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Test Kitchen Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Commercial Kitchen Equipment Service Technician

Broadview, IL · On-site

$20 - $45/hr

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

Ontrac Solutions

Production Engineer (IC4)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

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 ...

Ontrac Solutions

Production Engineer (IC4)

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$75 - $85/hr

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 ...

Hilton Garden Inn Springfield

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 ...

Hilton Garden Inn Springfield

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 ...

Hilton Garden Inn Springfield

Cook

Springfield, IL

$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 ...

Hilton Garden Inn Springfield

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 ...

Hilton Garden Inn Springfield

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 ...

Interactive Brokers

Test Automation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

... platform to manage their investment portfolios. We serve individual investors, hedge funds ... Daily company lunch allowance provided and a fully stocked kitchen with healthy options for ...

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All JobsTest Kitchen JobsTest Kitchen Manager JobsTest Kitchen Manager Jobs in Illinois

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 Sep 7, 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 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 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:

Test Kitchen Manager jobs near you
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.

Cook - Part Time

Elk Grove Park District

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Hiring Range: $19.00 - $20.00
Hours: Nights and Weekends
JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Kitchen Manager, responsible to work with cooks to prepare all menu items for customers with prompt and courteous attention in accordance with health codes.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Ensure ingredients and final products are fresh
  • Follow recipes, including measuring, weighing and mixing ingredients
  • Assisting with stocking and setting up the kitchen stations
  • Preparing food including cleaning and cutting the ingredients and cooking main dishes, desserts, appetizers and snacks
  • Present, garnish and arrange final dishes
  • Working with servers to ensure that orders are completed according to request and on times
  • Ensuring that the kitchen operation procedures and hygiene meet food safety standards and regulations
  • Must adhere to all safety and health department rules and regulations.
  • Responsible for ensuring all equipment is clean and in good working condition.
  • Responsible for thoroughly cleaning all equipment, utensils, and surfaces at the end of the day and as needed.
  • Responsible for filtering oil in the fryer daily, replacing when needed, and checking/cleaning grease traps.
  • Responsible for verifying upcoming events and checking stock quantities for adequate supplies. If supplies are needed, advise the manager of needed supplies.
  • Perform the job safely and in compliance with district policies, procedures, work and safety rules.
  • Be familiar with the safe operation of any equipment necessary in accomplishing required tasks.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
  • Subject to modified/flexible work schedule.
  • General work area is indoors, in a smoke-free environment with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting.
  • Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to lift and move over 50 pounds with assistance.
  • Exposure to mild cleaning materials.
  • Must work closely with co-workers.
  • Able to work under stressful situations and the ability to respond quickly when the need occurs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Current TB test results.
  • Food handler certification
  • Good knowledge of pertinent safety precautions.
  • Ability to maintain positive and effective working relationships with other employees.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of a high school diploma.
  • Background in grill operation including fryer upkeep and maintenance and food preparation skills.

Elk Grove Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Summary of Benefits

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