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Development Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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 ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

... 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

$85K/yr

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 ...

... 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 ...

Contribute to R&D: test, refine, cost, and write specs for new dishes so any cook on the line can execute them * Stand in for Chef Leadership in their absence and keep both kitchens moving What we're ...

Executive Chef

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

Professional Development: Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career ... The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager reports to directly to the restaurant Operating Partner or ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$82K - $113K/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 ...

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 · 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 Opportunities | Michelin-Starred Restaurant Group Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants, led by ... We are looking for leaders who are passionate about cuisine, team development, and delivering ...

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Continued career development and growth opportunities * Generous employee discounts on dining ... Chef in the management of all back of house staff in an upscale / fine dining kitchen, including ...

Event Chef Job Reference Number: 41941 Employment Type: Part-Time , Onsite Segment: Dining & Events ... We take pride in supporting the development of our employees and their skills at all levels and in ...

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Continued career development and growth opportunities * Generous employee discounts on dining ... Chef in the management of all back of house staff in an upscale / fine dining kitchen, including ...

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Continued career development and growth opportunities * Generous employee discounts on dining ... Chef in the management of all back of house staff in an upscale / fine dining kitchen, including ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Sous Chef

National Harbor, MD • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Sous Chef - Succotash National Harbor
We are seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef for Succotash National Harbor, offering a progressive perspective on classic Southern favorites. Under the culinary leadership and direction of James Beard Award winner Chef Edward Lee, this concept blends soulful Southern cuisine with Chef Lee's Korean roots. As Sous Chef, you will assist in overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring quality, consistency, and creativity in every dish. You'll work closely with an amazing team of culinary professionals, contributing to an innovative and dynamic dining experience.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist in managing all kitchen operations, from prep to execution
  • Maintain high standards in menu items and plating consistency, ensuring dishes reflect the Southern and Korean influences
  • Collaborate on menu creation, specials, and food cost management
  • Uphold food safety and cleanliness standards in line with health regulations
  • Supervise and train kitchen staff, fostering a team-oriented and inclusive environment
  • Work closely with front-of-house management to deliver a seamless guest experience

Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role
  • Experience in Southern cuisine and/or with cross-cultural culinary influences is highly preferred
  • College degree or certification in culinary arts/hospitality is preferred but not required
  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop kitchen staff
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to handle high-pressure situations and multitask in a fast-paced kitchen
  • Understanding of financial goals and a commitment to achieving them

Perks of Joining Our Team:
  • Competitive salary with opportunities for growth and promotion
  • Health benefits: Medical / Dental / Vision
  • 401K
  • Dining allowances applicable at any of our restaurant locations
  • Generous paid time off (PTO)
  • Continuing education and professional development opportunities
  • Dining, gym, and lifestyle expense account up to $800/month
  • Parking and transportation allowances
  • Bonus program

If you're a dedicated and creative culinary professional with a passion for hospitality and excellence, we'd love to hear from you!
Compensation Salary of $65,000 - $75,000.
Apply Now to be part of a dynamic team that blends tradition with creativity!