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Menu Development Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Menu Collaboration: Partner with the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal specials, and recipe standardization. * Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict health, sanitation, and safety standards ...

Additionally, they play a key role in menu development, contributing ideas for new dishes and ensuring that all food items meet the hotel's high standards of quality and presentation. The ideal ...

Additionally, they play a key role in menu development, contributing ideas for new dishes and ensuring that all food items meet the hotel's high standards of quality and presentation. The ideal ...

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Oversee menu development, purchasing, and production, incorporating the latest trends and practices. * Ensure proper food temperatures are reached, maintained, and recorded; ensure daily records of ...

Sous Chef

Herndon, VA · On-site

$51K - $69K/yr

Conduct regular inspections of all kitchen/dishwashing areas and coolers to correct deficiencies found during inspection. * Assist in menu development. * Inspect fish, meat and poultry upon arrival ...

CATERING DIRECTOR

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$75K - $82K/yr

Hires, trains, and schedules catering staff, and will be actively involved in the development of existing catering staff in-service techniques, menu presentation, policies, and procedures * Ensures ...

Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$25/hr

Additionally, they play a key role in menu development, contributing ideas for new dishes and ensuring that all food items meet the hotel's high standards of quality and presentation. The ideal ...

Cook

College Park, MD · On-site

$22/hr

Additionally, they play a key role in menu development, contributing ideas for new dishes and ensuring that all food items meet the hotel's high standards of quality and presentation. The ideal ...

CATERING DIRECTOR

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$75K - $82K/yr

Hires, trains, and schedules catering staff, and will be actively involved in the development of existing catering staff in-service techniques, menu presentation, policies, and procedures * Ensures ...

You'll play a hands-on role in managing procurement, standardizing culinary systems, mentoring staff, and contributing to client satisfaction through collaborative menu development and service ...

Hires, trains, and schedules catering staff, and will be actively involved in the development of existing catering staff in-service techniques, menu presentation, policies, and procedures * Ensures ...

Registered Dietitian

Reston, VA · On-site

$32.50 - $43.75/hr

Partner with senior leadership on menu development, contractual commitments, and company standards. * Leads team projects related to the growth of nutrition and health. * Plays lead role in roll-out ...

You'll play a hands-on role in managing procurement, standardizing culinary systems, mentoring staff, and contributing to client satisfaction through collaborative menu development and service ...

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 Aug 12, 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.

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

About the Role
An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced and passionate Assistant Sous Chef to join a prestigious and private members' club located in Washington, DC, servicing UHNW clientele. The club offers a refined dining experience to its distinguished membership. This role is ideal for a hands-on culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-touch environment and is committed to delivering excellence in every dish.Position Overview
The Assistant Sous Chef is a hands-on culinary leader responsible for supporting the daily execution of kitchen operations while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation, consistency, and sanitation. As a key member of the culinary leadership team, this role provides daily guidance to Line Cooks and Stewards, assists with menu execution, seasonal offerings, and event preparation, and helps ensure exceptional dining experiences for members and guests.Principal (Essential) Duties
  • Prepare, cook, and present menu items in accordance with established recipes, quality standards, and presentation expectations.
  • Assist in leading daily kitchen operations across à la carte dining, private events, banquets, and special functions while coordinating production and workflow.
  • Monitor food preparation, service, and equipment functionality to ensure consistency, quality, portion control, and adherence to culinary standards while reporting maintenance needs promptly.
  • Assist with menu execution, recipe development, seasonal offerings, and special event culinary planning.
  • Maintain proper food handling, storage, labeling, and rotation practices while ensuring compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Monitor inventory levels, assist with ordering and receiving products, and support food cost management through proper product utilization, waste reduction, and inventory control.
  • Receive and inspect deliveries for quality, accuracy, and proper temperatures while reconciling invoices and ensuring proper product rotation (FIFO).
  • Participate in recipe testing, tasting panels, and menu development sessions, helping create standardized recipes and prep procedures.
  • Inspect plated dishes prior to service to ensure consistency, portioning, temperature, and presentation meet club standards.
  • Communicate daily shift priorities, menu updates, and service expectations during pre-shift meetings to promote efficient kitchen operations.
  • Conduct daily kitchen cleanliness inspections and ensure compliance with sanitation, health, and operational standards.
  • Provide hands-on leadership throughout service by supporting team members, resolving operational challenges, and maintaining a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.
  • Serve as the kitchen leader in the absence of the Executive Chef, monitoring staff productivity and identifying staffing or scheduling needs.
  • Mentor, train, and provide day-to-day leadership to Line Cooks and Stewards by reinforcing recipes, plating standards, station responsibilities, and kitchen procedures while promoting teamwork and professionalism.
Qualifications & Experience
  • Culinary degree, culinary certification, or completion of a recognized apprenticeship program required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of culinary experience in a luxury hospitality, fine dining, private club, hotel, or similar high-end establishment.
  • Minimum of 3 years of supervisory or kitchen leadership experience, including training, mentoring, and delegating responsibilities to culinary staff.
  • Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, HACCP principles, and kitchen best practices.
  • Excellent understanding of cooking techniques, ingredients, kitchen equipment, and food preparation procedures.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, service-driven environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in job-related English.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and varied shifts in a hot, humid, and fast-paced kitchen environment.
Why Join Us
This is a unique opportunity to become part of a close-knit, high-performing culinary team within one of Washington, DC's premier private clubs. As an Assistant Sous Chef, you'll play a critical leadership role in delivering exceptional dining experiences while helping shape menus, mentor culinary talent, and uphold the club's commitment to culinary excellence. If you're passionate about refined cuisine, hands-on leadership, and creating memorable experiences through exceptional food and service, we invite you to apply.
The salary range for this role is $70,000 - $75,000 based on relevant experience.