1

Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$52K - $72K/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 ...

Cross-Functional Collaboration: • Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to prospective ...

Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to prospective customer needs. Co-create compelling ...

Executive Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

In partnership with the executive chef and development chefs, the executive sous chef supports the testing and introduction of new recipes and brings them to life through daily menu offerings and the ...

Executive Chef

Greenwich, CT · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Family Chef is launching in Greenwich on September 14 with a simple idea: make it easier for ... The menus are already developed. Your job is to make them work brilliantly in the kitchen and at ...

Executive Sous Chef

Goodyear, AZ · On-site

$63K - $81K/yr

Green Chef, EveryPlate, Chefs Plate, Factor_, and Youfoodz. Executive Sous Chef Factor_ a brand of ... Development of training and the provision of professional development opportunities for all kitchen ...

Sushi Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Executive Sushi Chef Relocation Opportunity | Leadership Role An established, quality-driven ... menu development, training, execution, and the continued evolution of a high-quality sushi ...

Sushi Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Executive Sushi Chef Relocation Opportunity | Leadership Role An established, quality-driven ... menu development, training, execution, and the continued evolution of a high-quality sushi ...

Sushi Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Executive Sushi Chef Relocation Opportunity | Leadership Role An established, quality-driven ... menu development, training, execution, and the continued evolution of a high-quality sushi ...

Sushi Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Executive Sushi Chef Relocation Opportunity | Leadership Role An established, quality-driven ... menu development, training, execution, and the continued evolution of a high-quality sushi ...

Sushi Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Training & development * Vision insurance Executive Sushi Chef Relocation Opportunity | Leadership Role An established, quality-driven hospitality organization is seeking an accomplished Executive ...

Executive Sous Chef

Goodyear, AZ · On-site

$77K - $89K/yr

Executive Sous Chef Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a culinary production expert to lead ... Development of training and the provision of professional development opportunities for all kitchen ...

Sushi Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Training & development * Vision insurance Executive Sushi Chef Relocation Opportunity | Leadership Role An established, quality-driven hospitality organization is seeking an accomplished Executive ...

Executive Sous Chef

Goodyear, AZ · On-site

$77K - $89K/yr

Executive Sous Chef Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a culinary production expert to lead ... Development of training and the provision of professional development opportunities for all kitchen ...

Executive Sous Chef

Goodyear, AZ · On-site

$63K - $81K/yr

Executive Sous Chef Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a culinary production expert to lead ... Development of training and the provision of professional development opportunities for all kitchen ...

Executive Chef Location: Pittsburgh, PA Salary: $85,000-$95,000 Base + Bonus Eligible (Up to 10%) ... Strong culinary background with experience in French cuisine, menu development, seasonality, and ...

Executive Sous Chef

Pittsford, NY · On-site

$61K - $78K/yr

In partnership with the executive chef and development chefs, the executive sous chef supports the testing and introduction of new recipes and brings them to life through daily menu offerings and the ...

Head Chef

Miami, FL

$70K - $100K/yr

Head Chef Location: Miami, FL Salary: Up to $100,000 Benefits: Yes, TBD Relocation: locals only A ... Collaborate with leadership on menu development and seasonal offerings * Foster a positive ...

Executive Chef

Naples, FL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Naples, FL Salary: $80,000-$100,000 Benefits: Comprehensive benefits ... Experience with menu development, recipe standardization, and food cost management * Demonstrated ...

Showing results 41-60

Development Chef information

See salary details

$33K

$77.4K

$133K

How much do development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 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.
More about Development Chef jobs

What cities are hiring for Development Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Development Chef job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Development Chef jobs?

The most popular types of Development Chef jobs are:

What states have the most Development Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Development Chef jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Development Chef jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Development Chef job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,438 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Executive Chef, Production

On-site

Material Bank
Specialized Design Services • 51 - 200 employees

$52K - $72K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee product quality in a mass production kitchen to ensure consistency, taste, appearance, and performance of meals.

  • Train, coach, and lead kitchen staff through preparation, cooking, and cooling processes, including recipe implementation and staff development.

  • Coordinate with R&D team and ensure proper documentation of production processes, quality standards, and batch records.


Job description

Founded in 2013, Home Chef is the leading meal solutions company with both a retail and online presence. Available online at homechef.com and in retail at more than 2,100 Kroger grocery stores, Home Chef is committed to inspiring and enabling more people to cook simple, delicious meals, no matter how busy they are.

In 2023, Home Chef introduced a new brand, Tempo! Tempo features a rotating selection of ready-to-heat meals delivered directly to your door. These meals are better-for-you versions of familiar favorites, designed to save you time and reduce stress while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Our Tempo menu includes options that are protein-packed, fiber-rich, calorie and carb conscious, keto-friendly, and dietitian-approved.

Similar to our recipes, we recognize that variety is the spice of life, and therefore, our employees also bring their uniqueness and color to our fantastic team. We’re eager to work with humble team players and pragmatic next-level thinkers to innovate on Home Chef’s offerings.

This is a temporary position, expected to last approximately 6 months with possibility to covert to a permanent role.

We are seeking a culinary production expert to lead kitchen operations for Home Chef’s Ready to Heat brand, Tempo. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, an obsession with providing customers the highest-possible quality meals, and the ability to train and lead a team of associates to be able to consistently execute the culinary vision.

Detailed Responsibilities

Oversee product quality in a mass production kitchen

  • Validate consistent, premium taste, appearance, and performance of every meal leaving our high-volume kitchen
  • Implement and adhere to gold standards of food quality and food safety
  • Prepare weekly cook schedules and review/approve payroll in collaboration with HR
  • Consistently maintain standards of quality, cost, eye appeal, and flavor of foods
  • Check all processes before production time and inspect the presentation of food items to ensure quality standards are met
  • Coordinate with RTH production manager to ensure all ingredients are available when needed

Train and lead team members through the prep, cooking, and cooling processes

  • Train, coach, and develop sous chef staff, including weekly 1:1 sessions for their growth and development
  • Supervise, evaluate, and train employees, ensure sanitation and safety, menu planning, and related production activities
  • 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 the execution of new recipes, training and oversight of kitchen staff to implement new recipes, and collaborate with the R&D team to improve existing recipes
  • Attend weekly meetings with R&D chefs in order to give feedback on recipes or ingredient specifications
  • Review meal ratings weekly and assess areas for performance improvement

Documentation and Progress Tracking

  • Ensure proper documentation and record keeping of lot information, CCP’s, sensory results, and yields
  • Sign off on Assembly Production Sheets, ensuring that meal plating is visually appealing
  • Ensure batches are properly recorded in Progress Tracker

This position requires 5% travel.

Qualifications

  • 6+ years’ experience in a commissary kitchen and high-volume food preparation
  • High School Diploma or GED or related work experience
  • American Culinary Federation chef certification preferred
  • Fluent in Microsoft Office and Google Suite applications
  • Familiarity with USDA/FDA guidelines
  • Skills in planning, organizing, prioritizing, and executing projects and activities
  • Passion for helping people achieve their goals and improve themselves
  • Knowledge of HACCP, FSMA, SQF, and USDA regulations
More About UsPerks and Benefits
  • Candidates can experience Home Chef as a customer - enter promo code PEOPLE30 for $30 off your first order!
  • Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance available
  • Paid holidays, sick time and vacation time
  • 401k program
  • Flexible spending accounts for qualified medical, dependent care, parking, or transit expenses
How We Work Together

We are humble team players.
We are warm and gracious with team members and customers. We seek feedback to improve ourselves - and respectfully listen to and accept input.

We are pragmatic next-level thinkers.
We come up with novel and unique ideas. We explore new strategies to avoid being constrained by conventional thinking.

We take ownership.
We approach ambiguous problems, prepared to dive in, get curious, and learn more. We are results-driven, always challenging ourselves to exceed goals.

Be at Home at Home Chef

We all show up authentically at Home Chef. Our team includes individuals with a variety of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. You can trust that you’ll be able to bring your whole self to an inclusive and enjoyable workplace.

We welcome people of all races, colors, religions, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual identity), age, physical or mental disabilities, pregnancy, veteran or military status, unfavorable discharge from military service, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, order of protection status, citizenship status, arrest record or expunged/sealed convictions, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.

Home Chef is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Home Chef will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact our People team at hr@homechef.com.

To view the California Applicant Notice click here

#J-18808-Ljbffr