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Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

METEORA

Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$75K - $100K/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 ...

Larsen's Restaurant Group

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

**Job Posting: Sous Chef at Larsen's Grill** **Position:** Sous Chef **Location:** Larsen's Grill ... Preferred Skills:** - Experience in plate creation and recipe development **Benefits ...

Restaurant Picco

Sous Chef

Larkspur, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

As Sous Chef, you'll work directly with Executive Chef Michael Reyes, contributing to menu development, leading cooks, and ensuring consistent execution at the highest level. This is an exceptional ...

Zero2One LLC

Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Executive Sous Chef & Executive Chef Employment Type: Full-Time Overview: We're looking for a ... Participate in recipe development and seasonal menu changes * Help monitor food and labor costs ...

Picco

Sous Chef

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Collaborate on menu development and seasonal specials What We're Looking For * 1-2 years Sous Chef experience (or strong lead line cook ready to step up) * Strong leadership and communication skills

Meso

Sous Chef

San Jose, CA

$35 - $45/hr

Partner with the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal updates, and the introduction of new recipes, techniques, and equipment. * Prepare special dishes and contribute to the creative ...

Picco

Sous Chef

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Collaborate on menu development and seasonal specials What We're Looking For * 1-2 years Sous Chef experience (or strong lead line cook ready to step up) * Strong leadership and communication skills

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 ...

Dalida

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$75K - $85K/yr

The Sous Chef plays a critical role in both back-of-house and front-of-house coordination ... Essential Duties & Responsibilities Leadership & Team Development * Lead by example with ...

Charlie's

Sous Chef

Saint Helena, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/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 ...

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Coronado, CA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

... developed and mentored, with a clear path from line cook to sous chef to future leaders Cleanliness, food safety, and execution systems are part of the everyday culture, not an afterthought Key ...

Napa LW

Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$70K - $71K/yr

This leadership role supports daily kitchen operations, team development, food quality standards ... Sous Chef | LodgeWorks is actively hiring for a Sous Chef Who we are LodgeWorks is a privately held ...

Elephante

SOUS CHEF

Santa Monica, CA

$70K - $75K/yr

... about food, team development, and operational excellence. What We're Looking For 3+ years of ... Chef, Jr. Sous Chef, or Lead Line Cook) Experience in high-volume, scratch kitchens strongly ...

The Bungalow Kitchen

Sushi Chef

Belvedere Tiburon, CA

$30 - $35/hr

Training & development Department : Back of House Reports To : Sous Chef -> Executive Chef Location : Tiburon, California Pay : $30-$35/hour Position Overview The Sushi Chef is the lead culinary ...

Lodgeworks

Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$70K - $71K/yr

This leadership role supports daily kitchen operations, team development, food quality standards ... Sous Chef | LodgeWorks is actively hiring for a Sous Chef Who we are LodgeWorks is a privately held ...

Yardbird Los Angeles

Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$77K - $106K/yr

Executive Chef Reports to: Brand Corporate Executive Chef Key Relationships: Guests, Kitchen Staff ... Menu development,standardizerecipes and presentation. * Buildingand or management ofapprenticeship ...

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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 Jun 10, 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 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Chef, and why are they important?

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.

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 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

Sous Chef

WP6 Restaurant Management Group LLC

Beverly Hills, CA

$57K - $77K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

About Us

CUT by Wolfgang Puck, located within the renowned Four Seasons Hotel at Beverly Wilshire in the heart of Beverly Hills, is a flagship expression of modern fine dining. Set at the iconic intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive, CUT is celebrated for its sophisticated design, exceptional service, and a globally inspired menu that redefines the classic steakhouse experience through innovation, precision, and the highest quality ingredients.

As part of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, CUT represents a commitment to culinary excellence, elevated guest experiences, and a culture built on professionalism, creativity, and continuous improvement.

Junior Sous Chef (Temporary, with the opportunity for permanent placement)

CUT by Wolfgang Puck – Beverly Hills

We are seeking a motivated and skilled Junior Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a high-performing kitchen where standards are uncompromising, and every detail matters.

Apply here:

https://fourseasons.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/search/job/Los-Angeles---Beverly-Wilshire-Beverly-Hills/Junior-Sous-Chef---CUT--Temporary-_REQ10378126

Position Summary

The Junior Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef and Sous Chef team in overseeing daily kitchen operations. This role is responsible for ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency across all stations, while actively contributing to a collaborative and disciplined kitchen environment. The ideal candidate brings strong culinary fundamentals, leadership potential, and the ability to perform at a high level in a fast-paced fine dining setting.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support kitchen leadership in the execution of daily service and operations
  • Supervise and guide line cooks to ensure adherence to recipes, standards, and timing
  • Maintain exceptional quality, consistency, and presentation across all dishes
  • Assist in menu development with a focus on seasonal, high-quality ingredients
  • Uphold strict cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards
  • Train, mentor, and develop junior team members
  • Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering and cost controls
  • Maintain and oversee proper use and care of kitchen equipment
  • Work all stations as needed to support service demands
  • Oversee closing procedures, ensuring the kitchen is clean, organized, and secure

Qualifications

  • 3–5 years of progressive culinary experience in a high-volume or fine dining environment
  • Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred
  • Strong understanding of kitchen operations, food safety, and quality control
  • Ability to lead by example with professionalism and attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills and a team-oriented mindset
  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

What We Offer

  • Opportunity to be part of a globally recognized culinary brand
  • A culture focused on growth, development, and operational excellence
  • Exposure to high-level culinary standards and leadership mentorship
  • Competitive compensation
  • Superior benefits for qualifying team members

Apply here:

https://fourseasons.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/search/job/Los-Angeles---Beverly-Wilshire-Beverly-Hills/Junior-Sous-Chef---CUT--Temporary-_REQ10378126

Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.