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Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab37

Research & Development Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on the development and deployment of robots designed specifically for direct-to-customer food production. Our mission is to revolutionize the food ...

Troon

Chef de Cuisine

Schofield, WI

$66K - $90K/yr

We offer exceptional pay, a beautiful work environment, and numerous opportunities for growth and development. Chef de Cuisine Responsibilities: * Ensuring that all food meets the highest quality ...

Troon Golf

Chef de Cuisine

Schofield, WI · On-site

$66K - $90K/yr

We offer exceptional pay, a beautiful work environment, and numerous opportunities for growth and development. Chef de Cuisine Responsibilities: * Ensuring that all food meets the highest quality ...

Nestle

R&D Development Chef (Pasta, Pizza, Dough)

Solon, OH · On-site

$15.25 - $17.75/hr

Nestle's Research & Development Center is our regional powerhouse driving innovation in food ... Inspire and support opportunities with the Nestle Chef Network in creativity, problem-solving ...

Home Chef

Executive Chef, Production

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Develop training programs and provide professional development opportunities for all kitchen staff Work with Corporate R&D chefs on ingredient and menu continuous improvement opportunities * Ensure ...

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How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for development chef in the United States is $77,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $90,500.00 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.
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Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)

Dessert Holdings Inc.

Aurora, CO • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Dessert Holdings rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 442 rated food and drinks producers

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 Aurora, CO location 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.
The typical hiring range for this role is $70,000 to $90,000 annually and is based on several factors such as education, work experience, skills, certifications, location, etc. In addition to pay, Dessert Holdings offers benefits such as a choice of comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and retirement contribution to all eligible employees.
 

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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