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Menu Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vespertine

Chef Assistant

Culver City, CA

Vespertine is seeking a dedicated chef assistant to the Research and Development chef. This ... The employee will also play an integral role in seeing each new menu item through in the service of ...

Vespertine

Chef Assistant

Culver City, CA

Vespertine is seeking a dedicated chef assistant to the Research and Development chef. This ... The employee will also play an integral role in seeing each new menu item through in the service of ...

Vespertine

Chef Assistant

Culver City, CA · On-site

$18.47/hr

Vespertine is seeking a dedicated chef assistant to the Research and Development chef. This ... The employee will also play an integral role in seeing each new menu item through in the service of ...

Del Taco, LLC

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA

$89K - $110K/yr

JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director ... Identify and present opportunities to optimize Core Menu products, procedures or workflow. * Liaise ...

Del Taco

R&D Chef

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

$89K - $110K/yr

JOB TITLE: R&D Chef FLSA STATUS: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Research and Development REPORTS TO: Director ... Identify and present opportunities to optimize Core Menu products, procedures or workflow. * Liaise ...

Zippy's

Research and Development Chef

Waipahu, HI · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Research and Development Chef REPORTS TO: Food Solutions General Manager STATUS: Exempt DATE: July ... and menu items based on business needs, customer requests, seasonal opportunities, and market ...

New

Kagome Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

The Business Development Chef provides culinary leadership, engages Kagome's strategic customers in ... menu items for commercial production Skills & Abilities: Uphold Kagome's Values: Employee works ...

KAGOME, Inc.

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

The Business Development Chef provides culinary leadership, engages Kagome's strategic customers in ... menu items for commercial production Skills & Abilities: Uphold Kagome's Values: Employee works ...

Troon

Chef de Cuisine

Schofield, WI

$66K - $90K/yr

... growth and development. Chef de Cuisine Responsibilities: * Ensuring that all food meets the highest quality standards and is served on time. * Planning the menu and designing the plating ...

Troon Golf

Chef de Cuisine

Schofield, WI · On-site

$66K - $90K/yr

... growth and development. Chef de Cuisine Responsibilities: * Ensuring that all food meets the highest quality standards and is served on time. * Planning the menu and designing the plating ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Naples, FL · On-site

$120K/yr

Title: Executive Chef Salary: $120k Benefits: Yes Relocation: Yes New Mediterranean Steakhouse ... Menu development * Strong Administrative skills

Kyu NY

Sous Chef

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

This position is responsible for assisting in menu development, overseeing food preparation, and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. The Sous Chef will lead kitchen staff ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Pittsburgh, PA

$85K - $95K/yr

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 ...

Prato 850

Chef

Commack, NY · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

The Head Chef will coordinate the purchase of all food and menu development while maintaining food and labor costs. Requirements are, but are not limited to: * Available to work lunch and dinner ...

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How much do menu development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a menu development chef do?

A Menu Development Chef is responsible for creating and refining restaurant or food service menus. They research food trends, develop new recipes, and ensure dishes meet quality, cost, and customer preference standards. Their role involves collaborating with kitchen staff, sourcing ingredients, and balancing creativity with operational feasibility. They may also consider dietary restrictions, sustainability, and market demands to craft appealing menus.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a menu development chef?

A Menu Development Chef typically spends their days designing and testing new recipes, evaluating food costs, and sourcing high-quality ingredients. They often collaborate closely with kitchen staff, suppliers, and management to ensure new menu items align with the restaurant's brand and cost targets. The role also involves staying up-to-date with culinary trends and conducting staff training on new dishes. This balance of creative experimentation and operational planning makes for a dynamic and rewarding workday.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the menu development chef position, and why are they important?

A Menu Development Chef needs a strong background in culinary arts, menu planning, and food safety, typically supported by formal culinary education or significant industry experience. Proficiency with recipe costing software, inventory management systems, and HACCP certification are often required. Creativity, adaptability, and excellent collaboration skills help chefs stand out in this role. These qualifications ensure the chef can design innovative yet practical menus that meet customer preferences, operational needs, and budget goals.

How to become a menu development chef?

To become a menu development chef, typically one needs culinary training or a degree in culinary arts, along with experience in food preparation and kitchen management. Developing menus requires creativity, knowledge of food trends, and skills in recipe development, often supported by familiarity with kitchen tools and food safety standards.
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Menu Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Menu Development Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Research and Development Chef - Award Winning Restaurant

NextGen Hospitality Solutions

San Francisco, CA

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description

NextGen Hospitality Solutions is excited to announce an opening for a Research and Development Chef at our award-winning restaurant located in vibrant San Francisco. This full-time, on-site position offers an exceptional opportunity to lead culinary innovation and create extraordinary dining experiences that define our brand.

As a Research and Development Chef, you will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing and developing unique menu offerings that highlight our commitment to quality and creativity in the culinary arts. Collaborating closely with our talented kitchen team, you will be responsible for experimenting with new techniques, flavors, and presentation styles that cater to diverse palates, ensuring our restaurant remains a leader in the industry.

We offer a competitive salary range of $90,000 - $100,000 annually, along with a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities
  • Develop innovative recipes and menu items that enhance brand identity
  • Research and experiment with emerging culinary trends and techniques
  • Collaborate with the kitchen team to optimize food preparation processes
  • Conduct tastings and solicit feedback to refine menu offerings
  • Oversee kitchen staff training on new dishes and cooking methods
  • Ensure consistency in food quality and presentation
  • Manage food costing and inventory for new menu items
  • Establish relationships with local suppliers for fresh ingredients
Requirements
  • Proven experience in a senior culinary role, preferably as a chef
  • Strong background in menu development and kitchen leadership
  • Excellent understanding of flavor profiles and culinary techniques
  • Ability to think creatively and work collaboratively
  • Exceptional communication and organizational skills
  • Passion for food and commitment to high culinary standards
  • Experience with food costing and inventory management
  • Relevant culinary qualifications or degrees are preferred