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Test Kitchen Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Test equipment functionality post-repair or maintenance, calibrating systems to meet operational ... Inventory Management: Maintain an inventory of tools, parts, and supplies, ensuring availability ...

Configuration management you have run in production - Chef (cookbooks, recipes, Ohai, Test Kitchen/InSpec), CINC, Puppet, Ansible, or Salt. Say which resources you wrote and how you tested ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

... Kitchen Manager. * Monitors food quality throughout the preparation and cooking process. Adjusts seasoning and presentation to ensure dishes meet the highest standards. Conducts regular taste tests ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

... Kitchen Manager. * Monitors food quality throughout the preparation and cooking process. Adjusts seasoning and presentation to ensure dishes meet the highest standards. Conducts regular taste tests ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

... Kitchen Manager. * Monitors food quality throughout the preparation and cooking process. Adjusts seasoning and presentation to ensure dishes meet the highest standards. Conducts regular taste tests ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

... Kitchen Manager. * Monitors food quality throughout the preparation and cooking process. Adjusts seasoning and presentation to ensure dishes meet the highest standards. Conducts regular taste tests ...

Cook

Springfield, IL · On-site

$16/hr

... Kitchen Manager. * Monitors food quality throughout the preparation and cooking process. Adjusts seasoning and presentation to ensure dishes meet the highest standards. Conducts regular taste tests ...

Lead Baker

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Employee discounts Lead Baker Khepri Kitchen | Mount Prospect, IL Full-Time | Scratch Kitchen ... Develop and test new baked goods, pastries, desserts, and specialty menu items * Execute daily prep ...

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$106K - $129K/yr

To test and evaluate products for quality, paying particular attention to yield/holding qualities ... Candidate must have at least 5 years experience in a Executive Chef kitchen management capacity and ...

Showing results 21-40

Test Kitchen Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$25.7K

$105.7K

$165.2K

How much do test kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for test kitchen manager in Illinois is $105,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $126,000.00 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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Test Kitchen jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Test Kitchen jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Test Kitchen Manager jobs in Illinois? For Test Kitchen Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Kitchen Manager jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Test Kitchen Manager jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Test Kitchen Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Test Kitchen Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Test Kitchen Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,730 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Restaurant Kitchen Equipment Service Tech

Tech 24

Decatur, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Tech24 rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

146th of 278 rated repair and maintenance companies


Job description

Restaurant Kitchen Equipment Service Technician

The Restaurant Kitchen Equipment Service Technician is responsible for diagnosing, repairing, installing, and maintaining commercial food service and restaurant equipment at customer locations. This role supports restaurant operations by ensuring kitchen equipment is functioning properly, safely, and efficiently.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Diagnose and repair commercial kitchen equipment including ovens, fryers, grills, steamers, warmers, dish machines, mixers, slicers, and related food service equipment.
  • Perform preventative maintenance inspections and scheduled service.
  • Install and replace equipment components as necessary.
  • Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, gas, steam, and plumbing-related equipment issues.
  • Read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical manuals.
  • Test equipment for proper operation following repairs or installation.
  • Complete service documentation, work orders, and parts usage records accurately and timely.
  • Communicate professionally with customers regarding equipment status, repair recommendations, and follow-up needs.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, company policies, and applicable codes.
  • Maintain service vehicle, inventory, tools, and equipment.
  • Participate in after-hours or on-call rotation as required.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum of 3 years of commercial kitchen equipment service experience preferred.
  • Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
  • Experience working with gas, electric, and steam-operated equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.
  • Strong customer service and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage service calls efficiently.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift and carry equipment and tools up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to stand, bend, kneel, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
  • Ability to work in hot kitchen environments and varying weather conditions.

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