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Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

My Father's Barbeque

Kitchen Chef

Carson, CA · On-site

$24/hr

... Sous Chef or R&D roles as the brand expands Health benefits and 401(k) after probation period Real creative input in new dishes and menu features Team meals and a family-first, no-ego environment ...

Alliance Redwoods Conference Grounds

Chef

Occidental, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to ... Opportunities for growth and culinary development * Meaningful work serving camps, retreats, and ...

Alliance Redwoods

Chef

Occidental, CA · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

Commis Chef Our camp and conference grounds is seeking a dependable, team-oriented Commis Chef to ... Opportunities for growth and culinary development * Meaningful work serving camps, retreats, and ...

A16 - Oakland

Sous Chef

Oakland, CA · On-site

$75K - $83K/yr

Chef de Cuisine & Corporate Executive Chef Status: Full-Time, ExemptPosition Summary The A16 ... Kitchen Leadership & Team Development * Supervise, coach, and develop hourly kitchen employees.

A16 - Oakland

Sous Chef

Oakland, CA

$57K - $77K/yr

Chef de Cuisine & Corporate Executive Chef Status: Full-Time, ExemptPosition Summary The A16 ... Kitchen Leadership & Team Development * Supervise, coach, and develop hourly kitchen employees.

Hope The Mission

Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

The team is developed, not just directed. At HTM, the culinary team is producing food for people experiencing homelessness who deserve quality every time. The Sous Chef is accountable for ensuring ...

Bauer Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Encinitas, CA

$53K - $72K/yr

Menu & Concept Development * Partner with the chef owner to develop new ideas for menus, specials, and event menus. * Take a lead role in developing food items and operations for Bauer Hospitality ...

Bauer Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Encinitas, CA

$72K/yr

Menu & Concept Development * Partner with the chef owner to develop new ideas for menus, specials, and event menus. * Take a lead role in developing food items and operations for Bauer Hospitality ...

IPOT

Restaurant - Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

As a Kitchen Chef at IPOT.FOOD, you will play a vital role in food preparation, kitchen leadership ... Contribute to menu innovation and development as needed * Monitor kitchen operations and assist ...

Nbutexas

Sous Chef

Monterey, CA · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for ensuring the highest quality preparation of fine cuisine in the ... Opportunities for ongoing learning and development, as well as promotions and transfers to advance ...

New

The Pacific-Union Club

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Contribute to menu development while respecting the Club's culinary traditions and introducing thoughtful contemporary ideas. * Partner with the Executive Chef and fellow Executive Sous Chef to ...

METEORA

Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$77K - $106K/yr

Support menu development, seasonal transitions, and R&D initiatives * Train, mentor, and develop culinary staff * Uphold sanitation, safety, and organizational systems * Collaborate closely with Chef ...

Beer Baron Whiskey Bar & Kitchen

Head Chef

Livermore, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Maintain cleanliness and food safety standards * Assist with menu development and inventory management Requirements: * Previous experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager preferred * Strong ...

King's Seafood Company

Executive Chef/Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

Lead a team of culinary professionals focused on quality of product, consistency, and development ... Develop all Sous Chefs and kitchen crew for cross training and promotion through daily feedback and ...

Charlie's

Sous Chef

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$61K - $82K/yr

The Sous Chef will support daily service as well as oversee ordering, inventory, prep, and menu development, along with the Chef and other Sous Chefs. We are looking first and foremost for candidates ...

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All JobsDevelopment Chef JobsDevelopment Chef Jobs in California

Development Chef information

See California salary details

$32.6K

$76.4K

$131.3K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in California is $76,424.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a development chef?

A Development Chef is a culinary professional who specializes in creating and testing new recipes, food products, and menu items for restaurants, food manufacturers, or catering businesses. They blend creativity with technical expertise to innovate dishes that meet specific market trends, dietary requirements, and brand standards. Development Chefs often work closely with food technologists, marketing teams, and suppliers to ensure new products are both delicious and commercially viable. Their work may involve research, taste testing, and refining recipes to achieve the best possible result for consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a development chef?

To thrive as a Development Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, creativity in recipe development, and a solid understanding of food safety regulations, often supported by formal culinary training and relevant certifications. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, food production management systems, and nutritional analysis software is typically expected. Strong project management, collaboration, and communication skills set outstanding Development Chefs apart. These abilities ensure innovative yet practical menu concepts that meet business goals and delight customers.

How does a development chef collaborate with other departments to create new menu items?

A Development Chef works closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, procurement, and operations, to develop innovative menu items that align with brand objectives and operational capabilities. This often involves conducting taste panels, sourcing new ingredients, and ensuring recipes are scalable for production. Regular communication and collaboration with these departments are essential to ensure that new dishes meet cost, quality, and consistency standards before being rolled out to restaurants or retail outlets.

What is the difference between Development Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectDevelopment ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, culinary certificationsCulinary degree, culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch and development kitchens, innovation labsRestaurant kitchens, food service establishments
Employer & IndustryFood companies, product development firmsHotels, restaurants, catering services
Primary FocusCreating new recipes, product developmentManaging kitchen operations, preparing dishes

The main difference between a Development Chef and a Sous Chef lies in their focus and work environment. Development Chefs primarily work in research and development settings, creating new recipes and food products, while Sous Chefs are hands-on kitchen leaders managing daily kitchen operations in restaurants or hotels. Both roles require culinary credentials, but their responsibilities and workplaces differ significantly.

What do development chefs do?

Development chefs create and test new recipes, menu items, and food products for restaurants, food companies, or manufacturers. They often work in test kitchens, collaborate with culinary teams, and use their knowledge of ingredients, food trends, and food safety standards to innovate and improve offerings.

What is a typical day for a development chef?

A development chef's day involves creating and testing new recipes, developing product concepts, and collaborating with cross-functional teams such as marketing and production. They often work in a kitchen or laboratory environment, utilizing culinary skills, food science knowledge, and sometimes specialized tools or software to refine products and ensure quality standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Development Chef jobs in California?

The most popular types of Development Chef jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Development Chef jobs in California?

For Development Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Development Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Development Chef job openings:

Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,424 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Kitchen Chef

Carson, CA • On-site

My Father's Barbeque
See more jobs at My Father's Barbequeexternal

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Please do your research on the My Father's Barbeque and Chef Shalamar before applying. This is a job with a purpose: to serve great food, give great service and service our community.
Kitchen Chef - My Father's Barbeque (Carson, CA)

Kitchen Chef - My Father's Barbeque (Carson, CA)

Bring Your Flavor. Perfect Your Craft.

At My Father's Barbeque Smokehouse, we live where Southern tradition meets California soul. Our kitchen runs on real smoke, bold flavor, and teamwork. We're looking for a Kitchen Chef - a skilled, passionate cook ready to bring creativity to the line and consistency to every plate.

This role is for the chef who wants to cook, not manage - someone who can take direction from the Head Chef, execute with precision, and still add their own creative spark to the menu.

What You'll Do:

Cook and plate dishes that meet the high standards of our smokehouse

Master the craft of BBQ: brisket, ribs, smoked chicken, and scratch-made sides

Work closely with the Head Chef to bring recipes and specials to life

Keep your station organized, clean, and running tight during peak hours

Maintain food quality, temperature, and presentation consistency

Support a strong team culture - focused, fast, and flavor-driven

Who You Are:

2-4 years of real kitchen experience (BBQ, grill, or soul food a plus)

Serious about your craft - you can really cook, not just "get by"

Creative but disciplined - understands the art and the process

Thrives in a fast-paced, family-style kitchen

Follows direction well but has ideas worth sharing

Reliable, clean, and takes pride in your work every shift

What You'll Get:

$22-$25/hr based on skill + tip share

Growth path to Sous Chef or R&D roles as the brand expands

Health benefits and 401(k) after probation period

Real creative input in new dishes and menu features

Team meals and a family-first, no-ego environment

Location: 637 University Dr, Carson, CA 90746

If you've got the skills, the energy, and the pride to make great food every day, join us. Bring your knives, your creativity, and your fire - and let's build something worth tasting.

My Father's Barbeque is Los Angeles hottest new Southern BBQ eatery. Located in the center of Carson Ca. Newly expanded and remodeled. We specialize in great food and hospitality.

Education:no requirementsEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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