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Menu Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

... menu development and improvement Qualifications • Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef, or in a similar kitchen leadership role • Extensive knowledge of and hands-on experience ...

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Menu Development & Innovation * Research, develop, and test new menu items that align with Mendo's food philosophy and brand strategy. * Collaborate with our R&D Chef to refine recipes, ensuring they ...

Our kitchen is led by Corporate Chef Piriya "Saint" Boonprasan, and we're looking for a Sous Chef ... with menu development, recipe standardization, and seasonal menu updates * Manage inventory ...

Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Collaborate with the Senior Director of Food Services on menu development, with final approval ... Minimum 5-7 years of executive or senior chef experience in high-volume restaurants. * Demonstrated ...

Executive Sous Chef

Torrance, CA

$67K - $86K/yr

Key Responsibilities Menu & Recipe Development • Design, develop, and seasonally update menus ... with location chefs on specials, promotional offerings, and limited-time menus. Operations ...

Chef Manager

Oakland, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kitchen Manager / Chef -- $70,000-$80,000/year, Salaried (Oakland Rockridge / Claremont) Ain't ... Collaborative -- able to work directly with ownership on menu development and seasonal offerings

Chef Manager

Oakland, CA

$33.65 - $38.46/hr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kitchen Manager / Chef -- $70,000-$80,000/year, Salaried (Oakland Rockridge / Claremont) Ain't ... Collaborative -- able to work directly with ownership on menu development and seasonal offerings

Chef Manager

Oakland, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kitchen Manager / Chef -- $70,000-$80,000/year, Salaried (Oakland Rockridge / Claremont) Ain't ... Collaborative -- able to work directly with ownership on menu development and seasonal offerings

Chef de Cuisine

Campbell, CA

$77K - $105K/yr

We run with Executive Chef, Andrew Thai + CDC + Sous Chefs + Jr. Sous's. We have high end refined ... As a CDC, you would be working with the team to oversee service, menu development, managing costs ...

SOUS CHEF

Venice, CA · On-site

$56K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef - Kassi, Hotel Erwin Venice Beach Location: Venice Beach, CA Salary: $75,000 + Bonus ... Collaborate on menu development and contribute new, creative dishes * Ensure compliance with health ...

Chef de Cuisine

Campbell, CA

$77K - $105K/yr

We run with Executive Chef, Andrew Thai + CDC + Sous Chefs + Jr. Sous's. We have high end refined ... As a CDC, you would be working with the team to oversee service, menu development, managing costs ...

Description Sous Chef - Kassi, Hotel Erwin Venice Beach Location: Venice Beach, CA Salary: $75,000 ... Collaborate on menu development and contribute new, creative dishes * Ensure compliance with health ...

EXECUTIVE CHEF - RUSTIC ROOT (GASLAMP) Salary | Full-Time | $90,000-$120,000 We're seeking a ... This role is ideal for an experienced kitchen leader who excels in menu development, team ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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 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.

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 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:

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.

$58K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

SAAM San Francisco Is Hiring: Sous Chef

SAAM is seeking an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to join our culinary team in San Francisco.

We are specifically looking for someone with strong professional experience in Thai cuisine and a deep understanding of authentic Thai flavors, ingredients, cooking techniques, and culinary traditions.

Key Responsibilities
• Support the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations
• Lead, train, and supervise the kitchen team
• Maintain consistency in flavor, presentation, and food quality
• Ensure proper preparation, portioning, and execution of every dish
• Assist with inventory, ordering, food cost control, and waste management
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organization, and food safety
• 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 knowledge of and hands-on experience with Thai cuisine is required
• Strong understanding of Thai ingredients, flavor balance, and traditional cooking techniques
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Reliable, responsible, detail-oriented, and passionate about hospitality
• Availability to work full-time, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Location: 415 Brannan St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Position: Full-time

Please send your résumé and a brief introduction highlighting your experience with Thai cuisine to:

info@saamsf.com