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Menu Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Radiate Hospitality, LLC

Executive Chef

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$115K - $128K/yr

Responsibilities include all food production and menu development including that used for the ... Sous Chef, line cook, pantry cook, banquet cook, steward. * Supervise the preparation and ...

Radiate Hospitality, LLC

Executive Chef

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$115K - $128K/yr

Responsibilities include all food production and menu development including that used for the ... Sous Chef, line cook, pantry cook, banquet cook, steward.Supervise the preparation and presentation ...

Beer Baron Whiskey Bar & Kitchen

Head Chef

Livermore, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Maintain cleanliness and food safety standards * Assist with menu development and inventory management Requirements: * Previous experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager preferred * Strong ...

little Trouble

Chef

Laguna Beach, CA

We are seeking a Chef / Kitchen Manager to take full ownership of our kitchen operations. The ideal ... Contribute creative input to the menu, including development of new dishes and refinement of ...

little Trouble

Chef

Laguna Beach, CA

We are seeking a Chef / Kitchen Manager to take full ownership of our kitchen operations. The ideal ... Contribute creative input to the menu, including development of new dishes and refinement of ...

little Trouble

Chef

Laguna Beach, CA

$80K - $90K/yr

We are seeking a Chef / Kitchen Manager to take full ownership of our kitchen operations. The ideal ... Contribute creative input to the menu, including development of new dishes and refinement of ...

Yamashiro Hollywood

CDC - Chef de Cuisine

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

As a Chef de Cuisine, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our kitchen operations ... Oversee menu planning and development, taking into account customer preferences, seasonal ...

Yamashiro Hollywood

CDC - Chef de Cuisine

Los Angeles, CA

$70K - $96K/yr

As a Chef de Cuisine, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our kitchen operations ... Oversee menu planning and development, taking into account customer preferences, seasonal ...

Altius Search Group

Sushi Chef

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... detail-oriented Sushi Chef to lead their Sushi station. This role will be responsible for ... the development of a unique sushi menu that complements AnQi's brand and culinary direction

Mountain View Country Club

Executive Chef

La Quinta, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

... including menu development, food preparation, and presentation - Oversee hiring, training ... Chefs, Cooks, Dishwasher. - Oversee member events, ensuring seamless execution and exceptional ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Serve as the lead onsite chef for all Client's food service programs, excluding snack and beverage ... Menu Development & Innovation During periods of lower production volume, focus on: * Creating ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Serve as the lead onsite chef for all Client's food service programs, excluding snack and beverage ... Menu Development & Innovation During periods of lower production volume, focus on: * Creating ...

Wolfgang Puck Catering

Sous Chef

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Serve as the lead onsite chef for all Client's food service programs, excluding snack and beverage ... Menu Development & Innovation During periods of lower production volume, focus on: * Creating ...

Fete Fraiche Inc

Sous Chef

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$26/hr

Sous Chef - Join Our Culinary Team at Fete Fraiche The Opportunity We're seeking a talented Sous ... What You'll Create Menu Development & Culinary Excellence * Collaborate on weekly menu planning ...

Fete Fraiche Inc

Sous Chef

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$26/hr

Sous Chef - Join Our Culinary Team at Fete Fraiche The Opportunity We're seeking a talented Sous ... What You'll Create Menu Development & Culinary Excellence * Collaborate on weekly menu planning ...

Fete Fraiche Inc

Sous Chef

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$26/hr

Sous Chef - Join Our Culinary Team at Fete Fraiche The Opportunity We're seeking a talented Sous ... What You'll Create Menu Development & Culinary Excellence * Collaborate on weekly menu planning ...

SAAM

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$70K - $75K/yr

Collaborate with the culinary team on menu development and improvement Qualifications * Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef, or in a similar kitchen leadership role * Extensive ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMenu Development Chef JobsMenu Development Chef Jobs in California

Menu Development Chef information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$63.2K

$93.8K

How much do menu development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development chef in California is $63,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $74,000.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Menu Development Chef jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Menu Development Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Menu Development Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Menu Development Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Menu Development Chef job openings:

Menu Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Menu Development Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,156 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Executive Chef

Radiate Hospitality, LLC

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$115K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

What we Look For...
We are seeking a dynamic and creative Executive Chef to lead the transformation of the department to a best in class culinary operation. Responsibilities include all food production and menu development including that used for the restaurant, banquet functions and other outlets, while monitoring food purchase specifications and recipes, and providing the optimal service possible while operating within predetermined budgetary limitations.
The Key Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrate positive leadership characteristics that inspire team members to meet and exceed standards.
  • Recruit, hire, train, supervise, develop, schedule, coach and counsel culinary team members, to include but not limited to: Sous Chef, line cook, pantry cook, banquet cook, steward.
  • Supervise the preparation and presentation of foods by all culinary personnel, overseeing that all the food items prepared and served are according to standards.
  • Plan, create, cost and prepare regular menu, banquet menu, and daily special menu items.
  • Perform accurate and timely monthly inventories. Investigate and resolve all variances while maintaining low inventory levels.
  • Maintain the kitchen food and labor costs at or below budget percentages and controllable costs below budget. Set action plan to address overages.
  • Responsible for ordering/interacting with vendors to order of all kitchen food and equipment.
  • Provide a safe working environment by ensuring compliance with safety programs, Health Department requirements and job safety analysis.
  • Maintain and enforce sanitation laws and safety standards with anyone entering the kitchen.
  • Inspect food outlets for proper storage, sanitation, security, neatness and rotation of inventory. Ensure utmost care with safe food handling practices.
  • Stay updated with culinary trends and innovations, and introduce new dishes or cooking techniques to enhance the dining experience.
  • Encourage experimentation and creativity within the kitchen team to keep the menu fresh and exciting.
  • Collaborate with the hotel's event planning team to create customized menus for banquets, weddings, conferences, and other special events.
  • Up to 500+ person events. Ensure smooth execution of large-scale food preparation and service during events.
  • Establish relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure the availability of high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
  • Negotiate contracts, place orders, and manage deliveries to maintain a consistent supply chain.

The Model Qualifications:
  • A degree in Culinary Arts and/or a minimum of three years' experience as an Executive Chef. Preferably overseeing large, fast-paced, multi-outlet kitchens. Advanced Sous Chef experience in a high-volume environment will be considered.
  • Exceptional and diverse culinary skills: Menu Development, Banquet Planning, ability to provide expert-level knowledge in Recipe Development and create support material, i.e., recipe cards, descriptions, pictures.
  • Team member who can ensure productivity and performance of staff and foster positive interaction with patrons.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a kitchen that services multiple outlets.
  • Creative, current on food and industry trends.
  • Ability to assist in the creation of PR/Marketing campaigns and budgets.
  • Bi-lingual English and Spanish preferred.

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