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Menu Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

METEORA

Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$77K - $106K/yr

Support menu development, seasonal transitions, and R&D initiatives * Train, mentor, and develop culinary staff * Uphold sanitation, safety, and organizational systems * Collaborate closely with Chef ...

METEORA

Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$77K - $106K/yr

Support menu development, seasonal transitions, and R&D initiatives * Train, mentor, and develop culinary staff * Uphold sanitation, safety, and organizational systems * Collaborate closely with Chef ...

METEORA

Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$75K - $100K/yr

Support menu development, seasonal transitions, and R&D initiatives * Train, mentor, and develop culinary staff * Uphold sanitation, safety, and organizational systems * Collaborate closely with Chef ...

Norcina

Chef de Cuisine

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $110K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE -- SCOUT San Francisco, CA | Full-Time Scout is a new live-fire restaurant opening ... You'll work closely with ownership on menu development and culinary direction while taking ...

Norcina

Chef de Cuisine

San Francisco, CA

$78K - $107K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE -- SCOUT San Francisco, CA | Full-Time Scout is a new live-fire restaurant opening ... You'll work closely with ownership on menu development and culinary direction while taking ...

RMD Group

Executive Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

This role is ideal for an experienced kitchen leader who excels in menu development, team ... As Executive Chef, you'll have the opportunity to shape culinary direction, mentor future leaders ...

Ain't Normal Cafe

Chef Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

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

AttaGirl LA

Sous Chef

Hermosa Beach, CA

$70K - $75K/yr

Experience with menu development and culinary creativity will elevate an applicant above the rest ... If you're a chef who gets excited about from-scratch-cooking, farmers market produce and exploring ...

4 Mint Plaza

Head Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Head Chef Hashiri+M San Francisco | Reopening | $70,304/yr Location: 4 Mint Plaza, San Francisco ... Contribute to menu and recipe development alongside leadership * Manage ordering, inventory ...

New

BE.STEAK.A

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 ...

Invited Clubs

Sous Chef

Rancho Mirage, CA · On-site

$51K - $70K/yr

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen ... to menu development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position ...

4 Mint Plaza

Head Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

Head Chef Hashiri+M San Francisco | Reopening | $70,304/yr Location: 4 Mint Plaza, San Francisco ... Contribute to menu and recipe development alongside leadership * Manage ordering, inventory ...

New

Kassi Venice Beach

SOUS CHEF

Venice, CA · On-site

$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 ...

ClubCorp

Sous Chef

Rancho Mirage, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Job Summary As a Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the daily operations of the kitchen ... to menu development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations. This position ...

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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 Sep 5, 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 a culinary degree or equivalent experience, along with strong creativity and knowledge of food trends. Experience in culinary arts, menu planning, and ingredient sourcing is essential, and skills in food presentation and cost control are valuable. Some roles may require certifications such as ServSafe or food safety training.

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, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,156 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

Mendocino Farms

El Segundo, CA • On-site, Remote

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead menu development and innovation by researching, developing, and testing new menu items.

  • Coordinate tastings, analyze consumer feedback and market trends, and refine products based on structured feedback.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure successful menu launches and product quality.

Mendocino Farms rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Title: Director of Culinary R&D
Reports to: Chief Operations Officer
Location: Looking for candidates that live in Dallas, TX but would also consider LA based candidates
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $140,000 - $180,000 per year plus a 15% annual bonus
Summary:
At Mendocino Farms, we don't just sell sandwiches - we Sell Happy!
The Director of Culinary R&D will be responsible for leading menu innovation and product development at Mendo, ensuring that every new item reflects our brand values and delights our guests. This role requires a strong balance of creativity, project management, and cross-functional collaboration. Working closely with the COO and CMO, this individual will oversee tastings, consumer insights, and menu launches to drive culinary relevance and differentiation across our locations.
Responsibilities:
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 are operationally executable at scale.
  • Balance innovation with practicality, considering cost, supply chain, and execution feasibility.

Consumer Insights & Market Research
  • Analyze guest feedback, sales data, and market trends to inform culinary innovation.
  • Work with Marketing to conduct guest panels, surveys, and competitive analysis.
  • Identify emerging food trends and adapt them into Mendo's menu while maintaining our unique culinary identity.

Product Testing & Optimization
  • Plan and coordinate internal and external tastings, ensuring structured feedback loops.
  • Partner with Operations to test and refine new products in select stores before system-wide rollout.
  • Ensure all new items meet Mendo's high standards for quality, taste, and consistency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure smooth menu launches.
  • Partner with Supply Chain to source high-quality, cost-effective ingredients that align with new menu innovations.
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain on vendor selection and procurement strategies to support new product development.
  • Provide clear documentation and communication on new menu items to ensure proper execution.
  • Support Training teams in educating restaurant teams on the story and execution of new dishes.

Strategic Planning & Budget Management
  • Develop a long-term menu innovation roadmap aligned with business goals.
  • Manage the R&D budget, balancing cost-effectiveness with innovation.
  • Optimize supplier relationships to support new product development.

Requirements:
  • Deep understanding of food trends, ingredient sourcing, and consumer preferences.
  • 5+ years of experience in culinary R&D, menu development, or product innovation.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
  • Experience working cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain.
  • Data-driven approach to innovation, using insights to guide decision-making.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.
  • Passion for culinary innovation and bringing food to life in a way that excites both guests and operators.
  • Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Benefits:
At Mendocino Farms, we believe Selling Happy starts from within. That's why we offer:
  • Competitive Salary
  • Annual Bonus
  • Meal Privileges-because food should make people feel good!
  • Comprehensive Health Benefits & 401k Plan with Company Match
  • Paid Vacation to recharge and fuel your best self

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Sitting / standing 8-14 hours.
  • Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling
  • Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching

There is no "I" in Mendo Mendocino Farms is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Mendocino Farms will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. * Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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