ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Culinary Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cogir Senior Living

Director Culinary Experience

Madera, CA · On-site

$70K - $78K/yr

This includes, but is not limited to, food procurement, preparation, and service; menu development ... Manages and supervises all culinary services staff (BOH and FOH), including scheduling, assignment ...

Upward Projects Holdings

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We are a growing brand with unlimited career advancement who will support your journey with exceptional beverage and culinary development. The working relationships you build today will be deep ...

Postino WineCafe

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

We are a growing brand with unlimited career advancement who will support your journey with exceptional beverage and culinary development. The working relationships you build today will be deep ...

Postino WineCafe

Prep Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We are a growing brand with unlimited career advancement who will support your journey with exceptional beverage and culinary development. The working relationships you build today will be deep ...

Postino WineCafe

Line Cook

San Diego, CA

$22 - $24/hr

We are a growing brand with unlimited career advancement who will support your journey with exceptional beverage and culinary development. The working relationships you build today will be deep ...

Aspire Bakeries

Food Technologist, R&D

Newark, CA

$68K - $91K/yr

Culinary development or bakery product experience * Experience with SAP, Genesis, or similar systems * Knowledge of food regulations, labeling, and market trends (e.g., clean label, ingredient ...

Hope The Mission

$70K/yr

Collaborate with the Event Chef de Cuisine on event menu planning, recipe development, and culinary projects for volunteers, ensuring variety, balance, and adherence to dietary needs * Creatively ...

Apply Early

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCulinary Development JobsCulinary Development Jobs in California

Culinary Development information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$66.7K

$87.3K

How much do culinary development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary development in California is $66,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Culinary Development professional typically collaborate with chefs and product teams to create new menu items?

Culinary Development professionals work closely with chefs, food scientists, and product development teams to brainstorm, prototype, and refine new menu offerings. This often involves conducting taste tests, sourcing unique ingredients, and ensuring recipes are scalable for larger production. Regular meetings and feedback sessions are key, as is collaborating with marketing and operations teams to ensure the final product aligns with brand standards and customer preferences. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as priorities may shift based on market trends or operational constraints.

What is culinary development?

Culinary development is the process of creating, testing, and refining new recipes, menu items, and food concepts for restaurants, food brands, or hospitality businesses. Professionals in this field combine culinary expertise with creativity and market research to develop dishes that meet customer preferences and industry trends. They often collaborate with chefs, nutritionists, and marketing teams to ensure that new offerings are both delicious and commercially viable.

What is the difference between Culinary Development vs Culinary Chef?

AspectCulinary DevelopmentCulinary Chef
CredentialsRelevant culinary certifications, culinary school diplomaProfessional culinary certifications, culinary school diploma
Work EnvironmentResearch and development kitchens, product testing labsRestaurant kitchens, hotel kitchens, catering services
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, product development firms, culinary innovation teamsRestaurants, hotels, hospitality industry
Primary FocusCreating new recipes, developing food products, culinary innovationPreparing dishes, managing kitchen staff, executing menus

While Culinary Development focuses on creating and testing new recipes and food products, Culinary Chefs are responsible for preparing dishes and managing kitchen operations. Both roles require culinary certifications, but their work environments and primary objectives differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Culinary Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Culinary Development, you need a deep understanding of food science, recipe formulation, and culinary techniques, often supported by a degree in culinary arts or food science. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food safety certifications (like ServSafe), and product development software is typically expected. Creativity, strong collaboration, and adaptability are vital soft skills for innovating new dishes and working with cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure successful creation and launch of appealing, safe, and commercially viable food products.
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Culinary Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Development jobs in California? For Culinary Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Culinary Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Culinary Development job openings:
Culinary Development jobs near you

Director Culinary Experience

Cogir of Cedar Creek

Madera, CA

$70K - $78K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations and staffing of the community kitchen and dining venues.

  • Manage and supervise all culinary services staff, including scheduling, assignment, direction, performance review, hiring, and corrective action.

  • Plan menus, execute meal preparation and events, and assist staff with back and front-of-the-house operations as needed.

Job description

Description

THE COMPANY

Cogir Senior Living, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, proudly oversees a network of senior living communities spanning 11 states nationwide. As a trusted leader in senior housing, we are dedicated to growth while maintaining our commitment to exceptional care for our residents and a supportive, growth-focused environment for our team members.

At Cogir, our culture is rooted in the core values of human focus, creativity, and excellence, which inspire us to continuously improve and achieve excellence in all we do. Join us in our mission to enrich the lives of our residents while building a meaningful and fulfilling career!

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
  • 401K with company match.
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program,
  • Generous Employee Referral Program and more.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Culinary Experience (Executive Chef) oversees the community's dining services operations and the dining experience of our residents. This includes, but is not limited to, food procurement, preparation, and service; menu development; financial management of food, supplies, and labor budgets; hiring, training, and managing dining services team members; inventory control and regulatory compliance.

If you seek a highly rewarding career where you can make a difference every day and you're driven by excellence and passion for serving others, then look no further and apply today!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsible for the day-to-day operations and staffing of the community kitchen and dining venues.
  • Manages and supervises all culinary services staff (BOH and FOH), including scheduling, assignment, direction, performance review, hiring, and corrective action consistent with company policy.
  • Menu planning and executing meal preparation and events, assisting staff with back and front-of-the-house operations as needed.
  • Maintain inventory control of food, beverages, supplies, and equipment.
  • Ensure that all food is prepared, stored, and served according to company standards and with state and/or local health code requirements.
  • Understand and maintain monthly and annual budgets for the culinary services department, including producing written documentation of monthly food, supplies, and labor spending.
  • Collaborate with staff and residents to plan and develop recipes and menus tailored to residents' preferences and monthly budgets.
  • Ensure resident and family member satisfaction is maintained.
  • Responsible for planning, preparing, and executing special events and themed meals.

Requirements

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and certifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Culinary education is preferred, or an equivalent combination of experience and education is required.
  • Serve Safe Manager (Food Handler Certificate) with an understanding of kitchen sanitation and food codes.

Experience, Competencies, and Skills:

  • At least 5 years of hands-on experience in food preparation.
  • At least 3 years of progressive management experience as an Executive Chef with an understanding of front-of-the-house operations and service.
  • Serve Safe Manager (Food Handler Certification) with an understanding of kitchen sanitation and food codes.
  • Experience with restaurant openings is a plus.
  • Experience with special events and banquets is a plus.
  • Successful history of building teams and meeting financial goals.
  • Creativity and experience in menu development.
  • Previous experience working in Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living (AL), Memory Care (MC), Senior Living, or hotel experience is a plus!
  • Outstanding communication skills and the ability to motivate.
  • Compassion for our residents and a strong passion for excellence.

Apply