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Development Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K/yr

Oversee menu development, purchasing, and production, incorporating the latest trends and practices ... What the Executive Chef needs: * Associate's Degree or five or more years of related food service ...

Not Your Average Joe's

Sous Chef

Reston, VA · On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

As a Sous Chef you will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of our restaurant ... Ensures all training materials, development and schedules are being followed * Clearly ...

Hell's Kitchen - DC

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$65K - $85K/yr

... development opportunities globally · Work with and learn from extraordinary culinary and front-of house talent in a diverse, energizing and professional restaurant environment · A fantastic staff ...

Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

... development opportunities globally • Work with and learn from extraordinary culinary and front-of house talent in a diverse, energizing and professional restaurant environment • A fantastic staff ...

Gordon Ramsay North America

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

The Sous Chef must have: * The motivation and leadership skill to represent the Gordon Ramsay Brand ... Access to our world-class training & development opportunities globally Work with and learn from ...

Not Your Average Joe's

Sous Chef

Reston, VA · On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

As a Sous Chef you will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of our restaurant ... Ensures all training materials, development and schedules are being followed * Clearly ...

Not Your Average Joe's

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$62K - $75K/yr

As a Sous Chef you will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of our restaurant ... Ensures all training materials, development and schedules are being followed * Clearly ...

Not Your Average Joe's

Sous Chef

Bethesda, MD

$62K - $75K/yr

As a Sous Chef you will play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of our restaurant ... Ensures all training materials, development and schedules are being followed * Clearly ...

Goodwin Recruiting

Chef De Cuisine

Washington, DC

$105K/yr

Opportunities for professional development and national exposure * Collaborative, creative workplace culture where your input matters * Work with one of DC's most respected restaurant teams Chef de ...

FTK Hospitlatity DC

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$90K - $109K/yr

As an Executive Chef, you will lead the culinary team at one of our prestigious upscale restaurant ... Expertise in menu development, cost control, and kitchen management. * Culinary degree or ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... Review & collaborate on people development plans with the Field Leadership team to build thoughtful ...

Hell's Kitchen - DC

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$56K - $76K/yr

The Sous Chef must have: * The motivation and leadership skill to represent the Gordon Ramsay Brand ... Access to our world-class training & development opportunities globally Work with and learn from ...

DIG INN

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... Review & collaborate on people development plans with the Field Leadership team to build thoughtful ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... Review & collaborate on people development plans with the Field Leadership team to build thoughtful ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... Review & collaborate on people development plans with the Field Leadership team to build thoughtful ...

Capital Restaurant Resources

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$65K - $85K/yr

These opportunities are ideal for chefs looking to grow their leadership skills while working ... development Exposure to high-level culinary systems and operations Growth-oriented restaurant ...

José Andrés Group

Head Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

Position Summary The Head Chef is the culinary leader responsible for daily kitchen performance, food quality, consistency, and team development. This role owns line readiness and execution, menu ...

THINK FOOD GROUP LLC

Head Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

Position Summary The Head Chef is the culinary leader responsible for daily kitchen performance, food quality, consistency, and team development. This role owns line readiness and execution, menu ...

Elena James

Sushi Chef

Chevy Chase, MD

$70K - $80K/yr

Monitor portion control and minimize food waste * Assist with menu development and seasonal specials when needed Requirements * Previous experience as a Sushi Chef or Sushi Cook * Strong knife skills ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDevelopment Chef JobsDevelopment Chef Jobs in Washington

Development Chef information

See Washington salary details

$37.4K

$87.7K

$150.6K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 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 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:
Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Washington as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,706 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Washington, DC • On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Meriwether Godsey is looking for an Executive Chef responsible for leading and managing a high-volume food production program, as well as special events and high-end catering for the dining program at an account in Washington, DC. Our ideal candidate has strong culinary and management skills.


What the Executive Chef will do:

  • Communicate daily with production staff on all food production activities.

  • Purchase organically and locally produced foods, whenever possible, and work alongside production staff to incorporate these products into recipes and menu offerings on a daily basis.

  • Oversee menu development, purchasing, and production, incorporating the latest trends and practices.

  • Ensure proper food temperatures are reached, maintained, and recorded; ensure daily records of food usage, organization of storage/cooler areas, and other compliance regulations are kept.

  • Lead by example, engaging and developing direct reports and team members through ongoing support, monitoring, coaching, and feedback.

  • Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships while researching price variations.

  • Implement and maintain HACCP standards.

  • Maintain effective client and customer-centric relationships.

  • Deliver high-end catering.

  • Assist in Back of House phases of financial planning, budget/cost analysis, and reporting to set, monitor, and achieve operating and financial goals.

What the Executive Chef needs:

  • Associate’s Degree or five or more years of related food service experience.

  • 3-5 years of Executive Chef experience

  • 5+ Years of experience in Contract Food Service Operation, High-End Catering Management, High-Volume Dining, and Multi-Unit experience.

  • Experience in a school setting is preferred.

  • Application and promotion of current food trends.

  • Proficiency and growing knowledge of sustainable practices.

  • Participative management style and excellent leadership skills.

  • Demonstrated experience cultivating talent and promoting an inclusive work environment.

  • Strong communication and presentation skills.

  • Account and Project Management Skills.

  • Knowledge of food safety (HACCP), sanitation, and overall workplace safety standards.

  • Ability to work in a collaborative team environment while fostering strong client and customer relationships.

  • ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification preferred and Allergen Training and experience.

  • Must be able to pass a background check

What the Executive Chef will get:

  • Competitive Pay, Meals, Uniforms, Benefits such as Health, Vision, Dental, and more!

Meriwether Godsey offers significant opportunities for growth and career advancement. The work environment is fast-paced, team-oriented, and high-energy. You’ll be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do. Interested in learning more? Visit our About Us Page

Enjoy a people and food-focused environment where you have the opportunity to make a difference every day and advance your career. Help Meriwether Godsey set the standard for hospitality in the Greater DC market!

Meriwether Godsey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace.