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Development Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $76K/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 ...

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 ...

New

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$67K/yr

Join Our Team as a Sous Chef Are you ready to elevate your culinary career and deliver outstanding ... planning and development, considering seasonal ingredients and guest preferences. * Monitor ...

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 ...

Sushi Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

This role is integral to the culinary team, overseeing sushi menu development, fish sourcing and safety, and the training of sushi support staff, in close collaboration with the Executive Chef.

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$67K/yr

Join Our Team as a Sous Chef Are you ready to elevate your culinary career and deliver outstanding ... planning and development, considering seasonal ingredients and guest preferences. * Monitor ...

Sous Chef

National Harbor, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef - Succotash National Harbor We are seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef for ... Continuing education and professional development opportunities * Dining, gym, and lifestyle ...

Sous Chef

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef - Succotash National Harbor We are seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef for ... Continuing education and professional development opportunities * Dining, gym, and lifestyle ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful operation and administration of the culinary ... Work collaboratively with all members of the food and beverage team in menu planning, development ...

New

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$26 - $29/hr

Training & development Benefits/Perks * Flexible Scheduling * Competitive Compensation * Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our team. In this ...

... development and food innovation ● Culinary degree or equivalent professional training is ... Chef or head Sous Chef at a well-established restaurant ● Must have a respect for plant-based ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful operation and administration of the culinary ... Work collaboratively with all members of the food and beverage team in menu planning, development ...

Sous Chef

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef | LodgeWorks is actively hiring for a Sous Chef Who we are LodgeWorks is a privately held hotel development and management company. While our name isn't on the hotels themselves, our ...

Sous Chef

Mclean, VA

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef | LodgeWorks is actively hiring for a Sous Chef Who we are LodgeWorks is a privately held hotel development and management company. While our name isn't on the hotels themselves, our ...

Support with all people leadership tasks - including team recruitment, development and performance chats, onboarding new starters - this is a great role for an aspiring Executive Sous Chef who wants ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

About the Role The Sous Chef is responsible for the day-to-day leadership of kitchen operations, supporting all aspects of food production, team development, food safety, and operational excellence.

Sous Chef

National Harbor, MD · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef - Succotash National Harbor We are seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef for ... Continuing education and professional development opportunities * Dining, gym, and lifestyle ...

Outlet Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$56K - $76K/yr

In addition, the Sous Chef ensures that Hard Rock culinary standards are upheld: the food looks ... Support staff development and advancement along well-defined career * Serve as a Culinary Learning ...

Showing results 21-40

Development Chef information

See Washington salary details

$37.4K

$87.7K

$150.6K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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 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.

$56K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

KNEAD Hospitality + Design is seeking a talented SousChef for our flagship restaurant, MI VIDA WHARF. As Sous Chef, youwill be responsible for supporting the Executive Chef and GENERALMANGER in overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring quality andconsistency across all menu items, and leading a team of dedicated culinaryprofessionals.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a high-energy,hospitality-driven environment that values creativity, teamwork, and excellencein the kitchen.

Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of professional kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role
  • Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine preferred
  • Strong background in Mexican Cuisine preferred
  • Culinary degree or hospitality certification is a plus, but not required
  • Expertise in menu execution, plating standards, and kitchen operations
  • Strong leadership and team-building skills
  • Excellent communication and organizational abilities
  • Ability to multitask in a high-volume, fast-paced setting
  • Understanding of financial goals, food costs, and labor management

Why Join Our Team?

  • Competitive salary with growth opportunities
  • Generous PTO
  • Medical / Dental / Vision insurance
  • Continuing education & professional development

If you're passionate about hospitality, thrive in aleadership role, and want to be part of a best-in-class restaurant group withtremendous opportunities for growth, we want to hear from you!

KNEAD Hospitality + Design
www.kneadhd.com | @kneadhd

Job Type: Full-time
Salary: Competitive