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Test Kitchen Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Khepri Kitchen

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 ...

Aerogen

Office Manager, North America

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Our talented and skilled team collaborate to innovate, challenge and test not only in relation to ... Manage vendor accounts and relationships for office supplies, kitchen supplies, shipping, print and ...

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 ...

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 · 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 ...

Addition Management

Executive Chef

Park Ridge, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... · Maintains & manages kitchen specifications and SOPs as required. · Participates in and ... The Executive Chef must have an excellent driving record, pass background test & drug screening. A ...

RUPRECHT CO

R&D Chef

Mundelein, IL · On-site

Kitchen Management Experience: Must have knowledge/experience of variety of commercial cooking ... test and verify the cause of the problem. Develop solutions to resolve the problems identified.

Ruprecht Company

R&D Chef

Mundelein, IL · On-site

... Kitchen Management Experience: Must have knowledge/experience of variety of commercial cooking ... to test and verify the cause of the problem. Develop solutions to resolve the problems identified ...

Kilcoy Global Foods

R&D Chef

Mundelein, IL · On-site

... test developed products based on use case · Provide new product specifications to Regulatory ... Kitchen Management Experience: Must have knowledge/experience of variety of commercial cooking ...

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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 Sep 8, 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.

Lead Baker

Khepri Kitchen

Mount Prospect, IL • On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Employee discounts

Lead Baker
Khepri Kitchen | Mount Prospect, IL
Full-Time | Scratch Kitchen | Leadership Opportunity

Khepri is seeking an experienced, passionate Lead Baker to oversee our bakery program and help shape the future of our seasonal menu. This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who loves creating from scratch, mentoring others, and bringing fresh ideas to the table.
You’ll lead daily bakery production, collaborate on menu development, oversee one baker, and play an important role in catering and special events. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in quality, consistency, creativity, and teamwork.
Compensation:
90-Day Probationary Period
  • Starting at $26-29/hour (based on experience)
  • Full-time position
  • Performance review after 90 days
After Successful Completion
  • Performance reviews + potential pay increase + transition to a full-time salaried position based on performance and experience
  • Growth opportunities within the company
Responsibilities:
  • Lead all daily bakery production in a scratch kitchen
  • Maintain consistent quality, presentation, and production standards
  • Collaborate with ownership and the culinary team on seasonal menu development
  • Develop and test new baked goods, pastries, desserts, and specialty menu items
  • Execute daily prep schedules and production planning
  • Oversee catering bakery production and custom orders
  • Supervise, train, and mentor one baker while creating a positive team culture
  • Manage bakery inventory, ordering, and ingredient organization
  • Monitor food costs, minimize waste, and maintain efficient production
  • Ensure all food safety and sanitation standards are consistently followed
  • Work closely with front-of-house to ensure product availability and communication
  • Assist with special events, holiday offerings, and menu launches
Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of professional baking experience
  • Leadership or supervisory experience preferred
  • Strong understanding of bread, pastries, desserts, laminated doughs, and seasonal baking
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills
  • Creative mindset with a passion for recipe development- unique flavor pairings + offerings
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
  • Weekend availability required
What We’re Looking For:
  • Passionate about scratch baking and quality ingredients
  • Excited to collaborate and contribute creative ideas
  • A supportive leader who enjoys mentoring others
  • Detail-oriented and highly organized
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and takes ownership of their work
  • Committed to continuous learning and helping our bakery evolve
If you’re ready to help build an exceptional bakery program while leading a small team in a collaborative, community-focused kitchen, we’d love to meet you.