Culinary Innovation Center Lead

Kinetic12, LLC; Park Ridge (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kinetic12, LLC seeks an Innovation Center Manager in Park Ridge, IL to lead day-to-day culinary operations at the Innovation Center. The role blends hands-on kitchen work with strong organizational and client-facing responsibilities, including events and internal meetings.

The ideal candidate is an experienced chef with proven kitchen management skills, ServSafe certification, and the ability to coordinate with project leads and clients. This onsite position offers full-time hours in Park Ridge.

Qualifications

• Professional chef with kitchen management responsibilities.
• Hands-on culinary skills with prep, purchasing, inventory, sanitation, and kitchen workflow.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a shared kitchen environment.
• Current ServSafe certification or ability to obtain before starting.
• R&D/kitchen/corporate culinary center experience preferred but not required.
• Culinary degree or equivalent training/experience.

Responsibilities

• Own the day-to-day operation and readiness of the Innovation Center, ensuring kitchen and workspaces are clean, organized, stocked, and ready for use.
• Coordinate kitchen schedules with culinary and project leads, balancing R&D, client presentations, internal tastings, meetings, and events.
• Monitor kitchen equipment, coordinate preventive maintenance and service, and address operational issues promptly.
• Plan and execute catering for in-office meetings and events within budgets, timing, and dietary requirements.
• Collaborate with culinary, marketing, and operations teams to establish best practices for Innovation Center use, meetings, and events.
• Communicate schedules, priorities, and operational needs clearly and address issues before they disrupt development or client activities.

Skills

Professional chef experience

Hands-on culinary skills

Kitchen operations management

Communication skills

Budget purchasing waste management

Multi-tasking in shared kitchen

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain)

Job description

Kinetic12, LLC seeks an Innovation Center Manager in Park Ridge, IL to lead day-to-day culinary operations at the Innovation Center. The role blends hands-on kitchen work with strong organizational and client-facing responsibilities, including events and internal meetings.

The ideal candidate is an experienced chef with proven kitchen management skills, ServSafe certification, and the ability to coordinate with project leads and clients. This onsite position offers full-time hours in Park Ridge.