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Culinary Development Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

MGR, CULINARY SR

Washington, DC

$110K - $120K/yr

Demonstrates proficiency in menu development, cost controls, purchasing and inventory with a focus ... Culinary Degree, or comparable four year culinary development experience * At least 7 years of ...

Compass Group

MGR, CULINARY SR

Washington, DC

$110K - $120K/yr

Demonstrates proficiency in menu development, cost controls, purchasing and inventory with a focus ... Culinary Degree, or comparable four year culinary development experience * At least 7 years of ...

Compass Group

MGR, CULINARY SR

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Demonstrates proficiency in menu development, cost controls, purchasing and inventory with a focus ... Culinary Degree, or comparable four year culinary development experience * At least 7 years of ...

Flik Hospitality Group

MGR, CULINARY SR

Washington, DC · On-site

Demonstrates proficiency in menu development, cost controls, purchasing and inventory with a focus ... Culinary Degree, or comparable four year culinary development experience * At least 7 years of ...

Sodexo

Culinary Director

Washington, DC · On-site

Lead menu planning, development, and implementation for retail dining, catering, executive dining, and other culinary programs across all locations. * Oversee food production systems, procurement ...

Sodexo

Culinary Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

Lead menu planning, development, and implementation for retail dining, catering, executive dining, and other culinary programs across all locations. * Oversee food production systems, procurement ...

Sodexo

Culinary Director

Washington, DC

Lead menu planning, development, and implementation for retail dining, catering, executive dining, and other culinary programs across all locations. * Oversee food production systems, procurement ...

Sodexo

Culinary Director

Washington, DC · On-site

Lead menu planning, development, and implementation for retail dining, catering, executive dining, and other culinary programs across all locations. * Oversee food production systems, procurement ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

This role combines culinary creativity, retail management, and community engagement to prepare ... Collaborate with Aramark, DOC leadership, and community partners to support workforce development ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

This role combines culinary creativity, retail management, and community engagement to prepare ... Collaborate with Aramark, DOC leadership, and community partners to support workforce development ...

Aramark

Culinary Director

Washington, DC

$60K - $70K/yr

This role combines culinary creativity, retail management, and community engagement to prepare ... Collaborate with Aramark, DOC leadership, and community partners to support workforce development ...

Martha's Table

Culinary Services Assistant

Washington, DC · On-site

$19.23 - $22.24/hr

POSITION OVERVIEW The primary role of the Culinary Services Assistant is to assist in execution of ... Experience and demonstrated commitment to community development through food. * Proficient in ...

Summit

Evening Culinary Operations Supervisor

Lorton, VA · On-site

$23/hr

Evening Culinary Operations Supervisor Job Reference Number: 39661 Employment Type: Full-Time , ... We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in ...

Call Your Mother Deli

Head of Culinary

Washington, DC · On-site

$170K/yr

HEAD OF CULINARY Washington, DC THE BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. THE BEST-ISH BAGELS IN THE WORLD ... You'll lead our Research & Development and Quality Assurance teams while partnering cross ...

Call Your Mother Deli

Head of Culinary

Washington, DC · On-site

HEAD OF CULINARY Washington, DC THE BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. THE BEST-ISH BAGELS IN THE WORLD ... You'll lead our Research & Development and Quality Assurance teams while partnering cross ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCulinary Development JobsCulinary Development Jobs in Washington

Culinary Development information

See Washington salary details

$53.2K

$76.6K

$100.2K

How much do culinary development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary development in Washington is $76,567.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,300.00 and $88,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary development chef?

A culinary development chef is responsible for creating, testing, and refining new recipes and menu items for restaurants, food companies, or culinary institutions. They often work in test kitchens, collaborate with chefs and product teams, and use culinary skills and food science knowledge to innovate and improve offerings.

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.

How to get into food R&D?

To enter food research and development (R&D), candidates typically need a background in food science, culinary arts, or a related field, along with strong creativity and problem-solving skills. Gaining experience through internships, entry-level positions, or working in food product development helps build relevant expertise. Familiarity with food safety standards, laboratory techniques, and product formulation is also beneficial.

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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the culinary development field, high-paying roles such as executive chefs, culinary directors, or restaurant owners can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in high-end or celebrity establishments. These positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and sometimes ownership or profit-sharing arrangements.

What is the highest paying job in the culinary industry?

Executive chefs and culinary directors are among the highest-paid roles in the culinary industry, often earning six-figure salaries, especially in luxury hotels, fine dining establishments, or corporate food services. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced culinary certifications or management training.
What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Development jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Culinary Development jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Culinary Development jobs in Washington? For Culinary Development jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Development jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Development jobs in Washington are:
Culinary Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Development job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,567 per year, or $36.8 per hour.
MGR, CULINARY SR

MGR, CULINARY SR

Compass Group

Washington, DC

$110K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Salary: $110000 - $120000

Other Forms of Compensation:  

What makes FLIK click


What makes FLIK click? Our people. The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value and recognize their contributions.
 

We keep our people renewed, excited and engaged by providing hands-on training and educating them about the latest trends. We give them a stake in successfully raising the bar. Our people love what they do and they love sharing their passion. Join our team and see the FLIK difference. Where a job isn't merely a job but the start of a career where you can flourish.

Job Summary

This individual will be responsible for assisting in training initiatives, food programs, special events, account openings and refreshes with account Chefs and team members.
Key Responsibilities:

  • Maintains high standards for all implemented Food Programs, workplace safety and food safety
  • Demonstrates proficiency in menu development, cost controls, purchasing and inventory with a focus on sourcing and utilizing local food production.
  • Utilizes knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Culinary Degree, or comparable four year culinary development experience
  • At least 7 years of relevant culinary experience including at least 3 years of culinary management experience
  • ServSafe Certification
  • Working knowledge of basic kitchen operations and food safety standards
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable

Apply to Flik today!

Flik is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

 

Associates at Flik Hospitality are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. 

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FlikHospitality.pdf 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

Flik maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1551828

Flik Hospitality Group 

Jenah Freeman 

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