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Menu Planning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WeBox

Partnership/Catering Coordinator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

They work with our catering vendors to manage and assist with menu planning, type in, ordering, and execution to ensure a seamless catering experience. Responsibilities * Consulting and driving the ...

WeBox

Partnership/Catering Coordinator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

They work with our catering vendors to manage and assist with menu planning, type in, ordering, and execution to ensure a seamless catering experience. Responsibilities * Consulting and driving the ...

Webox

Partnership/Catering Coordinator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

They work with our catering vendors to manage and assist with menu planning, type in, ordering, and execution to ensure a seamless catering experience. Responsibilities * Consulting and driving the ...

United States Coast Guard

Culinary Specialist

Petaluma, CA · On-site

$40K - $54K/yr

Skills You'll Learn Food preparation Menu planning Accounting and inventory management Training You'll Get * CSs receive a 13-week rating course in Petaluma, CA, with instruction in culinary ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMenu Planning JobsMenu Planning Jobs in California

Menu Planning information

See California salary details

$55.3K

$101.9K

$154.9K

How much do menu planning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for menu planning in California is $101,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is menu planning?

A Menu Planning job involves designing balanced, cost-effective, and appealing meal options for restaurants, cafeterias, or institutions. This role requires selecting ingredients, considering dietary needs, and ensuring variety while minimizing food waste. Menu planners work closely with chefs, nutritionists, and suppliers to create meals that meet customer preferences and business goals.

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

Success in Menu Planning requires strong culinary knowledge, nutritional understanding, and experience with food cost management, often supported by a degree in culinary arts, nutrition, or hospitality. Familiarity with menu design software, nutritional analysis tools, and inventory management systems is highly beneficial. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with chefs and meeting client or customer preferences. These skills are crucial for developing balanced, appealing, and cost-effective menus that align with organizational goals and customer needs.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in menu planning roles?

Professionals in menu planning often face the challenge of balancing nutritional requirements, budget constraints, and customer preferences while maintaining variety and appeal in their menus. They must also adapt to seasonal ingredient availability, supply chain issues, and evolving dietary trends. Collaboration with chefs, purchasing teams, and nutritionists is common, requiring strong cross-functional communication. Overcoming these challenges successfully ensures the creation of menus that satisfy both operational needs and guest expectations, making the role critical to a food service operation’s success.

What are the qualifications of a menu planning?

A menu planner typically needs strong knowledge of nutrition, culinary skills, and understanding of dietary restrictions. Relevant qualifications may include a culinary degree, certification in nutrition, or experience in food service management. Good organizational skills and familiarity with food safety standards are also important.

What does a menu planning do?

A menu planner develops and organizes menus for restaurants, cafeterias, or food services, ensuring a balanced variety of dishes that meet nutritional, budget, and customer preferences. They consider factors like ingredient availability, food costs, and dietary restrictions, often using tools like menu software to create efficient and appealing menus.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Menu Planning jobs?

Cities in California with the most Menu Planning job openings:

Menu Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Menu Planning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,867 per year, or $49 per hour.

Pastry Chef

Taste Catering and Event Planning

Burlingame, CA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Company Description Taste Catering and Event Planning is an innovative, energetic team of seasoned professionals with more than 30 years of experience in the events industry. The company delivers fresh ideas and exceptional service in the design, production, and execution of customized events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Taste offers tailored menu planning, floral and tabletop design, and full-service event planning for a wide range of clients. The company uses only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients and actively supports local growers and producers that practice organic and sustainable agriculture. Taste Catering is proudly “Green Certified” by the San Francisco Department of the Environment, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Role Description The Pastry Chef is a full-time, on-site role based in Burlingame, CA. This role is responsible for planning, preparing, and producing high-quality pastries and desserts for catered events, including baked goods, plated desserts, and specialty items that align with event themes and client preferences. Day-to-day tasks include managing pastry production schedules, ensuring consistency in recipes and presentation, overseeing inventory of baking ingredients and supplies, and maintaining strict food safety and sanitation standards. The Pastry Chef collaborates closely with the culinary and event planning teams to develop seasonal and custom pastry menus, supports tastings, and adjusts offerings based on client feedback. This role may also assist with training pastry team members and contributing creative ideas to enhance Taste’s overall event experience.

Qualifications

  • Strong bakery and baking skills, with experience in producing a variety of pastries, breads, and desserts.
  • Proficiency in food preparation and cooking techniques, with solid overall culinary skills.
  • Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and proper handling and storage of ingredients.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment and manage multiple deadlines.
  • Attention to detail in flavor balance, texture, portioning, and visual presentation.
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with culinary, sales, and event planning teams.
  • Prior experience as a Pastry Chef or in a professional pastry kitchen; catering or event experience is a plus.
  • Culinary or pastry certification, diploma, or relevant formal training preferred.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift moderate weights as required in a commercial kitchen setting.

Apply