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Development Chef Jobs in Leeds, AL (NOW HIRING)

Spirehotels

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 ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/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

$67K - $92K/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 Healthcare

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/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

$67K - $92K/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 ...

Perry's Restaurants

Kitchen Line - Sauté

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Outstanding training and development programs * Advancement and growth opportunities * Insurance ... Perform additional responsibilities, although not detailed, as requested by the Chefs or Managers ...

Perry's Restaurants

Prep

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$19/hr

Outstanding training and development programs * Advancement and growth opportunities * A dynamic ... Maintains par level set by Executive Chef and or Sous Chefs. * Proper labeling and storage of all ...

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille

Prep

Vestavia Hills, AL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Outstanding training and development programs * Advancement and growth opportunities * A dynamic ... Maintains par level set by Executive Chef and or Sous Chefs. * Proper labeling and storage of all ...

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille

Prep

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$19/hr

Outstanding training and development programs * Advancement and growth opportunities * A dynamic ... Maintains par level set by Executive Chef and or Sous Chefs. * Proper labeling and storage of all ...

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille

Prep

Vestavia Hills, AL · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Outstanding training and development programs * Advancement and growth opportunities * A dynamic ... Maintains par level set by Executive Chef and or Sous Chefs. * Proper labeling and storage of all ...

Perry's Restaurants

Busser

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Outstanding training and development programs * Advancement and growth opportunities * Insurance ... side for guests. * Assist chef team with continual upkeep of kitchen including restocking of ...

Perry's Steakhouse and Grille

Busser

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Outstanding training and development programs * Advancement and growth opportunities * Insurance ... side for guests. * Assist chef team with continual upkeep of kitchen including restocking of ...

Troon

Line Cook

Vestavia Hills, AL · On-site

$20/hr

The Line Cook will assist the Chef and Kitchen Manager in preparing food for all culinary outlets ... development, growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package. Our goal is to create ...

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Showing results 21-40

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.

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Spirehotels
See more jobs at Spirehotelsexternal

$67K - $92K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead, mentor, and collaborate with the culinary team to prepare, cook, and present food to high standards.

  • Manage and oversee all culinary activities and operations to ensure quality standards are maintained.

  • Contribute creatively to developing new menu items and promotions.

Job description

Description

Overlooking downtown Birmingham, Redmont Hotel, Curio by Hilton is within walking distance of several restaurants, bars, and attractions. Alabama Theatre, Regions Field, Birmingham Museum of Art, and Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex are less than two miles away. We're also 15 minutes from the airport.

SPIRE Hospitality is a management company specializing in creating memorable guest experiences and delivering best-in-class service at our hotels and resorts across the country. We ensure you have the support, tools and opportunities you need to get the job done, grow as an individual, and excel in your hospitality career.

We offer a comprehensive full-time benefits package consisting of EARLY PAY OR EARNED WAGE ACCESS get paid before payday, medical, dental, vision, pet discount program, identity theft protection, pre-paid legal support, flexible spending accounts, matched 401K, life, critical accident or illness, short- & long-term disability, paid time off, wellness programs, wonderful hotel discounts and much more.

The role will provide leadership and empowering the Food & Beverage – Culinary TEAM to strive for excellence and repeat business. The Executive Chef will lead, mentor, and collaborate with our team of Chefs to prepare, cook, and present food to the highest standards, ensuring exceptional quality and guest satisfaction

Essential Job Functions
  • Inspire exceptional customer service through your positive leadership and dedication to guest satisfaction
  • Assist in leading and managing all culinary activities and operations to uphold the highest quality standards
  • Contribute creatively to the development of new menu items and promotions
  • Cultivate strong working relationships across Food & Beverage and other hotel departments
  • Monitor and maintain standards for product quality, presentation, and production efficiency
  • Conduct audits of storeroom inventory and storage to ensure product quality, safety, and kitchen cleanliness are upheld
Physical Demands
  • Lift, carry, move or push goods on a hand cart/truck weighing a maximum of 200 lbs. at a time, on a continuous basis
  • Ability to stand and move about for long periods of time
  • Manual dexterity to grasp and use all kitchen equipment
QualificationsEducation
  • High school diploma or its equivalent
  • Completion of Culinary or Apprenticeship Program preferred
Experience
  • Minimum of 4 year cook experience in hotel preferred
  • Minimum of 4 year cook experience in a similar role, size of operation required
  • Managers Food Handlers Certification required
  • Alcohol Beverage Servers Certification required
  • OSHA certification or equivalent knowledge of OSHA regulations
  • Basic mathematical skills to prepare financial reporting

Spire Hospitality, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and veterans

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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