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Food Recipe Development Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Manakin, VA

$46K - $63K/yr

Oversees food preparation, kitchen sanitation, kitchen labor costs, recipe development and menu design. Monitors and evaluates requisitions and purchases of food supplies. Responsible for profitable ...

Cook - Bistro - Full Time

Winchester, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

Develops ideas that improve the quality of food and service to customers. Assists with recipe development and testing. Attends department meetings. Demonstrates a willingness to cross training on ...

Develops ideas that improve the quality of food and service to customers. Assists with recipe development and testing. Attends department meetings. Demonstrates a willingness to cross training on ...

Executive Chef

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

... food safety standards. -Experience in menu planning, recipe development, and cost control. -Outstanding organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and work under ...

This position is located in a child Development Center (CDC) but may assist with food preparation ... Knowledge of techniques for measuring ingredients and basic understanding of recipe construction.

This position is located in a child Development Center (CDC) but may assist with food preparation ... Knowledge of techniques for measuring ingredients and basic understanding of recipe construction.

This position is located in a child Development Center (CDC) but may assist with food preparation ... Knowledge of techniques for measuring ingredients and basic understanding of recipe construction.

... recipe development to the technology that powers our experience, allowing us to deliver quality, variety, and consistency at scale. Join us as we work to make great food more accessible. Wonder uses ...

... recipe development to the technology that powers our experience, allowing us to deliver quality, variety, and consistency at scale. Join us as we work to make great food more accessible. Wonder uses ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Recipe Development information

See Virginia salary details

$49.6K

$106.8K

$172K

How much do food recipe development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for food recipe development in Virginia is $106,773.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,200.00 and $120,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Food Recipe Development job?

A Food Recipe Development job involves creating, testing, and refining recipes for restaurants, food brands, or publications. Professionals in this field experiment with ingredients, cooking techniques, and presentation to develop unique and high-quality dishes. They may also focus on nutritional balance, cost efficiency, and scalability for commercial production. This role requires a deep understanding of culinary techniques, food science, and current market trends.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Food Recipe Development position, and why are they important?

To succeed in Food Recipe Development, you need a strong background in culinary techniques, nutrition, and food science, often supported by formal culinary education or related certifications. Experience with recipe management software, nutritional analysis tools, and food safety regulations is highly beneficial. Creativity, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills set top candidates apart, especially when collaborating with chefs, marketing teams, and product developers. These abilities are critical to creating innovative, high-quality recipes that meet consumer tastes, nutritional requirements, and market trends.

What are some typical daily responsibilities in a Food Recipe Development role?

In a Food Recipe Development position, you can expect to spend your days brainstorming and testing new recipes, refining ingredient lists, and ensuring recipes are reproducible and meet desired nutritional standards. You'll often collaborate closely with chefs, nutritionists, marketing teams, and food production staff to adjust flavors, textures, and ingredient sourcing. Documentation and recipe standardization for mass production or publication is a common part of the workflow. Additionally, you may participate in sensory evaluations, attend brainstorming sessions, and stay up to date on industry trends and consumer preferences. This dynamic role offers the opportunity to combine creativity with technical expertise in a collaborative environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Recipe Development jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Food Recipe Development jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Recipe Development jobs in Virginia? For Food Recipe Development jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Recipe Development jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Food Recipe Development jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Food Recipe Development job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,773 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Southwest Foodservice Excellence rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 66 rated caterers


Job description


Fuel Compliance and Creativity – Join Us as a Registered Dietitian in K-12 Food Service!

Looking to combine your nutrition expertise with hands-on impact in schools? As a Registered Dietitian, you’ll guide menu planning, recipe development, and compliance across multiple districts. You’ll support site teams, prep for state reviews, and ensure students get nutritious, compliant meals every day. If you're ready to blend strategy with service, this role offers the chance to lead, travel, and make a meaningful difference.


Position Summary

The Registered Dietitian supports compliance and menu development across K-12 food programs. This role partners with the culinary and purchasing teams to create nutritious, cost-effective menus that meet federal, state, and local guidelines. The RD also provides on-site training, prepares review documentation, and supports school teams during administrative reviews.


Key Responsibilities
  • Develop compliant menus in collaboration with chefs and operations leaders
  • Write and revise recipes to align with nutritional and regulatory standards
  • Research food products to ensure compliance with program requirements
  • Input menus and nutrient/allergen data into menu planning software
  • Analyze menus for meal pattern compliance and student appeal
  • Prepare documentation for state and federal administrative reviews
  • Travel to school sites to support preparation and success during reviews
  • Train café staff on special dietary accommodations, HACCP, and documentation practices
  • Coach and evaluate teams on production records and paperwork accuracy
  • Assist in procurement decisions and support menu rollouts
  • Implement tools and programs that enhance compliance and operational efficiency
  • Attend state and national trainings on regulatory updates
  • Provide nutrition education and training to site-level staff
  • Complete other tasks and administrative duties as needed

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or related field
  • Registered Dietitian (RD) credential with active license in good standing
  • Experience in menu planning, recipe development, and school nutrition compliance
  • Familiarity with HACCP and child nutrition regulations
  • Strong communication, coaching, and organizational skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively and travel to sites regularly (up to 50%)
  • Must pass background check and fingerprint screening
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and able to learn industry-specific software
  • Comfortable presenting to diverse groups and leading site-level trainings

Physical & Work Environment Requirements
  • Must be able to stand for up to 8 hours and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
  • Regularly required to walk, sit, reach, and handle kitchen equipment
  • Work includes exposure to kitchen heat, cold storage, and strong food smells
  • Moderate noise levels and extended computer work expected
  • Travel required approximately 50% of the year (nationwide)
  • May work some extended weeks based on district needs and review schedules

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Gender/Minority/Veterans/Disabled and participates with E-Verify Employment Eligibility Program




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