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Test Kitchen Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Omni Hotels & Resorts

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 ...

Aerogen Ltd

Office Manager, North America

Chicago, IL · On-site

Our talented and skilled team collaborate to innovate, challenge and test not only in relation to ... kitchen, and storage areas. • Manage building access, visitor access, badges, meeting space ...

Ogilvie Chicago | Pret A Manger

Hot Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50/hr

To liaise with the management team to ensure all hot food training is planned and carried out ... To adhere to all kitchen health & safety and food safety standards in accordance with the law and ...

Ogilvie Chicago | Pret A Manger

Prep Cook

Chicago, IL

$18.50/hr

To liaise with the management team to ensure all hot food training is planned and carried out ... To adhere to all kitchen health & safety and food safety standards in accordance with the law and ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Manager

Peoria, IL · On-site

$21 - $21.75/hr

The physical work environment includes working in a fast-paced kitchen environment (which requires ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Manager

Quincy, IL · On-site

The physical work environment includes working in a fast-paced kitchen environment (which requires ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Manager

Quincy, IL · On-site

$21 - $21.75/hr

The physical work environment includes working in a fast-paced kitchen environment (which requires ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Manager

Dekalb, IL

The physical work environment includes working in a fast-paced kitchen environment (which requires ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Manager

Champaign, IL

The physical work environment includes working in a fast-paced kitchen environment (which requires ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Manager

Quincy, IL · On-site

The physical work environment includes working in a fast-paced kitchen environment (which requires ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Manager

Champaign, IL · On-site

$21 - $21.75/hr

The physical work environment includes working in a fast-paced kitchen environment (which requires ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

Raising Cane's

Restaurant Manager

Dekalb, IL · On-site

$21 - $21.75/hr

The physical work environment includes working in a fast-paced kitchen environment (which requires ... test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 13, 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:

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.

Prep Cook - Hiring Immediately

Pret A Manger

Chicago, IL

CA$18.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Prep Cook

$18.50/hr + tips Weekly Mystery Shopper bonus plan (Up to an extra $1.00 per hour), Tips when Good Service is Provided, Paid Time Off, Free breakfast and lunch when working – including generous discounts when you’re not, Health, Dental and Vision Benefits (Available for Full-Time Employees), 401K retirement plan (Available for Full-Time Employees), Child Bonding Leave, The Pret Academy, which supports the training and development for our wonderful people, A friendly, fun, and fast paced environment with passionate teams to work with, Transit program, FSA and HSAs available, Pet Insurance

About the Role:  A Pret Hot Chef/Prep Cook works as part of a team in a Pret shop to ensure all hot food is prepared, presented, and served to the required Pret standard. Key focuses for the role are excellent hot food quality and availability, team training, cleanliness and health & safety, equipment maintenance, and maximizing hot food sales.
Key Responsibilities: Right Pret People: Hot Food Training
  • To coach and train Team Members and Team Member Stars on hot food preparation and standards
  • To liaise with the management team to ensure all hot food training is planned and carried out appropriately
  • To conduct hot food team briefs and attend relevant meetings, courses, and conferences
  • To ensure all hot food training materials are available and up to date
  • To follow Pret’s dress code and be immaculately presented in the correct Hot Chef uniform
Delicious Food & Drink: Hot Food Quality & Availability
  • To ensure all hot food is prepared and displayed according to Pret’s planograms and standards
  • To maintain high quality and appropriate availability of hot food throughout the day
  • To manage new hot food product launches effectively and on time
  • To ensure hot food is cooked and held at correct temperatures, with accurate and timely recording
  • To follow hot food production setting standards and production principles using the hot food plan
Well Loved Shop: Cleanliness & Health & Safety
  • To adhere to all kitchen health & safety and food safety standards in accordance with the law and Pret policies
  • To take responsibility for the health and safety of yourself, your team, and customers
  • To complete all required training and follow Pret’s safety processes at all times
  • To immediately report any concerns about standards or processes to your Manager
Well Loved Shop: Equipment Maintenance
  • To ensure all hot food equipment is prepared and set up at the start of each day
  • To test, clean, and maintain hot food equipment according to Pret standards
  • To report any equipment maintenance issues to a Manager
  • To train Team Members to use hot food equipment effectively and efficiently
Growing Sales: Maximizing Hot Food Sales
  • To communicate with AMK/AMF and organize fresh hot food sampling (Joy of Pret)
  • To be aware of hot food sales performance within your shop
  • To ensure sufficient stock of hot food ingredients, packaging, and smallwares
Required Experience:
  • Hot Chef / Kitchen Experience: 1 year (Required)
  • NYC Food Handlers Card (Preferred)
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods; lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects up to 50 pounds; bend, reach overhead, squat, kneel, and go up and down stairs as needed; safely maneuver through tight or compact spaces; operate restaurant equipment and handle tools such as tongs, pots, and pans with dexterity; work in environments ranging from hot to cold, including near open flames and occasional outdoor conditions; maintain close, distance, and peripheral vision; communicate continuously with team members; and work in a constant state of alertness while maintaining safe operations 
Benefits:
  • Weekly Mystery Shopper bonus plan (Up to an extra $1.00 per hour)
  • Tips when Good Service is Provided
  • Paid Time Off
  • Free breakfast and lunch when working – including generous discounts when you’re not
  • Health, Dental and Vision Benefits (Available for Full-Time Employees)
  • 401K retirement plan (Available for Full-Time Employees)
  • Child Bonding Leave
  • The Pret Academy, which supports the training and development for our wonderful people
  • A friendly, fun, and fast paced environment with passionate teams to work with
  • Transit program, FSA and HSAs available
  • Pet Insurance

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An artificial intelligence (AI) tool is employed in the assessment of applicants for the positions being recruited for in order to gauge the following pertinent qualifications or traits:
  • The candidate’s ability to perform the tasks in the available job role.
  • The candidate's self-rated skill proficiency.
  • The candidate’s fit for this job posting.
The use of AI technology is used to converse with candidates, screen based on the position’s criteria, and schedule interviews. The candidate may request an alternative selection process or accommodation if desired. 

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