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Development Chef Jobs in Vancouver, BC (NOW HIRING)

Ubc

Executive Chef, Residence Dining

Vancouver, BC · On-site

CA$7.8K - CA$12K/mo

WORK PERFORMED 1) Menu Research, Development, and Quality Control Works with the Executive Chef & Culinary Director to create and enhance the culinary vision for residence dining. Directs the ongoing ...

Capilano Group

Sous Chef

North Vancouver, BC · On-site

Sous Chef - F&B Outlets (Cliffhouse Restaurant & Bar, and Loggers' Grill) Reports to: Food ... Support development of kitchen Team Members by dispensing job specific training and technical ...

JOEY Restaurants

Sushi Chef - JOEY Burnaby

Burnaby, BC · On-site

CA$22 - CA$28/hr

Through our culture of people development, we are committed to the continuous learning and growth of our teams. Our sushi chefs are a key component to our success, they are detail-oriented, and have ...

JOEY Restaurants

Sushi Chef - JOEY Bentall

Vancouver, BC · On-site

CA$22 - CA$28/hr

Through our culture of people development, we are committed to the continuous learning and growth of our teams. Our sushi chefs are a key component to our success, they are detail-oriented, and have ...

JOEY Restaurants

Sushi Chef - JOEY Coquitlam

Coquitlam, BC · On-site

CA$22 - CA$28/hr

Through our culture of people development, we are committed to the continuous learning and growth of our teams. Our sushi chefs are a key component to our success, they are detail-oriented, and have ...

JOEY Restaurants

Sushi Chef - JOEY Coquitlam

Coquitlam, BC · On-site

CA$22 - CA$28/hr

Through our culture of people development, we are committed to the continuous learning and growth of our teams. Our sushi chefs are a key component to our success, they are detail-oriented, and have ...

JOEY Restaurants

Sushi Chef - JOEY Bentall

Vancouver, BC · On-site

CA$22 - CA$28/hr

Through our culture of people development, we are committed to the continuous learning and growth of our teams. Our sushi chefs are a key component to our success, they are detail-oriented, and have ...

JOEY Restaurants

Sushi Chef - JOEY Burnaby

Burnaby, BC · On-site

CA$22 - CA$28/hr

Through our culture of people development, we are committed to the continuous learning and growth of our teams. Our sushi chefs are a key component to our success, they are detail-oriented, and have ...

JOEY Restaurants

Sushi Chef - JOEY Burrard

Vancouver, BC · On-site

CA$22 - CA$28/hr

Through our culture of people development, we are committed to the continuous learning and growth of our teams. Our sushi chefs are a key component to our success, they are detail-oriented, and have ...

JOEY Restaurants

Sushi Chef - JOEY Burrard

Vancouver, BC · On-site

CA$22 - CA$28/hr

Through our culture of people development, we are committed to the continuous learning and growth of our teams. Our sushi chefs are a key component to our success, they are detail-oriented, and have ...

JOEY Restaurants

Chef / Sous Chef

Vancouver, BC · On-site

CA$48K - CA$85K/yr

Through our culture of people development, we are committed to the continuous learning and growth of our teams. The JOEY Accelerated Leadership Program is a three-month fast-tracked development ...

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All JobsDevelopment Chef JobsDevelopment Chef Jobs in Vancouver, BC

Development Chef information

See Vancouver, BC salary details

$23.6K

$80.4K

$139.7K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in Vancouver, BC is $80,371.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,774.00 and $99,489.00 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 Vancouver, BC?

For Development Chef jobs in Vancouver, BC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Chef jobs in Vancouver, BC look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Chef jobs in Vancouver, BC are:

Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Vancouver, BC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,371 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)

Delta, BC • On-site

Dessert Holdings Inc.
Manufacturing • 11 - 50 employees

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Good employer

Respectful managers

Uninterrupted breaks

Learn more about Dessert Holdings Inc.external

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)


Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch-made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners.
Dessert Holdings is looking for a Senior R&D Development Chef to be based in our Delta, British Columbialocation to use culinary knowledge and creative ability to develop new products for commercialization. From concept to prototype samples, this role is responsible for delivering products on time that meet taste, functionality, quality, and cost expectations. This position will be involved with documentation, formulations, pilot testing and commercialization touch points, vendor visits, ordering and testing raw materials, shelf-life studies, and kitchen/bench sanitation and cleanliness.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Research, formulate, and develop new bakery product concepts within time, cost, and processing requirements.
  • Construct proof of concept samples for new desserts to support innovation and sales; prepare and present samples and specifications for customer presentation and acceptance.
  • Stay current on culinary trends in desserts and baked goods and bring ideas into new product development.
  • Consult with vendors and suppliers, and internal partners like Quality, Sanitation, and Engineering to verify SOPs for products being tested for manufacturing.
  • Compile accurate and timely summaries, guidelines, test data, and trial plans.
  • Work with Supply Chain on sourcing new ingredients.
  • Improve product quality through ongoing review of formulation and ingredient parameters.
  • Maintain, organize, and keep refrigerators, freezers, and kitchen areas clean.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate's Degree in Pastry Arts/Baking; food science training or degree is beneficial (or Red Seal designation in Canada)
  • At least 5 years of hands-on experience in baking/pastry arts with exceptional palate, sensory, recipe development, and baking skills
  • Prior product commercialization experience required
  • Ability to work self-directed with strong time management, organizational, multi-tasking, and communication skills
  • Computer savvy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and use tools and reach with hands and arms
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, work around potential food allergens, and work in a variety of temperatures and with dampness or chemicals
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including extended hours and weekends, as required
  • Ability to travel up to 10 to 20% throughout North America

About Dessert Holdings
Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler's Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne's Fine Desserts, Kenny's Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,500 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.


EEO Statement
Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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