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Development Chef Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Knead Hospitality

Sous Chef

National Harbor, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef - Succotash National Harbor We are seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef for ... Continuing education and professional development opportunities * Dining, gym, and lifestyle ...

Chart House

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA

$68K - $78K/yr

Continued career development and growth opportunities * Generous employee discounts on dining ... Chef in the management of all back of house staff in an upscale / fine dining kitchen, including ...

Sfoglina Rosslyn

Sous Chef

Arlington, VA

$60K - $72K/yr

Sous Chef Opportunities | Michelin-Starred Restaurant Group Fabio Trabocchi Restaurants, led by ... We are looking for leaders who are passionate about cuisine, team development, and delivering ...

Moxies

Head Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

You will play a critical role in talent development, succession planning, and maintaining high ... 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers culinary excellence under a ...

Career Search

Sous Chef

Burke, VA · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

The Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef in all phases of meal preparation. Prepares employee ... Many Opportunities for Growth and Development Being an RUI team member means having the opportunity ...

The Hoya Hotel at Georgetown

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful operation and administration of the culinary ... Work collaboratively with all members of the food and beverage team in menu planning, development ...

Succotash National Harbor

Sous Chef

Oxon Hill, MD · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef - Succotash National Harbor We are seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef for ... Continuing education and professional development opportunities * Dining, gym, and lifestyle ...

Lodgeworks

Sous Chef

Mclean, VA

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef | LodgeWorks is actively hiring for a Sous Chef Who we are LodgeWorks is a privately held hotel development and management company. While our name isn't on the hotels themselves, our ...

BISTRO DU JOUR Capitol Hill

Banquet Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $100K/yr

As Banquet Chef, you will oversee all kitchen operations related to banquets and catering, ensuring ... Continuing Education and Professional Development If you're a banquet-driven leader with high ...

Elizabeth's

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$110K - $120K/yr

... development and food innovation ● Culinary degree or equivalent professional training is ... Chef or head Sous Chef at a well-established restaurant ● Must have a respect for plant-based ...

Archer

Sous Chef

Mclean, VA · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Sous Chef | LodgeWorks is actively hiring for a Sous Chef Who we are LodgeWorks is a privately held hotel development and management company. While our name isn't on the hotels themselves, our ...

TPG Hotels Resorts and Marinas

Exec Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

Chef | Boutique Hotel Responsible for overseeing all culinary operations for the hotel restaurant ... Strong knowledge of food preparation, menu development, and cost control. * Excellent leadership ...

Landry's, LLC.

Sous Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Continued career development and growth opportunities * Generous employee discounts on dining ... Chef in the management of all back of house staff in an upscale / fine dining kitchen, including ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Sous Chef

Annapolis, MD

$49K - $66K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for ... Responsible for team development by interviewing and hiring back of house team members to maintain ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Sous Chef

Annapolis, MD

$49K - $66K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for ... Responsible for team development by interviewing and hiring back of house team members to maintain ...

Moxies

Head Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

You will play a critical role in talent development, succession planning, and maintaining high ... 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers culinary excellence under a ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Sous Chef

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Our Sous Chefs are responsible for creating a positive environment that sets the expectations for ... Responsible for team development by interviewing and hiring back of house team members to maintain ...

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$85K/yr

Oversee menu development, purchasing, and production, incorporating the latest trends and practices ... What the Executive Chef needs: * Associate's Degree or five or more years of related food service ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDevelopment Chef JobsDevelopment Chef Jobs in Washington, DC

Development Chef information

See Washington, DC salary details

$37.4K

$87.7K

$150.6K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in Washington, DC is $87,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,200.00 and $102,500.00 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 popular job titles related to Development Chef jobs in Washington, DC? For Development Chef jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Chef jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Development Chef jobs in Washington, DC are:
Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in Washington, DC 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 $87,674 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Sous Chef

Knead Hospitality

National Harbor, MD • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Sous Chef - Succotash National Harbor
We are seeking a passionate and talented Sous Chef for Succotash National Harbor, offering a progressive perspective on classic Southern favorites. Under the culinary leadership and direction of James Beard Award winner Chef Edward Lee, this concept blends soulful Southern cuisine with Chef Lee's Korean roots. As Sous Chef, you will assist in overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring quality, consistency, and creativity in every dish. You'll work closely with an amazing team of culinary professionals, contributing to an innovative and dynamic dining experience.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Assist in managing all kitchen operations, from prep to execution
  • Maintain high standards in menu items and plating consistency, ensuring dishes reflect the Southern and Korean influences
  • Collaborate on menu creation, specials, and food cost management
  • Uphold food safety and cleanliness standards in line with health regulations
  • Supervise and train kitchen staff, fostering a team-oriented and inclusive environment
  • Work closely with front-of-house management to deliver a seamless guest experience

Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role
  • Experience in Southern cuisine and/or with cross-cultural culinary influences is highly preferred
  • College degree or certification in culinary arts/hospitality is preferred but not required
  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate and develop kitchen staff
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to handle high-pressure situations and multitask in a fast-paced kitchen
  • Understanding of financial goals and a commitment to achieving them

Perks of Joining Our Team:
  • Competitive salary with opportunities for growth and promotion
  • Health benefits: Medical / Dental / Vision
  • 401K
  • Dining allowances applicable at any of our restaurant locations
  • Generous paid time off (PTO)
  • Continuing education and professional development opportunities
  • Dining, gym, and lifestyle expense account up to $800/month
  • Parking and transportation allowances
  • Bonus program

If you're a dedicated and creative culinary professional with a passion for hospitality and excellence, we'd love to hear from you!
Compensation Salary of $65,000 - $75,000.
Apply Now to be part of a dynamic team that blends tradition with creativity!

Apply