ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Innovation Chef Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Yum Brands

Sr Scientist - Innovation Chef

Plano, TX

$99K - $105K/yr

Your mission is to support and lead portions of the innovation process-from early concept development to testing and validation-by contributing technical expertise, coordinating cross-functional ...

Yum

Sr Scientist - Innovation Chef

Plano, TX · On-site

$99K - $105K/yr

Your mission is to support and lead portions of the innovation process-from early concept development to testing and validation-by contributing technical expertise, coordinating cross-functional ...

Yum! Brands

Sr Scientist - Innovation Chef

Plano, TX · On-site

$99K - $105K/yr

Your mission is to support and lead portions of the innovation process-from early concept development to testing and validation-by contributing technical expertise, coordinating cross-functional ...

Discovery Senior Living

Sous Chef

Keller, TX · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

With a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and lifestyle personalization, Discovery ... Employee Assistance Program Our community is looking for a Sous Chef to join our team.

Gecko Hospitality

Pastry Sous Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... innovation, precision, and excellence. Collaborating closely with the Executive Pastry Chef, the ... Pastry Sous Chef will help craft and deliver extraordinary desserts and baked goods that delight ...

New

Conservatory at Keller Town Center

Sous Chef

Keller, TX · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

With a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and lifestyle personalization, Discovery ... Employee Assistance Program Our community is looking for a Sous Chef to join our team.

Infuse Hospitality

Executive Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

$95K - $100K/hr

Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership & Innovation * Develop and implement seasonal, trend-forward, and client-relevant menus that align with company philosophy (e.g., plant-forward ...

Phoenix3 Collective

Executive Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership & Innovation * Develop and implement seasonal, trend-forward, and client-relevant menus that align with company philosophy (e.g., plant-forward ...

Conservatory at Keller Town Center

Sous Chef

Keller, TX · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

With a focus on innovation, operational excellence, and lifestyle personalization, Discovery ... Employee Assistance Program Our community is looking for a Sous Chef to join our team.

Culinaire Staffing

Executive Chef

Waco, TX · On-site

$95K/yr

Executive Chef - Fine Dining & Seafood-Centric Location: Waco, TX Compensation: $95,000 Base Salary ... Culinary Leadership & Innovation: Design and execute high-concept, seasonal seafood menus; oversee ...

New

Prime Goup

Head Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Head Chef is responsible for leading the kitchen team in preparing and cooking a diverse range ... Culinary Innovation: Stay current with trends in Asian cuisine and global culinary developments.

Prime Goup

Head Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

The Head Chef is responsible for leading the kitchen team in preparing and cooking a diverse range ... Culinary Innovation: Stay current with trends in Asian cuisine and global culinary developments.

Discovery MSO LLC

Head Chef

Weatherford, TX · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Head Chef Location: Weatherford-EDS, TX, 76085 Job Overview We are seeking an experienced and ... Creative mindset with a passion for food and innovation. * Good organizational and communication ...

LSG Sky Chefs

Sous Chef - Airline Catering

Austin, TX · On-site

$57K - $71K/yr

Sous Chef - Airline Catering Job Location: Austin-USA-78719 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary ... Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are ...

LSG Sky Chefs

Sous Chef - Airline Catering

Round Rock, TX · On-site

$57K - $71K/yr

Sous Chef - Airline Catering Job Location: Austin-USA-78719 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary ... Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsInnovation Chef JobsInnovation Chef Jobs in Texas

Innovation Chef information

See Texas salary details

$9

$22

$41

How much do innovation chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for innovation chef in Texas is $22.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $28.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Innovation Chef?

An Innovation Chef is a culinary professional who specializes in developing new recipes, food concepts, and menu items for restaurants, food companies, or hospitality groups. Their role goes beyond traditional cooking; they focus on experimenting with flavors, techniques, and presentation to stay ahead of culinary trends. Innovation Chefs often collaborate with product development teams, test kitchens, and marketing departments to create unique dining experiences and drive business growth. Their creativity and technical expertise help set brands apart in a competitive food industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Innovation Chef?

To thrive as an Innovation Chef, you need advanced culinary expertise, creativity in recipe development, and a background in food science or a culinary degree. Familiarity with modern cooking techniques, kitchen technology, and food safety certifications are typically required. Strong leadership, adaptability, and collaboration skills help drive culinary innovation and inspire teams. These abilities are crucial for developing trendsetting menus, ensuring food quality, and maintaining a competitive edge in the culinary industry.

How does an Innovation Chef typically collaborate with other departments in a restaurant or hospitality group?

An Innovation Chef frequently works alongside culinary, marketing, and operations teams to develop and implement new menu concepts. This role involves close communication with executive chefs, food and beverage managers, and sometimes suppliers to ensure new dishes are feasible, cost-effective, and align with brand standards. Regular tastings, brainstorming sessions, and pilot testing in kitchens are common, allowing for cross-departmental feedback and refinement before full-scale rollout. Effective collaboration is key to ensuring successful adoption of innovative ideas across all locations.

What is the difference between Innovation Chef vs Product Developer?

AspectInnovation ChefProduct Developer
CredentialsTypically culinary or innovation-related certifications, experience in food or product innovationUsually engineering, design, or technical degrees, product management certifications
Work EnvironmentKitchen, R&D labs, innovation workshopsDesign studios, R&D departments, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageFood, beverage, hospitality, consumer goodsTechnology, manufacturing, consumer products
Search & ComparisonOften compared in food innovation contextsMore common in tech and product design fields

The Innovation Chef focuses on developing new culinary concepts and food products, often working in kitchens or R&D labs. In contrast, a Product Developer designs and improves physical or digital products across various industries. While both roles involve innovation and creativity, their specific skills, environments, and industry applications differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Innovation Chef jobs in Texas?

For Innovation Chef jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Innovation Chef jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Innovation Chef jobs in Texas are:

Innovation Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Innovation Chef job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,724 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Sr Scientist - Innovation Chef

Yum Brands

Plano, TX

$99K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Yum! Brands rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

You will play a critical role in fueling KFC US' pipeline of finger lickin' good innovations by helping develop new menu items that deliver crave-worthy, guest-delighting experiences. Your mission is to support and lead portions of the innovation process-from early concept development to testing and validation-by contributing technical expertise, coordinating cross-functional input, and advancing new products toward commercialization. You will help ensure that every new menu item meets KFC's high standards for taste, quality, operational ease, and brand relevance.

Education:

  • You will be required to attend the Plano, TX office 3 days a week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year university, Culinary Degree or relevant work experience

Experience:

  • 5-7+ years of professional culinary experience. 
  • Experience in New Product Development/Food Innovation in the restaurant industry is required. 
  • QSR experience is preferred but not required

Skills:

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage and align cross-functional stakeholders; ability to present effectively.
  • Strong analytical skills to interpret data and form action-able recommendations.
  • Proven project management capabilities, including driving great outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

Mindset:

  • Passion for creating craveable, high-quality food experiences.
  • Curious, resourceful, and energized by innovation and experimentation.
  • Comfortable navigating ambiguity and iterating quickly to move ideas forward.
  • Collaborative team player who inspires others and contributes positively to team culture.
  • Resilient and persistent in driving development work through technical and operational challenges.

Salary Range: $99,200 to $105,030 annually + bonus eligibility. This is the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining pay, we'll consider the successful candidate's location, experience, and other job-related factors.

  • Advance menu and ingredient innovation by leading hands-on product development, structured testing, data analysis, and sensory evaluation to ensure flavors perform from kitchen to restaurant.
  • Enable strong supplier partnerships by gathering and translating technical inputs, validating compliance to specs, and coordinating ingredients to support scalable, craveable, commercially viable solutions.
  • Evaluate consumer, operational, and cost data to identify opportunities that improve product quality, consistency, executional ease, and overall value.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Ops, QA, Supply Chain, and Finance; synthesize findings into clear recommendations, trial readouts, and storytelling materials that support decision-making.
  • Track culinary, menu, and ingredient trends-both within QSR and adjacent segments-to inform forward-looking menu evolution and ingredient strategy.
  • Represent the FIT team as a culinary subject-matter expert in cross-functional forums by sharing progress, surfacing risks, resolving roadblocks, and guiding solutions.
  • Drive transformative impact for KFC US by owning end-to-end innovation workstreams-from concept ideation through initial commercialization-ensuring ideas translate into real, executable menu wins.

What Yum! Brands employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply