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Development Chef Jobs in Leeds, MA (NOW HIRING)

Boca Recovery Center

Head Chef

Springfield, MA · On-site

Head Chef - Springfield MA Location: On-Site - Springfield MA Department: Operations / Dietary ... This is a full-time position with competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Loomis Village

Sous Chef

South Hadley, MA · On-site

$23.25 - $29/hr

Team Development: Play a vital role in promoting the growth and development of our dedicated ... Sous Chef looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a real impact, we encourage you to apply!

Boca Recovery Center

Head Chef

Springfield, MA · On-site

Head Chef - Springfield MA Location: On-Site - Springfield MA Department: Operations / Dietary ... This is a full-time position with competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

Loomis Village

Sous Chef

South Hadley, MA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Team Development: Play a vital role in promoting the growth and development of our dedicated ... If you're a proactive, passionate, and skilled Sous Chef looking for a rewarding opportunity to ...

Boca Recovery Center

Head Chef

Springfield, MA

Head Chef - Springfield MA Location: On-Site - Springfield MA Department: Operations / Dietary ... This is a full-time position with competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.

AFFILIATED GROUP LLC

Chef de Cuisine

Springfield, MA · On-site

$66K - $90K/yr

We are seeking a Chef De Cuisine to join our team! You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and ... Check freshness and quality of ingredients * Assist in the development of menu items * Standardize ...

AFFILIATED GROUP LLC

Chef de Cuisine

Springfield, MA · On-site

$66K - $90K/yr

We are seeking a Chef De Cuisine to join our team! You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and ... Check freshness and quality of ingredients * Assist in the development of menu items * Standardize ...

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All JobsDevelopment Chef JobsDevelopment Chef Jobs in Leeds, MA

Development Chef information

See Leeds, MA salary details

$33.6K

$78.8K

$135.4K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in Leeds, MA is $78,830.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,600.00 and $92,100.00 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, MA?

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

Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Leeds, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,830 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Head Chef

Springfield, MA • On-site

Boca Recovery Center
Health Care and Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Boca Recovery Centerexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Head Chef - Springfield MA
Location: On-Site - Springfield MA
Department: Operations / Dietary Services
Reports to: DOO
Status: Salary, Full-Time
Compensation: Competitive salary, based on experience and certification
About Boca Recovery Center
Boca Recovery Center is a nationally recognized leader in behavioral health treatment, providing holistic support for individuals on their recovery journey. Our Springfield facility focuses on Substance use disorder services while emphasizing the importance of nutritious and comforting meals that contribute to the healing process.
We strive to create a therapeutic environment, ensuring our clients receive high-quality food service that adheres to their individual dietary needs.
Position Overview
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at the Springfield, MA facility. The Head Chef will be responsible for the overall culinary operations, ensuring the preparation and presentation of balanced meals while fostering a supportive environment for both clients and staff. This role requires strong leadership skills, creativity in menu design, and a commitment to excellence.
This is a full-time position with competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement seasonal menus that accommodate the dietary requirements of clients while promoting overall wellness
  • Supervise, mentor, and train kitchen staff to uphold food quality and safety standards
  • Ensure efficient kitchen operations, including inventory management, food ordering, and cost control
  • Maintain compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring a clean and safe working environment
  • Collaborate with clinical and operational teams to cater to special dietary needs and therapeutic meal plans
  • Maintain food temperature logs and ensure quality control measures are consistently followed
  • Foster a positive, team-oriented kitchen environment that values creativity and respect

Requirements
  • Prior experience as a lead cook/chef in healthcare, residential, or institutional settings, with responsibility for menu planning and food safety oversight.
  • Current Certified Food Protection Manager credential (ServSafe or equivalent) and ability to serve as the "person in charge" for the kitchen.
  • Knowledge of special diets (e.g., diabetic, low-sodium) and food allergy management, including posting and documentation requirements.
  • Ability to supervise food service personnel or trained residents in accordance with BSAS standards and maintain sanitary equipment and work areas.

Benefits
Boca Recovery Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Health Insurance
  • Retirement Plans
  • Disability Coverage
  • Paid Time Off
  • Continuing Education & Professional Development Opportunities

Join Boca Recovery Center and make a meaningful impact through expert, compassionate care in a mission-driven environment focused on recovery and wellness.

Apply