Head Chef
Santa Maria, CA · On-site
The Head Chef oversees all culinary operations, including menu development, recipe standardization, and consistent execution for à la carte dining, banquets, tournaments, and special events.
Head Chef
Santa Maria, CA · On-site
The Head Chef oversees all culinary operations, including menu development, recipe standardization, and consistent execution for à la carte dining, banquets, tournaments, and special events.
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 ...
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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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Sous Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$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 ...
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Sous Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$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 ...
Executive Banquet Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$110K/yr
The Banquet Sous Chef is responsible for assisting the executive banquet chef in costing, sourcing, and recipe development of all banquet items. * The Banquet Sous Chef is responsible for assisting ...
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Executive Banquet Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$110K/yr
The Banquet Sous Chef is responsible for assisting the executive banquet chef in costing, sourcing, and recipe development of all banquet items. * The Banquet Sous Chef is responsible for assisting ...
Chef
Laguna Hills, CA · On-site
$25.22 - $36.57/hr
Chef Location: Laguna Hills Department: Kitchen Status: Full-Time Shift: Days Pay Range*: $25.22/hr ... development, contribution, collaboration, and accountability.Whatever your role and whatever ...
Chef
Laguna Hills, CA · On-site
$25.22 - $36.57/hr
Chef Location: Laguna Hills Department: Kitchen Status: Full-Time Shift: Days Pay Range*: $25.22/hr ... development, contribution, collaboration, and accountability.Whatever your role and whatever ...
Executive Chef
La Quinta, CA · On-site
$130K - $150K/yr
... development, food preparation, and presentation - Oversee hiring, training, scheduling, and ... Chefs, Cooks, Dishwasher. - Oversee member events, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional ...
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Executive Chef
La Quinta, CA · On-site
$130K - $150K/yr
... development, food preparation, and presentation - Oversee hiring, training, scheduling, and ... Chefs, Cooks, Dishwasher. - Oversee member events, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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 ...
Executive Chef
Newport Beach, 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 ...
Executive Chef
Newport Beach, 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 ...
Sous Chef
Fresno, CA · On-site
$72K - $95K/yr
Key Responsibilities: * Assist the Executive Chef in menu development, recipe execution, and daily specials * Lead and supervise the kitchen team during service, ensuring smooth and efficient ...
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Sous Chef
Fresno, CA · On-site
$72K - $95K/yr
Key Responsibilities: * Assist the Executive Chef in menu development, recipe execution, and daily specials * Lead and supervise the kitchen team during service, ensuring smooth and efficient ...
New
Executive Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$80K - $100K/yr
Work closely with ownership on business strategy, menu development, staffing, events, and long term ... A chef with strong leadership experience who enjoys both managing and cooking * Someone who values ...
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Executive Chef
San Francisco, CA · On-site
$80K - $100K/yr
Work closely with ownership on business strategy, menu development, staffing, events, and long term ... A chef with strong leadership experience who enjoys both managing and cooking * Someone who values ...
Executive Chef - Chef Driven Restaurant
Berkeley, CA · On-site
$100K - $120K/yr
As the Executive Chef, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing kitchen operations, menu development, and culinary excellence. Your expertise will guide our kitchen team in crafting delightful ...
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Executive Chef - Chef Driven Restaurant
Berkeley, CA · On-site
$100K - $120K/yr
As the Executive Chef, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing kitchen operations, menu development, and culinary excellence. Your expertise will guide our kitchen team in crafting delightful ...
Executive Chef
$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 ...
Executive Chef
$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 ...
Sous Chef
San Ramon, CA · On-site
$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 ...
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Sous Chef
San Ramon, CA · On-site
$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 ...
Development Chef information
See California salary details
$32.6K - $41.5K
2% of jobs
$41.5K - $50.5K
8% of jobs
$57.4K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$50.5K - $59.5K
19% of jobs
$59.5K - $68.5K
20% of jobs
The median wage is $68.8K / yr.
$68.5K - $77.4K
16% of jobs
$84.3K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$77.4K - $86.4K
13% of jobs
$86.4K - $95.4K
5% of jobs
$95.4K - $104.3K
11% of jobs
$104.3K - $113.3K
2% of jobs
$113.3K - $122.3K
2% of jobs
$122.3K - $131.3K
2% of jobs
$32.6K
$76.4K
$131.3K
How much do development chef jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 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 the difference between Development Chef vs Sous Chef?
| Aspect | Development Chef | Sous Chef |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Culinary degree, culinary certifications | Culinary degree, culinary certifications |
| Work Environment | Research and development kitchens, innovation labs | Restaurant kitchens, food service establishments |
| Employer & Industry | Food companies, product development firms | Hotels, restaurants, catering services |
| Primary Focus | Creating new recipes, product development | Managing 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:
Job description
Company Description Santa Maria Country Club is a private, member-owned club on California’s scenic Central Coast, offering a blend of tradition, recreation, and community. Set on 120 acres, the property features an 18-hole championship golf course recognized for its pristine conditions, natural beauty, and engaging play, and hosts events for both members and guests. The elegant clubhouse provides refined dining and versatile event spaces, complemented by tennis and pickleball courts, practice facilities, and a pro shop. The club maintains a welcoming, family-friendly environment with year-round social programming where members build lasting connections and enjoy a strong sense of belonging.
Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Head Chef role based in Santa Maria, CA. The Head Chef oversees all culinary operations, including menu development, recipe standardization, and consistent execution for à la carte dining, banquets, tournaments, and special events. Responsibilities include sourcing and ordering ingredients, managing inventory and cost controls, and ensuring all dishes meet quality, presentation, and timing standards. The Head Chef leads, trains, and schedules kitchen team members, fostering a positive, safe, and efficient work environment while upholding health, sanitation, and food safety regulations. The role collaborates closely with club leadership, front-of-house managers, and event staff to design seasonal menus, support member events, and deliver an exceptional dining experience that reflects the club’s standards of excellence.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in a senior culinary leadership role (e.g., Head Chef, Sous Chef) in a private club, resort, hotel, or high-volume upscale restaurant.
- Expertise in menu planning, recipe development, and executing high-quality à la carte and banquet service for diverse member preferences.
- Strong kitchen management skills, including staff scheduling, training, performance management, and team development.
- Demonstrated ability to manage food and labor costs, inventory, vendor relationships, and purchasing in a fiscally responsible manner.
- Thorough knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and health department regulations; ServSafe or equivalent certification preferred.
- Excellent organization, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to perform under pressure and manage multiple events simultaneously.
- Collaborative communication style with front-of-house teams and leadership, and a commitment to member-focused service.
- Culinary degree or formal culinary training preferred, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on club events and member needs.
- Commitment to a respectful, inclusive, and safe work environment for all team members.
About Santa Maria Country Club
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Food services and drinking places
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
Santa Maria, CA, US