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Culinary Development Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

HHS LLC

Culinary Director

Vancouver, WA · On-site

... to join our culinary team! Support the healing journey for patients and their loved ones by ... Lead team member recruiting, training, development, scheduling, and assignments * Perform daily ...

Hhs

Culinary Director

Vancouver, WA · On-site

... to join our culinary team! Support the healing journey for patients and their loved ones by ... Lead team member recruiting, training, development, scheduling, and assignments * Perform daily ...

HHS

Culinary Director

Vancouver, WA

... to join our culinary team! Support the healing journey for patients and their loved ones by ... Lead team member recruiting, training, development, scheduling, and assignments * Perform daily ...

CoralTree Hospitality

Executive Chef

Portland, OR · On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

Provides visionary leadership and management of the culinary research and development process from product creation through implementation. Devises innovative product offerings for a variety of ...

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themac

1891 Kitchen Sous Chef

Portland, OR

$53K - $71K/yr

Facilitate onboarding, training, skills development, and ongoing coaching for culinary team members * Participate in interviewing, hiring, training, and performance feedback processes * Lead by ...

themac

1891 Kitchen Sous Chef

Portland, OR

$53K - $71K/yr

Facilitate onboarding, training, skills development, and ongoing coaching for culinary team members * Participate in interviewing, hiring, training, and performance feedback processes * Lead by ...

Big Al's

Culinary Team Member - PT

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$17.63 - $20/hr

... our culinary squad in our fast-paced and scratch kitchen environment. If the line is where you ... Hands-on paid training and continuous career development to set you up for success. * Climbing the ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCulinary Development JobsCulinary Development Jobs in Portland, OR

Culinary Development information

See Portland, OR salary details

$49.8K

$71.7K

$93.9K

How much do culinary development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for culinary development in Portland, OR is $71,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $83,200.00 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 popular job titles related to Culinary Development jobs in Portland, OR? For Culinary Development jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Culinary Development jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Culinary Development jobs in Portland, OR are:
Culinary Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Culinary Development job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,693 per year, or $34.5 per hour.
Culinary Services Director

Culinary Services Director

INSIGHT LIVING

West Linn, OR

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Culinary Services Director holds a pivotal leadership role overseeing the entire culinary department, ensuring a high-quality dining experience for residents.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Include but are not limited to the following:

  • Provide strategic leadership by developing and implementing the culinary department’s strategic vision and goals in alignment with the overall Community.
  • Lead and mentor the culinary team, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
  • Oversee the daily operations of the culinary department, ensuring efficient and high-quality meal service to residents.
  • Monitor the performance and quality of the culinary services, implementing changes as needed for improvement.
  • Develop and manage the culinary budget, including food costs, labor, and kitchen maintenance, to ensure financial targets are met.
  • Analyze financial data to identify trends and opportunities for cost savings.
  • Regularly review and update kitchen policies and procedures to comply with current health codes and industry standards.
  • Lead the creation and revision of menus, incorporating resident feedback and dietary needs to ensure variety, nutrition, and satisfaction.
  • Engage with residents to gather feedback on meal services and dietary needs, fostering a positive dining experience.
  • Organize special culinary events or initiatives to enhance the dining experience and promote a sense of community among residents.
  • Negotiate with suppliers and vendors to secure high-quality ingredients and kitchen supplies at competitive prices.
  • Conduct inventory management practices to ensure a consistent and efficient supply chain.
  • Implement comprehensive training programs for culinary staff to ensure skill development and adherence to industry standards.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and identify opportunities for professional growth.
  • Supervisory Responsibility: Yes.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Education & Experience:
    • Must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, Nutrition, Food Service Management, or related field preferred.
    • At least 3-5 years of experience in the culinary field, with preference for backgrounds in healthcare, senior living, or hospitality industries.
    • Role requires a profound understanding of culinary arts, leadership, organization, and management skills.
    • Experience in a supervisory role.
  • Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
    • Having positive and effective communication skills with residents and culinary team.
    • Understanding of basic healthcare principles or practices.
    • Familiarity with safety protocols and infection control measures.
    • Understanding of basic food safety and sanitation principles.
    • Demonstrated leadership experience, such as supervisory or team lead roles.
    • Ability to provide physical assistance and support to residents with mobility challenges.
    • Proficiency in maintaining accurate records and documenting observations.
    • Capability to remain calm and compassionate in challenging situations.
    • Problem-solving abilities to promptly address concerns or complaints, with the ability to quickly pivot from one task to the next.
    • Demonstrate excellent customer service skills, with the ability to foster positive relationships.

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