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Development Chef Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Head Chef

Miami, FL

$70K - $100K/yr

Head Chef Location: Miami, FL Salary: Up to $100,000 Benefits: Yes, TBD Relocation: locals only A ... Collaborate with leadership on menu development and seasonal offerings * Foster a positive ...

Executive Chef Location: Naples, FL Salary: $80,000-$100,000 Benefits: Comprehensive benefits ... Experience with menu development, recipe standardization, and food cost management * Demonstrated ...

Sous Chef

Dunedin, FL · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Mainsail Lodging & Development was named a 2025 Top Workplace by the Tampa Bay Times-a reflection ... The Sous Chef for our outlets is responsible for assisting the Chef de Cuisine in preparing the ...

Chef / Sous Chef

Santa Rosa Beach, FL · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Chef / Sous Chef Reports To: Executive Chef / General Manager Location: Gallions / Shunk Gulley ... Menu development and creative plating experience. * Inventory and food cost management knowledge.

Chef / Sous Chef

Santa Rosa Beach, FL · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Chef / Sous Chef Reports To: Executive Chef / General Manager Location: Gallions / Shunk Gulley ... Menu development and creative plating experience. * Inventory and food cost management knowledge.

Chef Apply now Job no: 719854 Work type: Part Time Location: Gold Coast Categories: Chef CHEF ... Career development opportunities within Compass Group ESS Defence provides food service and ...

Chef Apply now Job no: 718459 Location: Riverview Work type: Full Time Categories: Chef, Cook ... Opportunities for skill development and career progression within Compass Group * Work largely ...

Sous Chef

Tampa, FL · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

The Sous Chef will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and ... This position involves hands-on supervision and support in food preparation, menu development ...

Sous Chef

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

The Sous Chef will be developed over the next 12 months (or sooner, based on readiness) into a Chef de Cuisine position at the new unit. Upon the third opening, the current Executive Chef will step ...

Sous Chef

Jacksonville Beach, FL · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for supervising kitchen staff, maintaining culinary standards ... Support menu planning, recipe development, and seasonal offerings. Minimize waste and maximize ...

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Chef/ Sous Chef

New Port Richey, FL · On-site

$600 - $1.0K/wk

We are seeking a Chef/ Sous Chef to join our team! You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and ... Check freshness and quality of ingredients * Assist in the development of menu items * Standardize ...

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Chef/ Sous Chef

New Port Richey, FL · On-site

$600 - $1.0K/wk

We are seeking a Chef/ Sous Chef to join our team! You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and ... Check freshness and quality of ingredients * Assist in the development of menu items * Standardize ...

Executive Chef

Tampa, FL

$67K - $93K/yr

MULTI-UNIT EXECUTIVE CHEF Sushi & Japanese Cuisine Lead the Culinary Vision Across Omei Restaurant ... Oversee the execution and continued development of sushi, sashimi, omakase, and elevated Japanese ...

Sous Chef

Saint Augustine, FL

$43K - $58K/yr

Supportive leadership and a culture focused on mentorship and team development Sous Chef Requirements & Qualifications: * Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager in a high ...

Sous Chef

Palm Beach, FL

$48K - $65K/yr

Position Purpose: the sous chef assists the executive chef in the daily activities of the kitchen, including menu development, inventory, purchasing of supplies and cost control. Key Responsibilities ...

Sous Chef

Palm Beach, FL

$48K - $65K/yr

Position Purpose: the sous chef assists the executive chef in the daily activities of the kitchen, including menu development, inventory, purchasing of supplies and cost control. Key Responsibilities ...

As a Chef, you play an important role in bringing our culinary standards to life through skill ... Identify training needs and provide hands-on coaching and development to kitchen team members.

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Showing results 1-20

Development Chef information

See Florida salary details

$24.7K

$57.9K

$99.4K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in Florida is $57,869.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,700.00 and $67,600.00 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 job categories do people searching Development Chef jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Development Chef jobs in Florida are:
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,869 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Research & Development Working Chef

Goodwin Recruiting

Tampa, FL

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

One of the area’s fastest-growing restaurant groups is seeking a qualified, professional Research & Development Chef. This chef will be responsible for creating new and innovative menu items that are both executable in high-volume operations and cost-effective. This Chef will also work in outlets as needed.


This is an AMAZING opportunity for a chef who wants to flex their culinary chops and creativity.


Chef Responsibilities:

  • Detailed, organized, focused, creative
  • Management of hourly staff in maintaining high kitchen standards
  • Menu and specials development
  • Ability to maintain budget goals and train staff on best practices
  • Demands the best at all times and creates a culture of dedicated teamwork of the highest standards

Chef Qualifications:

  • Must have a minimum of 3 years of running Upscale Casual restaurants
  • Experience with $3 million in annual revenue
  • Excellent Communicator, Strong Attention to Detail, Business Mindset
  • Good Knowledge of Ingredients, Flavors, and Technique

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About Goodwin Recruiting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

REACH: We have successfully recruited in the hospitality, medical, finance and accounting, and manufacturing and engineering industries. We have a diverse group of clients within each of our industries that support our ability to connect candidates with the opportunities that are right for them. DEPTH: We approach things a little differently than most recruiting companies. We build relationships with our clients and candidates in order to aid in making a successful long-term match. SUPPORT: As a job seeker, there are no fees - we are here to support and assist you in finding that successful long-term match. We pride ourselves on being partners and guides with our candidates and clients as we develop an intelligent, hand-tailored process that does not waste their time.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Exeter, NH, US

Year founded

1999