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Test Kitchen Manager Jobs in Lancaster, PA (NOW HIRING)

Snackruptors Inc

R&D Specialist

Mountville, PA · On-site

Oversee daily operations of the R&D test kitchen, including ingredient inventory management, adherence to sanitation protocols, and routine maintenance to ensure a clean, efficient workspace.

Snackruptors Inc

R&D Specialist

Mountville, PA · On-site

Oversee daily operations of the R&D test kitchen, including ingredient inventory management, adherence to sanitation protocols, and routine maintenance to ensure a clean, efficient workspace.

Snackruptors Inc

R&D Specialist

Mountville, PA · On-site

Oversee daily operations of the R&D test kitchen, including ingredient inventory management, adherence to sanitation protocols, and routine maintenance to ensure a clean, efficient workspace.

Snackruptors Inc

R&D Specialist

Mountville, PA

Oversee daily operations of the R&D test kitchen, including ingredient inventory management, adherence to sanitation protocols, and routine maintenance to ensure a clean, efficient workspace.

Vintner's Table

Lead Line Cook

Wyomissing, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Must be able to communicate clearly with managers, kitchen, and dining room personnel. * This ... Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as ...

Vintner's Table

Line Cook

Wyomissing, PA · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Performs other related duties as assigned by the Kitchen Manager or manager-on-duty. * Refer to ... Observe and test foods to determine if they have been cooked sufficiently, using methods such as ...

Metz Culinary Management

Dishwasher

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

... Management! You will be in charge of doing all dishes from kitchen, gathering dishes after lunches, trash duties, light kitchen cleaning. Must pass Backround, Drug Test, Fingerprinting. Can collect ...

Linx Asset Management LLC

Lead Line Cook

York, PA · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Observes and tests food being cooked by properly taste testing and taking food temperatures using ... management system * Participates in recipe development * Mentors, monitors and directs kitchen ...

Landis Homes

Cook Supervisor

Lititz, PA · On-site

Instructs kitchen staff regarding operation of new equipment. * Supervises/participates in the ... Manages cash flow consistent with POS system. * Identifies work and food preparation tasks and ...

LANDIS COMMUNITIES

Cook Supervisor

Lititz, PA · On-site

Instructs kitchen staff regarding operation of new equipment. * Supervises/participates in the ... Manages cash flow consistent with POS system. * Identifies work and food preparation tasks and ...

Willow Valley Communities

Lead Cook

Willow Street, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Test food being cooked by properly taste testing and taking food temperatures using established ... food management system. * Mentor, monitor, and direct kitchen personnel. * Follow Willow Valley ...

Willow Valley Communities

Lead Cook

Willow Street, PA

$19.50/hr

Test food being cooked by properly taste testing and taking food temperatures using established ... food management system. * Mentor, monitor, and direct kitchen personnel. * Follow Willow Valley ...

Willow Valley Communities

Lead Cook

Willow Street, PA · On-site

$19.50/hr

Test food being cooked by properly taste testing and taking food temperatures using established ... food management system. * Mentor, monitor, and direct kitchen personnel. * Follow Willow Valley ...

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All JobsTest Kitchen JobsTest Kitchen Manager JobsTest Kitchen Manager Jobs in Lancaster, PA

Test Kitchen Manager information

See Lancaster, PA salary details

$25.8K

$106K

$165.7K

How much do test kitchen manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for test kitchen manager in Lancaster, PA is $106,037.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,400.00 and $126,300.00 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 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 job categories do people searching Test Kitchen Manager jobs in Lancaster, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Test Kitchen Manager jobs in Lancaster, PA are:

What cities near Lancaster, PA are hiring for Test Kitchen Manager jobs?

Cities near Lancaster, PA with the most Test Kitchen Manager job openings:

Test Kitchen Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Kitchen Manager job openings in Lancaster, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $106,037 per year, or $51 per hour.

R&D Specialist

Snackruptors Inc

Mountville, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job purpose

The R&D Specialist supports the Research & Development function by performing technical tests, documenting product performance, and assisting the R&D Technologist with experimental work, sample evaluations, and production-related quality confirmation.
This role ensures that product quality, safety, and consistency are upheld during new development, reformulations, and first production runs.

Duties and Responsibilities

The associate’s primary functions and responsibilities are as follows:

  • Prepare ingredients, samples, and experimental setups for benchtop trials, including mixing, sheeting, baking, and other laboratory procedures, as well as pilotscale testing and firstproduction activities.
  • Conduct sampling and inspection of firstproduction products across all facilities to verify compliance with required item specifications.
  • Perform standardized testing of food products for flavor, color, texture, moisture, stack height, and other attributes using appropriate laboratory equipment.
  • Conduct checking and breakage tests, ensuring accurate recording of results with supporting photographs and quantitative data.
  • Evaluate physical and chemical product attributes against established standards and generate clear, datadriven reports using Word, Excel, charts, templates, and related tools.
  • Assist in compiling, analyzing, and interpreting trial data to support product development and processimprovement initiatives.
  • Maintain and organize R&D ingredient documentation, including product specifications, allergen statements, NonGMO declarations, and SDS files.
  • Oversee daily operations of the R&D test kitchen, including ingredient inventory management, adherence to sanitation protocols, and routine maintenance to ensure a clean, efficient workspace.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records of product assessments and experimental outcomes, monitoring product consistency, collecting samples, and performing online checks.
  • Prepare, label, and coordinate the shipment of product samples for sensory panels, customer evaluations, or external laboratory testing.
  • Support sensory panel activities by preparing samples, coding products, setting up evaluation stations, and ensuring smooth panel execution.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
  • 2–3 years of experience in product development in food manufacturing, with hands-on involvement in formulation, testing, and process optimization.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to document findings, collaborate cross-functionally, and drive continuous improvement in product development.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, with the ability to create and manage documents, spreadsheets, email communications, and presentations effectively.
  • Strong oral and written communication.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Working conditions

  • Always work indoors.
  • Compliant with ventilation, cleanliness, space, lighting and temperature.

Physical requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Standing involved.
  • May repeat the same movement.
  • Often wear safety equipment such as gloves, hair nets, steel toed safety shoes/boots and beard nets.
  • Ability to bend or twist their body.

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