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Menu Development 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 restaurant, banquet functions and other outlets, while monitoring food purchase specifications 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 restaurant, banquet functions and other outlets, while monitoring food purchase specifications and ...

Mendocino Farms

DIRECTOR OF CULINARY OPERATIONS

El Segundo, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Sodexo

Venue/Stadium Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$139K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll strengthen culinary execution by supporting menu development, large-scale catering, recipe creation, food safety standards, and frontline and manager training. This role also plays a key part ...

Sodexo

Venue/Stadium Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$139K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll strengthen culinary execution by supporting menu development, large-scale catering, recipe creation, food safety standards, and frontline and manager training. This role also plays a key part ...

Sodexo Live!

Venue/Stadium Chef

San Diego, CA

$139K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You'll strengthen culinary execution by supporting menu development, large-scale catering, recipe creation, food safety standards, and frontline and manager training. This role also plays a key part ...

Hope The Mission

Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Collaborate with the Senior Director of Food Services on menu development, with final approval resting with the Senior Director. * Modernize the menu using current culinary trends while retaining ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Menu Development & Innovation During periods of lower production volume, focus on: * Creating seasonal menus and introducing new culinary offerings. * Testing, refining, and documenting recipes to ...

Wolfgang Puck Catering

Sous Chef

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Menu Development & Innovation During periods of lower production volume, focus on: * Creating seasonal menus and introducing new culinary offerings. * Testing, refining, and documenting recipes to ...

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 ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Menu Development & Innovation During periods of lower production volume, focus on: * Creating seasonal menus and introducing new culinary offerings. * Testing, refining, and documenting recipes to ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMenu Development JobsMenu Development Jobs in California

Menu Development information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$106.3K

$171.2K

How much do menu development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development in California is $106,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,800.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is menu development?

A Menu Development job involves creating, testing, and refining food and beverage menus for restaurants, cafes, or catering businesses. Professionals in this role research food trends, balance flavors, and ensure profitability while maintaining brand identity. They collaborate with chefs, suppliers, and marketing teams to design appealing and cost-effective menu items. Additionally, they may consider dietary restrictions, sustainability, and customer preferences to enhance the dining experience.

What does someone in menu development do?

In a Menu Development role, daily tasks often include researching food trends, developing and testing new recipes, analyzing menu performance data, and collaborating with chefs, nutritionists, and procurement teams. Menu developers may also be responsible for adjusting existing menus to optimize profitability and catering to customer preferences while ensuring quality and consistency. Regular meetings and tastings are part of the job, as is working closely with marketing teams to create visually appealing menu descriptions. This collaborative environment allows you to have a direct impact on both culinary creativity and the business success of the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in menu development?

Excelling in Menu Development requires a strong understanding of culinary trends, nutrition, recipe costing, and food safety, often backed by experience in culinary arts or hospitality management. Familiarity with menu engineering software, inventory systems, and culinary certifications such as ServSafe are commonly beneficial. Creativity, collaboration, and attention to detail help professionals design attractive and cost-effective menus that align with brand standards. These skills ensure menus are innovative, profitable, and meet customer and operational needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Menu Development jobs in California?

The most popular types of Menu Development jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Menu Development jobs?

Cities in California with the most Menu Development job openings:

Menu Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Menu Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,287 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Executive Chef

Radiate Hospitality, LLC

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

$115K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 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.

Be Bold. Apply Now.
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