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Development Chef Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Union Square Events

Chef de Cuisine

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Serve as the department head for culinary operations in the absences of Executive Chef * Assist in menu development, inventory, ordering/purchasing, food cost controls, training, sanitation, and ...

Compass Group

Chef de Cuisine

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Serve as the department head for culinary operations in the absences of Executive Chef * Assist in menu development, inventory, ordering/purchasing, food cost controls, training, sanitation, and ...

Compass Group

Chef de Cuisine

Washington, DC

$110K - $120K/yr

Serve as the department head for culinary operations in the absences of Executive Chef * Assist in menu development, inventory, ordering/purchasing, food cost controls, training, sanitation, and ...

Compass Group

Chef de Cuisine

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Work with Creative Director and Executive Chef to determine development calendar and internally promote new items internally. Supports special projects when needed with projects including but not ...

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD · On-site

$85K - $90K/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 ...

Ellizabetta | La Strega

Sous Chef

Washington, DC

$62K - $68K/yr

Support the Executive Chef in menu development, prep systems, and daily operations * Uphold quality standards and ensure dishes are executed with precision * Train, guide, and inspire the culinary ...

ClubCorp

Sous Chef

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen ... development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position requires ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... Review & collaborate on people development plans with the Field Leadership team to build thoughtful ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... Review & collaborate on people development plans with the Field Leadership team to build thoughtful ...

DIG INN Restaurant Teams

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... Review & collaborate on people development plans with the Field Leadership team to build thoughtful ...

The Dabney

Chef de Cuisine

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

We are looking for a chef who shares our commitment to exceptional ingredients, disciplined ... Collaborate on seasonal menu development, recipe testing, and creative initiatives. * Manage ...

Boulangerie Christophe LLC

Pastry Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

Menu Development: Collaborate with the executive chef or management team to design seasonal and innovative dessert menus. * Quality Control: Monitor the appearance, taste, and texture of all pastries ...

Boulangerie Christophe LLC

Pastry Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

Menu Development: Collaborate with the executive chef or management team to design seasonal and innovative dessert menus. * Quality Control: Monitor the appearance, taste, and texture of all pastries ...

DIG INN

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $85K/yr

Chef Operator [Executive Chef/General Manager] COMPENSATION: Salary Range: $80,000-85,000/year with ... Review & collaborate on people development plans with the Field Leadership team to build thoughtful ...

Taher, Inc.

Regional Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

Our Regional Chefs manage Business and Industry operations while connecting food and our clients ... Enforce Taher's Culinary Standards-Food4life philosophy, recipe adherence, menu development to ...

Retirement Unlimited, Inc.

Executive Chef

Burke, VA · On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for all food production including that used for restaurants ... Many Opportunities for Growth and Development Being an RUI team member means having the opportunity ...

Domestic | Match

Private Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

Participate in menu development in collaboration with the Lead Chef; contribute new ideas thoughtfully * Prepare for and support in-home dining events of up to 12 guests * Prepare daily to-go meals ...

Westin Washington Dulles Airport

Sous Chef

Herndon, VA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Job Purpose The purpose of the Sous Chef is to support the Executive Chef in the Food & Beverage ... the development and implementation of policies and controls on issues relating to Kitchen ...

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All JobsDevelopment Chef JobsDevelopment Chef Jobs in Washington, DC

Development Chef information

See Washington, DC salary details

$37.2K

$87.4K

$150.1K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in Washington, DC is $87,377.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,000.00 and $102,100.00 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?

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,377 per year, or $42 per hour.

Chef de Cuisine

Union Square Events

Washington, DC • On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Chef De Cuisine

Salary: $110,000 to $120,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus

Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry, partnering with a diverse portfolio of best-in-class clients. We produce one-of-a-kind catered events and unparalleled dining experiences in a variety of cultural, corporate, entertainment, and private venues throughout New York City and beyond.

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Job Summary
Located at the JW Mariott in DC
 
Summary:
•   Oversee multiple outlets and must understand and nurture the company core values and F&B program.   
•    Develop and implement new recipes, culinary activations, and menu items in collaboration with the Executive Chef and Creative Director.  
•    Work with Sous Chefs to direct production and on-site execution of new recipes.   
•    Work with Sous Chefs to oversee all service and training of cooks and porters.
•    Facilitate and conduct training with Sous Chefs as needed with BOH teams at facility and on-site.  
•    Works collaboratively with the Sous Chefs to maintain quality control and standards of production.  
•    Serve as a resource and liaison collaborating with sales executives alongside the Executive Chef and Creative Director for event-specific R&D projects, and offer help finding alternative solutions for menu requests. 
•    Collaborate with Culinary Team and Purchasing Manager to build out recipes, source, and price verify for newly developed items to meet both development and budget requirements.  
•    Collaborate with Purchasing Manager to identify and source with new vendors as needed.  
•    Work with Creative Director and Executive Chef to determine development calendar and internally promote new items internally. 
•    Supports special projects when needed with projects including but not limited to:  (tasting, high-level production, media requests, promotions, and photo shoots).  
•    Be familiar with and help maintain all safety standards, safe food preparation practices, and emergency preparedness requirements. 
  • Serve as the department head for culinary operations in the absences of Executive Chef 
  • Assist in menu development, inventory, ordering/purchasing, food cost controls, training, sanitation, and personnel management to include hiring, firing, counseling, coaching and development
 
Preferred Qualifications: 
  • Minimum 7 years culinary experience
  • Minimum of 3 years experience, depending upon formal degree or training 
  • Experience with food production for large catering or banquet functions is a plus
  • Knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation 
  • Batch cooking or high-volume cooking experience preferred 
  • ServSafe Certified 
 

Apply to Union Square Events today!

Union Square Events is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

  

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Union Square Events are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Union Square Events maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1557467

Union Square Events 

Gina Barbish 

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