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Menu Development Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · 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:

Executive Chef - Major Events

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$74K - $102K/yr

Responsible for menu development, recipe development, sourcing of products, purchasing, food production and finishing of food on site. * Assures that foods prepared in an organized, efficient and ...

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · 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:

Pastry Sous Chef

Washington, DC · 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:

Proficient in menu development, cost controls, purchasing and inventory with a focus on sourcing and utilizing local food products * Possesses a passion for sustainability Preferred Qualifications:

Responsible for menu development, recipe development, sourcing of products, purchasing, food production and finishing of food on site. * Assures that foods prepared in an organized, efficient and ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

As the Executive Chef, you will oversee menu development, food preparation, and ensure the highest standards of quality and safety are maintained. Key Responsibilities * Develop and execute creative ...

New

Menu Development: Collaborate with the executive chef or management team to design seasonal and innovative dessert menus. * Quality Control: Monitor the appearance, taste, and texture of all pastries ...

Menu Development: Collaborate with the executive chef or management team to design seasonal and innovative dessert menus. * Quality Control: Monitor the appearance, taste, and texture of all pastries ...

Sous Chef

Columbia, MD · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Assist with menu development, specials, seasonal offerings, and recipe development.Train, coach, and develop culinary team members on proper cooking techniques, recipes, plating, sanitation, and ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

As the Executive Chef, you will oversee menu development, food preparation, and ensure the highest standards of quality and safety are maintained. Key Responsibilities * Develop and execute creative ...

Sous Chef

Bowie, MD · On-site

$60K/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

Bowie, MD · On-site

$54 - $66/hr

... 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 ...

New

Sous Chef

Bowie, MD · On-site

$60K/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Pastry Sous Chef

Compass Group

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,098 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Position Title: Pastry Chef

Salary: $80,000 to $85,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus

Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry, partnering with a diverse portfolio of best-in-class clients. We produce one-of-a-kind catered events and unparalleled dining experiences in a variety of cultural, corporate, entertainment, and private venues throughout New York City and beyond.

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Job Summary

Located at the JW Mariott in DC

Working as a Pastry Sous Chef, you are responsible for the preparation, production and ordering for the pastry department.  You are responsible for handling, preparation and storing perishable products.  Additional duties may include menu development, inventory, ordering, sanitation, and hourly associate management to include hiring, counseling, coaching and development.  

 Key Responsibilities: 

  • Successful culinary production operation under the direction of the Executive Chef 
  • Good communication skills: ability to understand, follow and delegate written and verbal instructions
  • Assist in menu development, inventory, ordering/purchasing, food cost controls, training, sanitation, and personnel management
  • Strong attention to detail and effective time management
  • Punctual and reliable attendance
  • Knowledgeable understanding of safety, sanitation, and food handling procedures

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate
  • Minimum of three to five years of Pastry experience in luxury restaurants and hotels
  • Min of 3 years management experience, depending upon formal degree or training 
  • Knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation 
  • Batch cooking or high-volume cooking experience preferred 

Apply to Union Square Events today!

Union Square Events is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

  

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Associates at Union Square Events are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_RA.pdf

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Union Square Events maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1557461

Union Square Events 

Gina Barbish 

[[req_classification]] 


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