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Menu Development Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Chef

Costa Mesa, CA

$25 - $27/hr

Demonstrated experience in catering services and custom menu development * Proficiency in preparing a wide range of cuisines and accommodating special dietary needs, including but not limited to:

Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Demonstrated experience in catering services and custom menu development * Proficiency in preparing a wide range of cuisines and accommodating special dietary needs, including but not limited to:

Senior Sous Chef

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

The Senior Sous Chef oversees the on-site culinary staff for events, supports menu development, and ensures the successful execution of large-scale banquet and catering functions. This position ...

Senior Sous Chef

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

The Senior Sous Chef oversees the on-site culinary staff for events, supports menu development, and ensures the successful execution of large-scale banquet and catering functions. This position ...

Sous Chef

Irvine, CA

$53K - $72K/yr

Experience with menu development and food costing. * A passion for wine and food pairings. What We Offer * Competitive pay based on experience. * Paid vacation. * Consistent full-time schedule.

Experience with menu development and food costing. * A passion for wine and food pairings. What We Offer * Competitive pay based on experience. * Paid vacation. * Consistent full-time schedule.

Purchasing Coordinator

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

Ensure all food safety standards are followed, including following all the requirements of all programs (dietary requirements, allergies, goals to grow the account, menu development, etc.) 17. Ensure ...

The Executive Chef is the culinary leader of the hotel, responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, menu development, food quality, kitchen staff supervision, and budget control. This role ...

Executive Chef

Ontario, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef is the culinary leader of the hotel, responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, menu development, food quality, kitchen staff supervision, and budget control. This role ...

Showing results 41-60

Menu Development information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$53.7K

$115.6K

$186.2K

How much do menu development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development in Irvine, CA is $115,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $130,400.00 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 popular job titles related to Menu Development jobs in Irvine, CA? For Menu Development jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Menu Development jobs in Irvine, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Menu Development jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Menu Development jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Menu Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Menu Development job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,601 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description

Position: Chef

Type: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Compensation: $25-$27 per hour

Shift: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm (with potential for overtime as needed)

Key Responsibilities and Duties

  • Plan and submit weekly lunch and dinner menus (covering all 7 days) for approval by the Culinary Director, ensuring variety, nutrition, and program alignment.
  • Maintain strict adherence to a per-client food budget while placing orders and managing food costs.
  • Develop and follow detailed prep instructions and portioning guidelines to support multiple dietary programs.
  • Oversee and execute weekend meal preparations, including clear re-heating instructions to ensure meal quality and consistency.
  • Submit accurate and timely expense reports through the Brex platform for all food and kitchen-related purchases.
  • Complete and maintain daily temperature logs for all refrigeration and freezer units, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
  • Coordinate and deliver meals for satellite programs as needed, ensuring timely service and adherence to quality standards.
  • Prepare, cook, and serve lunch and dinner for up to 90 clients in a residential behavioral healthcare environment.
  • Order all necessary food and kitchen supplies from approved vendors in alignment with the approved menu and budget constraints.
  • Set up and serve meals during lunch and dinner service, ensuring proper food handling, temperature control, and client satisfaction.
  • Manage food and supply inventory with a focus on rotation, labeling, proper storage, and minimizing waste.
  • Ensure the kitchen remains clean, organized, and in compliance with all local health and safety regulations.
  • Safely deliver meals using a company vehicle when required, maintaining food integrity during transport.

Requirements

Qualifications

  • Valid Food Handler's Certification
  • Current CPR and First Aid Certification
  • Recent TB Test Screening
  • Successful completion of Live Scan Fingerprinting or Background check
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs
  • Valid CA Driver's License
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional kitchen setting (prep chef, line cook, catering, or personal/private chef)

Desired Skills and Experience

  • Demonstrated experience in catering services and custom menu development
  • Proficiency in preparing a wide range of cuisines and accommodating special dietary needs, including but not limited to:
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
    • Pescatarian
    • Gluten-free
    • Low sodium
    • Diabetic-friendly meals
  • Familiarity with kitchen operations in residential healthcare or similar environments
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining clear and effective communication
  • High level of reliability, with a strong commitment to weekend availability (mandatory)
  • Physical stamina to stand for extended periods and manage a fast-paced kitchen environment

Company Description:

Akua Behavioral Health is California's leading mental health and substance abuse treatment center. We provide our clients with individualized, compassionate treatment from Master's and Doctorate level clinicians across various levels of care at fully licensed and accredited facilities throughout Northern and Southern California. To give our clients the best chance at lasting recovery, we pioneered an integrative East-meets-West approach that combines Western evidence-based treatment with holistic Eastern traditions to treat the mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to create an environment of healing and transformation for each client seeking change.