,700.00 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Test Kitchen Manager job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,730 per year, or $55.2 per hour.

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Leprino Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Within our Quality team located in Denver - Leprino is seeking a R&D Test Kitchen Cook to move our organization to even larger levels of cheese and dairy ingredient growth! We take pride in our vision to be "world's best", it is why we work harder, invest more, and continually innovate.

At Leprino, starting compensation for this role typically ranges between $22.94 and $25.80 This position has an annual target bonus of 3.5%.

What You'll Do:
  • Prepare cheese and dairy ingredient samples for product evaluations, research projects, and customer submissions.
  • Organize, conduct, and document product evaluations to support product development and quality initiatives.
  • Coordinate sample requests and maintain accurate records to support testing activities.
  • Build and maintain organized inventories of samples, ingredients, and supplies.
  • Clean and organize the test kitchen, warehouse workspaces, research coolers, and freezers using established organizational standards.
  • Complete daily and weekly sanitation activities to support a clean and efficient work environment.
  • Support plant trials by preparing materials, coordinating sample needs, and assisting project teams.
  • Assist with customer events by preparing products, arranging displays, serving food, and restoring work areas following events.
  • Participate in trade shows and customer-facing activities by sharing product information and supporting demonstrations.
  • Work closely with Product Development, Quality Assurance, Research & Development, Innovation, and Culinary teams to support ongoing projects.
  • 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, mixers, and related tools.
You Have At Least (Required Qualifications):
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Dairy Science, or a related field; or equivalent food industry experience.
  • Experience supporting food manufacturing, food science, product development, quality, or food safety activities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Experience preparing, organizing, documenting, or evaluating food products in a laboratory, test kitchen, pilot plant, or manufacturing environment.
  • An ability to safely operate food preparation, kitchen, or pilot plant equipment.
We Hope You Also Have (Preferred Qualifications):
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Food Technology, or a closely related field combined with hands-on product development or test kitchen experience.
  • Experience using SAP or a similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
  • Experience supporting customer product demonstrations, trade shows, product showcases, or food service events.
  • Experience working with dairy products, cheese manufacturing, or ingredient evaluation programs.

At Leprino, we believe in equal employment opportunity and make employment decisions based on each individual's unique talents, experience, skills, and knowledge; we do not discriminate on the basis of any personal characteristics. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture in which all employees can thrive.

Offering You In Return:

A chance to be part of a global team of individuals passionate about producing and delivering high-quality products that help feed and nourish families around the world. Leprino could not be where it is today without our incredible employees. That is why we share in our success together by rewarding you for your hard work. Hiring great people who are in it for the long run is our goal. Through competitive salaries and bonuses, life, medical/dental/vision coverage, voluntary benefits, employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, tuition assistance, vacation, ten paid holidays, sick time, paid parental leave, annual merit increases, as well as the LFC Profit-Sharing & 401(k) plan. Your impact will be noticed and rewarded, as you seek to further our company, our customers, and one another.

Our Story:

Leprino's history dates back to the 1950s, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We've grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world's largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the "World's Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company." From a small corner grocery store we have grown to over 5,500 employees throughout the globe. Will you join us on our journey?

Learn more at Leprino.com


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