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Test Kitchen Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Task Force - Line Cook

Mackinac Island, MI · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Good communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with kitchen staff and management * Ability ... I also understand that employment may be contingent on passing a drug and/or alcohol test, and if ...

This is a non-exempt position andtypically reports to Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, or ... of kitchen equipment; measures and mixes ingredients, washes, peels, cuts andshreds food items ...

Line Cook Prep Cook

Detroit, MI · On-site

$15.50/hr

Line Cook Reports To Kitchen Manager Job Summary Cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups and other hot ... test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting ...

Line Cook Prep Cook

Detroit, MI · On-site

$15.50/hr

Line Cook Reports To Kitchen Manager Job Summary Cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups and other hot ... test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting ...

Line Cook Prep Cook

Detroit, MI · On-site

$15.50/hr

Line Cook Reports To Kitchen Manager Job Summary Cook meats, fish, vegetables, soups and other hot ... test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as tasting ...

Executive Chef

White Lake, MI · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

Conduct regular line checks, taste tests, and kitchen walkthroughs to ensure all food meets established standards before it reaches the guest * Oversee all food and labor cost management, including ...

Showing results 21-40

Test Kitchen Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$23.1K

$95.1K

$148.6K

How much do test kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for test kitchen manager in Michigan is $95,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $113,300.00 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 popular job titles related to Test Kitchen Manager jobs in Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Test Kitchen Manager job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $95,099 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Director, Core Product/Process Innovation, Innovation

Ilitch

Detroit, MI

$230K - $241K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Build a Bigger, Better, Bolder Future:

Imagine working for a company that measures its success based off the growth of its colleagues, a company that invests in its future by investing in you. Little Caesars is a company where our colleagues make an impact.

Your Mission:

Leads innovation initiatives specific to product, equipment and processes that simplify operations, create labor savings and/or improve consistency of product and procedure execution at the restaurant level. Analyzes processes and data to identify innovation opportunities. Collaborates with industry leaders to identify, scale and commercialize potential solutions. Leads planning, execution and building of a business case to substantiate the innovation or capture learnings to apply to future projects.

How You'll Make an Impact:

  • Subject Matter Expert in the Bakery Industry.

  • Subject Matter Expert in restaurant Operations, Little Caesars Operations is a plus.

  • Leads analysis of restaurant operations time motion data to identify and solve for simplification, labor savings and improvement to consistency of product and execution processes.

  • Initiates projects by developing sell-in model and presentation, presenting to leadership to gain approval and alignment on success metrics.

  • Collaborates with Operations, Suppliers, Finance, Franchisees, Equipment, and Development to deliver economically viable solutions that impact the restaurants by reducing labor hours and increasing bottom line operating income.

  • Develops and recommends suppliers and manufacturers for new and existing product, ingredients, restaurant equipment, and supplier's production equipment/lines.

  • Leads project management and development of project test plan, scale up and commercialization with clearly identified key metrics and decision gates associated with business case development.

  • Proactively engages with the bakery industry through networking, industry conferences, supplier visits, trade shows and trade journals to continually build and evolve knowledge.

  • Actively engaged in day to day planning, operations and testing execution in the bakery pilot plant and production plant(s) in support of approved projects.

  • Collaborates with Consumer Research to ensure consumer validation of product associated with process, equipment and/or production line changes. Key metrics identified, communicated and aligned upon at the beginning of the project with leadership updates at key decision points throughout the business case development.

  • Develops product and process specifications.

  • Works in Little Caesar Restaurants to continue to be an expert in the operations side of the business.

Who You Are:

  • Minimum of Bachelor's degree in Bakery Science, Food Science or Food Engineering,

  • 15 - 20 years of bakery research and development and/or bakery operations work experience. Supplemental experience in restaurant R&D, QSR preferred.

  • Extensive experience in product/process analysis, design and commercialization required.

  • Bakery pilot and production plant experience specific to design, operations and testing required.

  • Proven experience in data analysis and statistical evaluation.

  • Knowledge and experience of directing product development processes and consumer testing.

  • Ability to formulate bakery products in written form to produce food specifications.

  • Ability to work with food and operate food processing equipment in restaurant environment.

  • Ability to work any position in Little Caesar restaurant.

Where You'll Work:

  • Works in R&D/Innovation office and test kitchen. Field work in manufacturing plants.

  • Travel by car or airplane to stores and various locations (domestic and globally) for supplier visits/tours, ideation sessions, field food product testing, competition research and company business conference.

#LI-BA1

All items listed above are illustrative and not comprehensive. They are not contractual in nature and are subject to change at the discretion of Little Caesars Enterprises Inc.


Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual's race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.
This company participates in E-Verify. Click on any of the links below to view or print the full poster.
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