Freelance Research Development Chef Jobs in Texas

Reporting to the Manager III of Culinary Development, this Culinary Development Chef delivers hands-on product development and data-driven support for prepared foods programs. You will partner closely with the Culinary Development team to execute category strategies, drive enterprise-level innovation, and ensure the highest quality food reaches our customers-with a relentless focus on recipe testing, precision writing, and flawless program launch support.
The ideal candidate is highly articulate, intellectually curious, and thrives in a fast-paced environment. You bring strong active listening, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to present and discuss complex culinary and operational information with cross-functional stakeholders.
Key job responsibilities
Recipe Development & Testing
- Execute rigorous recipe testing with a focus on yield accuracy, methodology precision, and scalability across store formats.
- Perform end-to-end activities associated with program development: trend research, recipe ideation, testing, creation, and submission with all required documentation.
- Develop clear, replicable supporting documents and tools that ensure successful program launches across all stores.
- Capture step-by-step recipe photography to support training materials and operational guides.
Operational Excellence
- Follow and enforce established procedures including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
- Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized working environment; uphold equipment standards in accordance with Amazon and Whole Foods Market cleanliness and safety protocols.
- Assist with periodic inventory checks and report safety violations or hazards immediately.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Provide kitchen leadership by modeling expected behaviors, maintaining high energy, and fostering a strong work ethic across the team.
- Support the team leader and all team members with kitchen functions, contributing to a collaborative and efficient work environment.
- Help maintain facility security and perform additional duties as assigned.
A day in the life
Drive culinary innovation from concept to customer. As a Culinary Development Chef, you will support the end-to-end development of recipes, culinary content, and scalable processes that elevate prepared foods programs across Amazon and Whole Foods Market. From ideation and recipe testing through venue design, employee training, packaging, costing, and launch execution-you bring bold ideas to life while promoting a culture of hospitality that enhances every customer and team member experience through food.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of progressive experience in a culinary or baking field.
- Demonstrated proficiency in recipe development, recipe management, kitchen organization, and nutrition fundamentals.
- Strong culinary skills with the ability to taste and evaluate products for quality, consistency, and customer appeal.
- Computer proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and Chef Tec (or equivalent recipe management software).
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to follow complex recipes, culinary measurements, and methods with precision.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present information clearly and respectfully to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to quickly process feedback, iterate, and deliver results under tight timelines.
- Self-motivated, solution-oriented mindset with a genuine desire to learn, grow, and push culinary boundaries.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with food photography or willingness to learn photography basics and operate professional camera equipment.
- Knowledge of emerging food trends, dietary preferences, and competitive landscape in grocery/prepared foods.
- Ability to knowledgeably communicate recipe details, food characteristics, health benefits, and differentiators that set Amazon and Whole Foods Market apart.
- Familiarity with Amazon's Leadership Principles and ability to apply them in daily work.
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, TX, AUSTIN - 63,800.00 - 111,500.00 USD annually