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Development Chef Jobs in Leeds, MA (NOW HIRING)

Head Chef

Northampton, MA ยท On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Menu planning, development and quality control. Inventory control and ordering. This is a hands on position working daily on the line with your crew. Average 50-55 hours per week.

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.

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.

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.

Chef de Cuisine

Springfield, MA ยท 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 ...

Chef de Cuisine

Springfield, MA ยท 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 ...

Chef de Cuisine

Amherst, MA ยท On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for the preparation of high quality meals in accordance with ... Contribute to menu planning and recipe development, including creating and testing new dishes ...

Chef de Cuisine

Amherst, MA ยท On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for the preparation of high quality meals in accordance with ... Contribute to menu planning and recipe development, including creating and testing new dishes ...

Chef de Cuisine

Amherst, MA

$65K - $89K/yr

The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for the preparation of high quality meals in accordance with ... Contribute to menu planning and recipe development, including creating and testing new dishes ...

Chef de Cuisine

Amherst, MA ยท On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for the preparation of high quality meals in accordance with ... Contribute to menu planning and recipe development, including creating and testing new dishes ...

Line Cook

Southwick, MA ยท On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Training & development Benefits/Perks * Flexible Scheduling * Competitive Compensation * Career ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Dishwasher

Springfield, MA ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Access to professional development and training to help you move up in the restaurant/kitchen ... A positive attitude and the ability to work well with chefs and servers. * Efficiency: Ability to ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 10, 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 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.
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Leeds, MA 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 $78,830 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Head Chef

Spoleto Restaurant

Northampton, MA โ€ข On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

For 39 Years Spoleto has been an Iconic Northampton restaurant. Our scratch kitchen prepares modern Italian cuisine. We seek an ambitious, hands on creative Chef. Our Head Chef manages all operations in the kitchen. Hiring, training, supervising and scheduling of staff. Menu planning, development and quality control. Inventory control and ordering. This is a hands on position working daily on the line with your crew. Average 50-55 hours per week.