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Development Chef Jobs in Leeds, AL (NOW HIRING)

Harper Associates

Be Seen First

Chef Manager

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$65K - $69K/yr

This position is ideal for a chef who enjoys being actively involved in daily kitchen operations while also providing strong leadership, organization, and team development. The Chef Manager will ...

New

Gecko Hospitality

Sous Chef

Birmingham, AL

$46K - $63K/yr

Sous Chef The Sous Chef will work closely with the Culinary Development Team and Executive Chef to ensure menu items are executed with excellence 100% of the time. The Sous Chef will contribute to ...

Harper Associates

Chef Manager

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$65/day

This position is ideal for a chef who enjoys being actively involved in daily kitchen operations while also providing strong leadership, organization, and team development. The Chef Manager will ...

New

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

... development, inventory control, and cost management. What We're Looking For: • 3+ years of ... Previous sous chef experience required Additional Info: We are an equal opportunity employer/ E ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Executive Chef Ruth's Chris Steak House Where legendary flavor meets refined leadership. Ruth ... development and seasonal features • Maintain the integrity of the Ruth's Chris brand in every ...

Ruth's Chris Sizzling Steak Concepts

Sous Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Join Our Team as a Sous Chef at Ruth's Chris Steak House At Ruth's Chris Steak House, we believe in ... Assist in menu development, inventory control, and cost management.What We're Looking For:3+ years ...

Kathy G.

Catering Chef

Birmingham, AL

$65K - $70K/yr

Responsibilities would include training and development of kitchen staff & team members, quality ... Executive Catering Chef will be responsible for all orders from our suppliers, for food, supplies ...

Kathy G. & Company Inc.

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Executive Catering Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Responsibilities would include training and development of kitchen staff & team members, quality ... Executive Catering Chef will be responsible for all orders from our suppliers, for food, supplies ...

Kathy G. & Company Inc.

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Executive Catering Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Responsibilities would include training and development of kitchen staff & team members, quality ... Executive Catering Chef will be responsible for all orders from our suppliers, for food, supplies ...

Thehighlandscollege

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Executive Chef oversees menu development, culinary standards, financial performance, team leadership, compliance, and innovation across all dining locations. As a senior culinary leader, this ...

Highlands College

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Executive Chef oversees menu development, culinary standards, financial performance, team leadership, compliance, and innovation across all dining locations. As a senior culinary leader, this ...

Highlands College

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Executive Chef oversees menu development, culinary standards, financial performance, team leadership, compliance, and innovation across all dining locations. As a senior culinary leader, this ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as ... Hands-on chef experience a must * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as ... Hands-on chef experience a must * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as ... Hands-on chef experience a must * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus ...

Spire Hospitality

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Executive Chef will lead, mentor, and collaborate with our team of Chefs to prepare, cook, and ... to the development of new menu items and promotions • Cultivate strong working relationships ...

Spire Hospitality

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Executive Chef will lead, mentor, and collaborate with our team of Chefs to prepare, cook, and ... to the development of new menu items and promotions • Cultivate strong working relationships ...

Redmont Birmingham, Curio

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Executive Chef will lead, mentor, and collaborate with our team of Chefs to prepare, cook, and ... Contribute creatively to the development of new menu items and promotions * Cultivate strong ...

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All JobsDevelopment Chef JobsDevelopment Chef Jobs in Leeds, AL

Development Chef information

See Leeds, AL salary details

$30.1K

$70.6K

$121.3K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in Leeds, AL is $70,629.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,400.00 and $82,500.00 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 Leeds, AL?

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

Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Leeds, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,629 per year, or $34 per hour.

Chef Manager

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Harper Associates
See more jobs at Harper Associatesexternal

$65K - $69K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

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Job description

Chef Manager – Corporate Café Birmingham, AL

Schedule: Monday–Friday Day Hours - $65-70,000


Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and hands-on Chef Manager to lead the culinary operations of a high-quality corporate café. This position is ideal for a chef who enjoys being actively involved in daily kitchen operations while also providing strong leadership, organization, and team development.


The Chef Manager will oversee food preparation, menu execution, quality standards, inventory, ordering, food safety, and daily café operations. The successful candidate will lead by example, working alongside the culinary team to ensure exceptional food, service, and guest satisfaction.

This is a Monday–Friday position with no regular weekend schedule, making it an excellent opportunity for a culinary professional seeking a consistent corporate schedule.


Qualifications

  • 3+ years of professional culinary experience, preferably in a café, corporate dining, hotel, restaurant, or high-volume food-service environment.
  • Previous experience in a Chef, Sous Chef, Chef Manager, or Kitchen Manager role.
  • Strong cooking and culinary skills with a passion for quality food.
  • Proven ability to lead and develop a culinary team.
  • Experience with menu planning, recipe execution, ordering, inventory, and food-cost management.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Comfortable being hands-on in the kitchen and leading from the front.
  • Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience preferred.
  • Food safety certification such as ServSafe preferred or required based on local regulations.


Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a working chef and strong people leader who takes pride in both the food and the operation. You bring a positive attitude, strong work ethic, creativity, and a commitment to delivering an outstanding café experience every day.


What We Offer

  • Monday–Friday schedule
  • Consistent daytime corporate dining environment
  • No regular weekend or late-night shifts
  • Opportunity to lead and develop a culinary team
  • Creative input into menus and daily food offerings
  • Professional corporate environment
  • Opportunity for growth and advancement


Please email resume :



Ben Schwartz | President | Harper Associates

 www.harperjobs.com


Company Description

Harper Associates specializes in the permanent placement of experienced personnel. Founded in 1968, Harper Associates has built an excellent reputation in the recruitment industry. Our long-standing history in the industry makes us unique. While we have progressed with the times, we still strive to offer personal attention and dedication to meet our clients’ needs. Harper Consultants are constantly networking, creating a continuous pool of experienced professionals to choose from.