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Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

Business Development Manager

Fremont, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Your Job The Business Development Manager will lead growth efforts for Molex's PCS business across ... At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ...

Momofuku

Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

... development. Position Overview The Sous Chef will assist in managing the line and ensuring the flow of service is efficient and smooth. The Chef will have the opportunity to create and have input on ...

Bottega Napa Valley

Sous Chef

Yountville, CA

$57K - $76K/yr

As Sous Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the Executive Chef and CDC in the day-to-day ... Assisting in the development of menus. * Assist with Execution of Private Events. * Lead by example.

Rich Table

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$75K - $85K/yr

Help maintain daily prep and production needs and adjust priorities as needed * Assist the Chef de Cuisine with menu development, specials, recipe testing, and recipe documentation * Support private ...

New

Golf Club Los Angeles

Sous Chef

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

The Sous Chef's responsibilities are to, prepare, produce, present and to oversee all food product ... Responsible for assistance in development of fresh and new menu items, and development of daily ...

Rich Table

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

Help maintain daily prep and production needs and adjust priorities as needed * Assist the Chef de Cuisine with menu development, specials, recipe testing, and recipe documentation * Support private ...

Golf Club Los Angeles

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

The Sous Chef's responsibilities are to, prepare, produce, present and to oversee all food product ... Responsible for assistance in development of fresh and new menu items, and development of daily ...

Dreamscape Hospitality

Executive Chef

Ontario, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef is the culinary leader of the hotel, responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, menu development, food quality, kitchen staff supervision, and budget control. This role ...

The Bridges Golf Club

Sous Chef

San Ramon, CA

$70K - $72K/yr

Sous Chef Location: The Bridges Golf Club - San Ramon, California Position Type: Full-Time ... Culinary Leadership & Staff Development * Supervise, mentor, and train line cooks, prep cooks, and ...

P.F. Chang's

Executive Chef

Riverside, CA · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

Professional Development : Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career ... Job Summary: The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant ...

Gecko Hospitality

Sous Chef

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

We are a collection of eclectic, chef-driven restaurants renowned for our soulful food, engaging ... Oversee and actively participate in menu development and engineering to deliver innovative and ...

Bottega Napa Valley

Sous Chef

Yountville, CA

$75K - $87K/yr

As Sous Chef, you will play a key role in supporting the Executive Chef and CDC in the day-to-day ... Assisting in the development of menus. * Assist with Execution of Private Events. * Lead by example.

Presidio Golf Course

Presidio Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

SOUS CHEF Location: Presidio Golf Course - San Francisco, California Company: KemperSports ... Experience with food and labor cost controls, menu development, inventory management, and culinary ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Chef

Woodland Hills, CA • On-site

Profound Treatment Center Los Angeles
See more jobs at Profound Treatment Center Los Angelesexternal

$26 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Chef
Department: Residential Treatment Services
Reports To: Program Director and Head Chef
Location: Profound Treatment
Employment Type: Full-Time

Position Summary

Profound Treatment is seeking an experienced and passionate Chef to oversee all culinary operations and provide nutritious, high-quality meals for clients in our residential treatment program. The ideal candidate will be responsible for menu planning, meal preparation, food safety compliance, inventory management, and ensuring an exceptional dining experience for our clients and staff.

This role requires a culinary professional who is organized, adaptable, and committed to supporting individuals in a substance abuse and mental health treatment environment through healthy and appetizing meal services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Prepare nutritious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and healthy snacks daily for clients.
  • Develop creative, healthy menus while managing budget requirements and client census needs.
  • Accommodate specialized dietary requirements, including allergies, vegetarian, vegan, and other medical or lifestyle restrictions.
  • Maintain the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and timely service.
  • Ensure compliance with all local, state, federal, and Joint Commission food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
  • Manage food purchasing, inventory control, and vendor relationships.
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and operational efficiency.
  • Monitor food costs and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
  • Foster positive relationships with clients, staff, and vendors.
  • Maintain compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR confidentiality requirements.
  • Complete special projects and other duties as assigned by management.
QualificationsRequired
  • Formal culinary training or equivalent culinary education.
  • ServSafe Certification.
  • Minimum 2 years of professional chef experience.
  • Experience preparing diverse and healthy menu offerings.
  • Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
  • Current CPR/First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
  • Current TB clearance.
  • Strong understanding of dietary modifications and nutrition-focused meal planning.
Preferred
  • Experience in healthcare, behavioral health, residential treatment, recovery, or hospitality environments.
  • Experience managing food budgets and inventory systems.
  • Familiarity with Joint Commission standards.
Skills and Competencies
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational and time management abilities.
  • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
  • Resourceful, creative, and solution oriented.
  • Passion for culinary excellence and customer service.
  • Positive, professional, and energetic attitude.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
  • Frequent bending, lifting, reaching, stooping, and carrying items up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to work safely around kitchen equipment, ovens, open flames, and varying temperatures.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient for food preparation and kitchen operations.
Work Environment

This position is located within a residential substance abuse and mental health treatment facility. The Chef regularly interacts with clients and staff and must maintain professionalism, compassion, and confidentiality at all times. Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts may occasionally be required based on operational needs.

 Benefits

Benefits may include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Employee assistance program
  • Professional development opportunities
Why Join Profound Treatment

At West Health, our mission is to provide exceptional care and support to individuals on their journey to recovery. As our Chef, you will play a vital role in promoting health, wellness, and comfort through high-quality meals that positively impact the lives of our clients every day.

Apply today and help nourish recovery through exceptional culinary service.