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Development Chef Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Work with the Executive Chef on menu development, including seasonal updates and specials Requirements: 3+ years of experience as a Sous Chef or higher in a high-volume kitchen. ● Strong leadership ...

New

Sous Chef

Quincy, MA · On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

Training & development Sous Chef - Modern Japanese Concept Work Alongside Award-Winning Chef Chris Location : Quincy, MA (Greater Boston Area) Position : Sous Chef (Full-Time) Compensation

Sous Chef

Boston, MA

$70K - $75K/yr

As a Sous Chef, you will play a vital role in supporting our kitchen operations, assisting the Head Chef in menu development, and ensuring that our high standards of cuisine are upheld. This role is ...

Executive Chef

Boston, MA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

The Executive Chef leads all aspects of food production, menu development, food safety, cost management, colleague engagement, and culinary innovation. Working closely with Food & Beverage leadership ...

The Executive Chef leads all aspects of food production, menu development, food safety, cost management, colleague engagement, and culinary innovation. Working closely with Food & Beverage leadership ...

Executive Chef

Shrewsbury, MA

$72K - $100K/yr

Executive Chef | Upscale Casual Dining | Shrewsbury, MA Are you an Executive Chef who thrives on ... Collaborate on seasonal menu development to drive guest excitement and loyalty * Manage back-of ...

Executive Chef

Boston, MA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

The Executive Chef leads all aspects of food production, menu development, food safety, cost management, colleague engagement, and culinary innovation. Working closely with Food & Beverage leadership ...

Sous Chef

Vineyard Haven, MA

$60K - $81K/yr

This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives on organization, standards, and team development. What You'll Do: * Support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations * Lead and motivate ...

Sous Chef

Vineyard Haven, MA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

This is a key leadership role for someone who thrives on organization, standards, and team development. What You'll Do: * Support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations * Lead and motivate ...

Executive Chef

Worcester, MA

$71K - $98K/yr

Executive Chef Vivienne | Worcester, Massachusetts Lead the Culinary Vision of Worcester's Premier ... Team Development * Recruit, train, coach, and mentor culinary team members. * Build a culture of ...

Sous Chef

North Falmouth, MA

$54K - $73K/yr

Sous Chef Sea Crest Beach Resort is looking for a Sous Chef who is ready to inspire a talented ... Oversee preparation and production of menus, development and execution of recipes. * Manage kitchen ...

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Showing results 1-20

Development Chef information

See Massachusetts salary details

$36K

$84.6K

$145.3K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in Massachusetts is $84,572.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,900.00 and $98,800.00 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 popular job titles related to Development Chef jobs in Massachusetts?

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

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

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

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Development Chef jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Development Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,572 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Executive Sous Chef

the Chef Agency

Nantucket, MA

$72K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Location: Nantucket, MA
Salary: $72K-80K
Benefits: MDV, PTO, 401(k), relocation assistance
A beautiful resort/hotel on island of Nantucket looking for a year round Executive Sous Chef
Qualifications:
- Strong a la cart restaurant experience
  • Oversee kitchen operations
  • Work with the Executive Chef on menu development, including seasonal updates and specials
 
 
Requirements:
3+ years of experience as a Sous Chef or higher in a high-volume kitchen.
● Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
● Expertise in cooking techniques, food safety, and inventory management.

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About Chef Agency

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

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