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Development Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Fairfax, VA · 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

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

As Sous Chef, youwill be responsible for supporting the Executive Chef and GENERALMANGER in ... Continuing education & professional development If you're passionate about hospitality, thrive in ...

Pastry Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

You'll drive menu development from concept to plate -- plated desserts, an artisan bread program ... If you're a Executive Pastry Chef or Head Pastry Chef ready to step into or continue leading a full ...

Pastry Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

You'll drive menu development from concept to plate - plated desserts, an artisan bread program ... If you're a Executive Pastry Chef or Head Pastry Chef ready to step into or continue leading a full ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

As the Executive Chef, you will oversee menu development, food preparation, and ensure the highest standards of quality and safety are maintained. Key Responsibilities * Develop and execute creative ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

Team Leadership & Development * Directly manage, mentor, and develop Sous Chefs and all BOH hourly team members to meet or exceed established performance standards. * Execute the Hawkers training ...

Chef Join our team at El Meson Espanol in Washington, DC and showcase your culinary skills in a ... Menu planning and development * Ensuring food quality and presentation standards are met * Knife ...

Chef Join our team at El Meson Espanol in Washington, DC and showcase your culinary skills in a ... Menu planning and development * Ensuring food quality and presentation standards are met * Knife ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

Team Leadership & Development * Directly manage, mentor, and develop Sous Chefs and all BOH hourly team members to meet or exceed established performance standards. * Execute the Hawkers training ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

Team Leadership & Development * Directly manage, mentor, and develop Sous Chefs and all BOH hourly team members to meet or exceed established performance standards. * Execute the Hawkers training ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$68K - $80K/yr

Reporting to the Executive Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not ... Provide training and development opportunities for new and existing colleagues * Assist in goal ...

Reporting to the Executive Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not ... Provide training and development opportunities for new and existing colleagues * Assist in goal ...

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$53K - $72K/yr

Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu planning and development, incorporating seasonal ingredients and customer preferences. * Manage inventory levels, ordering supplies as needed while ...

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu planning and development, incorporating seasonal ingredients and customer preferences. * Manage inventory levels, ordering supplies as needed while ...

As the Executive Chef, you will oversee menu development, food preparation, and ensure the highest standards of quality and safety are maintained. Key Responsibilities * Develop and execute creative ...

You'll drive menu development from concept to plate -- plated desserts, an artisan bread program ... If you're a Executive Pastry Chef or Head Pastry Chef ready to step into or continue leading a full ...

Sous Chef

Manassas, VA · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Sous Chef Full Time Manassas, VA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1093 Salary Range: $65,000.00 To ... Contribute to menu development and seasonal updates, bringing fresh ideas that align with 2 Silos ...

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Development Chef information

See Washington salary details

$37.4K

$87.7K

$150.6K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in Washington is $87,706.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,300.00 and $102,500.00 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 Washington?

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

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Development Chef jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Development Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,706 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Executive Chef

Fairfax, VA • On-site

P.F. Chang's
Food Services and Drinking Places • 10K+ employees

$89K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


P.F. Chang's rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

P.F. Chang's Pay Range (based on experience): $89,000.00 - $109,000.00 / year
Benefits We Offer:
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(K), and paid time off.
  • Competitive Pay & Performance Incentives: Quarterly bonuses based on performance.
  • Professional Development: Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career - we promote from within.
  • Referral Program: Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions through our employee referral program (for locations other than home location).
  • Exclusive Discounts: Access exclusive employee discounts.
  • Holidays: Most locations closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • Supportive Community: Financial assistance through the Lucky Cat Fund during hardships for qualifying team members.

Hiring immediately for full-time salaried Executive Chef or Head Chef or Executive Kitchen Manager (EKM):
Job Summary:
The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant culinary team and restaurant food service operations to ensure high operating standards in the kitchen. This includes the hiring, training and development of the culinary team and kitchen staff, as well as managing inventory and controlling costs incurred in the kitchen. The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager reports to directly to the restaurant Operating Partner or General Manager.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Accountable for operational excellence in the kitchen
  • Delegates tasks and gives direction to all kitchen staff
  • Conducts interviews with kitchen management and staff candidates
  • Selection, orientation and continual development of all Sous Chefs and kitchen staff
  • Prepares work schedule for Sous Chef and kitchen staff
  • On-going preservation of safety certification requirements for all kitchen staff
  • Responsible for managing inventory, cost of goods and overall control of financials
  • Responsible for health inspections
  • Supervises and facilitates all training for all food prep and execution of menu items, procedures, and recipes to all kitchen staff
  • Ensures proper timing and production for food orders
  • On-going performance appraisals for Sous Chefs and kitchen staff
  • Holds kitchen staff accountable for dress code standards
  • Responsible for maintaining all product quality standards
  • Responsible for maintaining expected food costs and inventory
  • Oversees or completes all prep lists and ordering guides
  • Completes opening and closing checklists
  • Responsible for maintenance and repairs of kitchen equipment and facility
  • Responsible for knowing how to work all kitchen stations proficiently
  • Accountable for providing a clean and safe environment for both Team Members and Guests

Job Requirements:
  • 3+ years of culinary management experience with experience managing and writing prep lists
  • Must possess a valid driver's license to perform occasional duties such as providing shift coverage, meeting liquor license requirements (depending on the state), delivering large catering orders (which may include operating a rental truck), making supply runs, local restaurant marketing, attending offsite training and business meetings, and traveling between restaurant locations to support operations.
  • Experience in managing inventory, cost of goods and overall control of financials
  • Experience working in a hands-on, fast paced, high volume environment
  • Experience in managing a team, while identifying and developing employees for future leadership roles
  • Experience in facilitating and effectively executing training
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Must be able to stand and walk for periods of eight to ten hours in length each shift
  • Must be able to reach, bend, balance and transport various objects weighing up to 30 lbs repeatedly during a shift. At times it might be necessary to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Must be able to work around various levels of temperature, including warm to very warm temperatures in the kitchen

Preferences:
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish
  • Experience working in an upscale scratch kitchen concept
  • Previous front of house restaurant management experience
  • Culinary degree or culinary certificate

Why work for us?
Because it's more than a job. We take PRIDE in creating a heart-filled, guest-led Pan-Asian dining experience, fueled by passion for our craft, respect for our people, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Apply Now
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  • Gather your work history, and if applicable, prepare your resume for submission.
  • Click "Apply Now" to submit your application.

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