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Development Chef Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Head Chef

Seattle, WA

$80K - $110K/yr

Lead menu R&D, incorporating customer feedback and food trends. * Standardize recipes to ensure ... As Head Chef, you'll have the creative freedom and resources to make a lasting impact on the team ...

Head Chef

Seattle, WA

$80K - $110K/yr

Lead menu R&D, incorporating customer feedback and food trends. * Standardize recipes to ensure ... As Head Chef, you'll have the creative freedom and resources to make a lasting impact on the team ...

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Lead menu R&D, incorporating customer feedback and food trends. * Standardize recipes to ensure ... As Head Chef, you'll have the creative freedom and resources to make a lasting impact on the team ...

Executive Sous Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The Executive Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef in the responsibility for the daily monitoring ... Assists in the development and training of cooks as required Responsible for culinary employee ...

Executive Sous Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The Executive Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef in the responsibility for the daily monitoring ... Assists in the development and training of cooks as required Responsible for culinary employee ...

Collaborate with the Head Chef on menu planning and new recipe development each week. * Conduct regular quality checks on taste, texture, and appearance to meet company standards. * Assist in ...

CHEF

Seattle, WA · On-site

$35/hr

Prior sous chef and/or Chef De Cuisine experience with banquets and plated catering functions is ... Opportunities for Training and Development * Retirement Plan * Associate Shopping Program * Health ...

Report them to the General Manager WHO YOU ARE: You're an experienced Executive Chef with a highly developed sense of customer service, great interpersonal/communication skills, and a high-level of ...

Executive Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Report them to the General Manager WHO YOU ARE: You're an experienced Executive Chef with a highly developed sense of customer service, great interpersonal/communication skills, and a high-level of ...

Executive Chef

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Report them to the General Manager WHO YOU ARE: You're an experienced Executive Chef with a highly developed sense of customer service, great interpersonal/communication skills, and a high-level of ...

Executive Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Report them to the General Manager WHO YOU ARE: You're an experienced Executive Chef with a highly developed sense of customer service, great interpersonal/communication skills, and a high-level of ...

Executive Chef

Tukwila, WA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Report them to the General Manager WHO YOU ARE: You're an experienced Executive Chef with a highly developed sense of customer service, great interpersonal/communication skills, and a high-level of ...

Executive Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Report them to the General Manager WHO YOU ARE: You're an experienced Executive Chef with a highly developed sense of customer service, great interpersonal/communication skills, and a high-level of ...

... development program Dining discounts Position Summary: Responsible for managing the culinary team ... The Executive Chef is solely responsible for the effective management and operation of the culinary ...

Training and leadership development program * Dining discounts Position Summary: Responsible for ... The Executive Chef is solely responsible for the effective management and operation of the culinary ...

Executive Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... development program Dining discounts Position Summary: Responsible for managing the culinary team ... The Executive Chef is solely responsible for the effective management and operation of the culinary ...

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Showing results 1-20

Development Chef information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$37.6K

$88.1K

$151.4K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in Seattle, WA is $88,127.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $103,000.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Chef jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Development Chef jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Chef jobs in Seattle, WA? For Development Chef jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Chef jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Development Chef jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Seattle, WA 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 $88,127 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Fast-growing company looking for a passionate, creative, and detail-oriented Head Chef to join!

**How to Apply:
To proceed with your application, please complete our online application using the link below, along with your resume and a brief cover letter explaining why you are the perfect fit for this role.

https://form.jotform.com/pocketfoodservice/online-job-application-form
Who We Are:

At HeartnBelly, we are more than just a food business. We aim to craft bold, crave-worthy dishes that bring people together, combining the joy of familiar flavors with the thrill of innovation. Our operations span food trucks, catering, and production kitchens, all driven by our mission: to add sparks to communities with flavors that touch our hearts.

Why Join Us?
We are growing fast and seeking a passionate, creative, and detail-oriented Head Chef to lead our culinary team. This role isn't just about cooking; it's about shaping the future of HeartnBelly's menu, team, and overall food experience. As we double our presence and expand into new markets, you'll have the opportunity to leave your mark on a company dedicated to excellence and innovation.

Who We Are Looking For:
We seek a culinary visionary with strong leadership skills and a passion for street food. You're not just a chef; you're a mentor, innovator, and quality champion who thrives in fast-paced environments. You have:

  • Experience: 8+ years in professional kitchens, including 3+ years in a leadership role, with experience in high-volume kitchens, production kitchens, or large-scale catering.
  • Expertise: Deep culinary knowledge, proficiency in diverse cooking techniques, and familiarity with a wide range of kitchen equipment.
  • Innovation: A passion for creating dishes that wow our customers, with a scientific and customer-focused approach to menu development.
  • Operational Acumen: Strong understanding of food costing, inventory control, and process optimization.
  • Leadership: A proven ability to train, mentor, and inspire teams while fostering a collaborative and respectful kitchen culture.
Roles and Responsibilities:
As Head Chef, you'll work closely with the Executive Chef/Owner and the Operations Manager to ensure culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Your responsibilities include:

1. Culinary Leadership and Innovation

  • Develop and execute bold, crave-worthy menus that delight customers and align with HeartnBelly's mission.
  • Lead menu R&D, incorporating customer feedback and food trends.
  • Standardize recipes to ensure consistency across all locations.
2. Kitchen Operations and Quality Control

  • Oversee daily kitchen workflows and optimize food preparation processes.
  • Conduct regular quality audits, addressing discrepancies immediately.
  • Maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards.
  • Collaborate with the Operations Manager to refine service flow and address operational bottlenecks.
3. Team Development and Training

  • Mentor and train kitchen staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and growth.
  • Build performance improvement plans and support team members in reaching their potential.
  • Work with Kitchen Leads to create balanced schedules and ensure team well-being.
4. Collaborative Leadership

  • Partner with the Operations Manager to align culinary and operational goals.
  • Work together on inventory management, cost control, and equipment maintenance.
Culture Fit:
At HeartnBelly, our values guide everything we do:

  • Crave: A relentless desire to create food that people love.
  • Curiosity: A commitment to exploring new ideas and techniques to stay ahead.
  • Contribute: Elevate and share through your creations, making every dish meaningful.
  • Connection: Strengthen old relationships and foster new ones through the joy of food.

Why This Role Matters:
This isn't just a job; it's a chance to shape HeartnBelly's future. As Head Chef, you'll have the creative freedom and resources to make a lasting impact on the team you lead and the communities we serve.

How to Apply:
Are you ready to take on this challenge and lead HeartnBelly's culinary vision? Complete our online application using the link below, along with your resume and a brief cover letter explaining why you are the perfect fit for this role.

https://form.jotform.com/pocketfoodservice/online-job-application-form
We can't wait to meet you!