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Menu Development Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD ยท On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

This role oversees all aspects of the kitchen and dining program, including menu development, food procurement, meal preparation, and service. The Executive Chef is responsible for managing food ...

Rockville Sous Chef

Derwood, MD ยท On-site

$50 - $70/hr

Contribute to menu development, specials, and recipe refinement * Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented kitchen culture * Help manage labor and support scheduling to meet business needs

Sous Chef

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Contribute to menu development and recipe creation. * Step in for the Executive Chef as needed during their absence. Qualifications * Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a fast-paced ...

Sous Chef

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Your responsibilities will include managing day-to-day food production, maintaining high standards, and contributing to menu development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations.

Sous Chef

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Your responsibilities will include managing day-to-day food production, maintaining high standards, and contributing to menu development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations.

Sous Chef

Ashburn, VA

$51K - $69K/yr

Your responsibilities will include managing day-to-day food production, maintaining high standards, and contributing to menu development, while also adhering to all health and safety regulations.

Sous Chef

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Contribute to menu development and recipe creation. * Step in for the Executive Chef as needed during their absence. Qualifications * Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a fast-paced ...

Chef Manager

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Supports menu development and execution of in-house catering for regular org-wide and program specific events. * Performs other duties as required in support of MT's programs. Team Member Management ...

Sous Chef

Bowie, MD ยท On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

... menu development. * Maintain proper production, safety and sanitation standards. * Direct and participate in the daily preparation of standard and gourmet food items. * Evaluate the quality of raw ...

Sous Chef - Full time

Sterling, VA ยท On-site

$60K - $64K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a passionate and creative Sous Chef to support culinary operations, recipe development, menu creation, food presentation, product demonstrations, and client engagement.

Sous Chef

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Contribute to menu development and recipe creation. * Step in for the Executive Chef as needed during their absence. Qualifications * Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a fast-paced ...

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Additional duties may include menu development, inventory, ordering, sanitation, and hourly associate management to include hiring, counseling, coaching and development. Key Responsibilities:

Showing results 21-40

Menu Development information

See Washington, DC salary details

$56.6K

$122K

$196.5K

How much do menu development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu development in Washington, DC is $121,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,700.00 and $137,600.00 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 Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Menu Development jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Menu Development jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Menu Development job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $121,977 per year, or $58.6 per hour.

Executive Chef

Cogir Management, USA Inc

Potomac, MD โ€ข On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the day-to-day operations and staffing of the community kitchen and dining venues.

  • Manage and supervise all culinary services staff, including scheduling, performance review, hiring, and corrective actions.

  • Plan menus, prepare meals, and assist with back and front-of-the-house operations as needed.


Job description

Description:

THE COMPANY

Cogir Senior Living, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, proudly oversees a network of senior living communities spanning 11 states nationwide. As a trusted leader in senior housing, we are dedicated to growth while maintaining our commitment to exceptional care for our residents and a supportive, growth-focused environment for our team members.

At Cogir, our culture is rooted in the core values of human focus, creativity, and excellence, which inspire us to continuously improve and achieve excellence in all we do. Join us in our mission to enrich the lives of our residents while building a meaningful and fulfilling career!


WHAT WE OFFER

  • Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
  • 401K with company match.
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Leave.
  • Employee Assistance Program,
  • Generous Employee Referral Program and more.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Chef leads the community’s dining operations, delivering an exceptional culinary experience that enhances the lives of our residents. This role oversees all aspects of the kitchen and dining program, including menu development, food procurement, meal preparation, and service. The Executive Chef is responsible for managing food, supply, and labor budgets; hiring, training, and guiding a high-performing dining team; maintaining inventory controls; and ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements.

If you’re inspired by creating memorable meals, motivated by excellence, and passionate about serving others, we invite you to join our team and make a meaningful impact every day.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsible for the day-to-day operations and staffing of the community kitchen and dining venues.
  • Manages and supervises all culinary services staff (BOH and FOH), including scheduling, assignment, direction, performance review, hiring, and corrective action consistent with company policy.
  • Menu planning and executing meal preparation and events, assisting staff with back and front-of-the-house operations as needed.
  • Maintain inventory control of food, beverages, supplies, and equipment.
  • Ensure that all food is prepared, stored, and served according to company standards and with state and/or local health code requirements.
  • Understand and maintain monthly and annual budgets for the culinary services department, including producing written documentation of monthly food, supplies, and labor spending.
  • Collaborate with staff and residents to plan and develop recipes and menus tailored to residents' preferences and monthly budgets.
  • Ensure resident and family member satisfaction is maintained.
  • Responsible for planning, preparing, and executing special events and themed meals.
Requirements:

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

Education and certifications:

  • A Culinary degree is preferred, or a combination of education and experience is required. 

Experience, Competencies, and Skills:

  • At least 5 years of hands-on experience in food preparation.
  • At least 3 years of progressive management experience as an Executive Chef with an understanding of front-of-the-house operations and service.
  • Serve Safe Manager (Food Handler Certification) with an understanding of kitchen sanitation and food codes.
  • Experience with restaurant openings is a plus.
  • Experience with special events and banquets is a plus.
  • Successful history of building teams and meeting financial goals.
  • Creativity and experience in menu development.
  • Previous experience working in Independent Living (IL), Assisted Living (AL), Memory Care (MC), Senior Living, or hotel experience is a plus!
  • Outstanding communication skills and the ability to motivate.
  • Compassion for our residents and a strong passion for excellence.