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Product Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Fresno, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The ... Support product development and assist with implementation in the field * Identify operational ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Arvin, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The ... Support product development and assist with implementation in the field * Identify operational ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Burbank, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The ... Support product development and assist with implementation in the field * Identify operational ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The ... Support product development and assist with implementation in the field * Identify operational ...

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Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Carson, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The ... Support product development and assist with implementation in the field * Identify operational ...

Vallarta Supermarkets

Culinary Field Chef

Fresno, CA · On-site

Culinary Field Chef Classification: Exempt Reports to: Director of Culinary Job Summary: The ... Support product development and assist with implementation in the field * Identify operational ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsProduct Development Chef JobsProduct Development Chef Jobs in California

Product Development Chef information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$125.3K

$142.6K

How much do product development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for product development chef in California is $125,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,000.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a product development chef do?

A Product Development Chef creates and tests new food products for restaurants, food manufacturers, or retail brands. They blend culinary creativity with market trends, ensuring products are innovative, scalable, and cost-effective. Their work involves recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and collaboration with food scientists and marketing teams. Ultimately, they help bring new and exciting food concepts from the kitchen to consumers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product development chef?

To excel as a Product Development Chef, you need extensive culinary expertise, menu innovation experience, and knowledge of food science or nutrition, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with recipe development software, product testing equipment, and compliance with food safety regulations like HACCP is valuable. Strong creativity, collaboration, and project management skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and adapt to market trends. These competencies are critical to creating successful new food products that align with business goals and consumer demands.

What does a typical day look like for a product development chef?

A Product Development Chef’s typical day involves collaborating with R&D, marketing, and production teams to brainstorm and refine new recipes or food products. You'll spend time in both the test kitchen, experimenting with ingredients and techniques, and in meetings to discuss market trends, feasibility, and scalability. The role often requires tasting, adjusting recipes, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and documenting formulations for commercialization. It’s a dynamic environment that combines creativity with technical precision, making each day varied and engaging.

What are popular job titles related to Product Development Chef jobs in California?

For Product Development Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Product Development Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Product Development Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Product Development Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Product Development Chef job openings:

Product Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Product Development Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,325 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Culinary Field Chef

Vallarta Supermarkets

Victorville, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Vallarta Supermarkets rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 122 rated grocery stores

Job description

Job Title: Culinary Field Chef
Classification: Exempt
Reports to: Director of Culinary
Job Summary:
The Culinary Field Chef supports day-to-day field culinary operations across all foodservice programs, ensuring consistent execution of Vallarta standards. This role provides hands-on operational support, coaching, and culinary expertise to Kitchen Managers and foodservice teams, while driving sales growth, product consistency, and an exceptional guest experience across all locations.
This position serves as a key field resource, supporting menu execution, recipe adherence, training, and operational improvements. The Culinary Field Chef collaborates closely with the Corporate Chef and cross-functional teams to support menu development, product rollouts, and company-wide culinary initiatives.
The role plays a critical part in new store openings, training execution, and ongoing operational support, with approximately 80% of time spent in field locations.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Provide culinary and operational support across all foodservice concepts (Taqueria, Tortilleria, Restaurants, etc.)
  • Coach and support Kitchen Managers on execution, standards, and guest service
  • Ensure consistency in recipes, portioning, presentation, and flavor profiles
  • Lead training and field execution of new menu items and programs
  • Support product development and assist with implementation in the field
  • Identify operational improvements to improve cost, efficiency, and quality
  • Reinforce company standards, culture, and guest experience expectations
  • Monitor performance and support business initiatives aligned with company goals

Operational Responsibilities:
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards
  • Support food cost control, inventory, and operational reporting
  • Maintain kitchen cleanliness, organization, and efficiency
  • Assist with new store openings, remodels, and training execution
  • Ensure consistency of recipes, procedures, and training materials
  • Assist with staffing, onboarding, and team development as needed

Food Quality & Compliance:
  • Enforce recipe adherence, portion control, and food quality standards
  • Maintain HACCP compliance and food safety procedures
  • Monitor temperature control, storage, and handling practices
  • Conduct quality checks for taste, appearance, and consistency

Customer Service & Experience:
  • Deliver and model Vallarta's Nuestra CASA service standards
  • Support strong guest satisfaction and service execution
  • Address customer feedback professionally and promptly

Team Leadership & Development:
  • Provide coaching, training, and development to culinary teams
  • Promote accountability, teamwork, and performance standards
  • Partner with leadership on performance and operational needs

Collaboration & Communication:
  • Support operations across Taqueria, Prepared Foods, Juice Bar, Grab & Go, and Catering as assigned.
  • Maintain clear communication with leadership regarding production needs, shortages, or operational challenges.
  • Ensure timely escalation of issues that may impact food safety, quality, or service.

Safety:
  • Enforce all safety procedures and proper equipment use
  • Report incidents and maintain safe working conditions
  • Ensure adherence to company policies and standards

Other Duties:
  • Support all current and future culinary programs
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:
  • Minimum 5+ years in culinary, restaurant, or multi-unit operations leadership
  • Strong experience in foodservice operations and team development
  • Experience in recipe development or multi-unit support preferred
  • Strong knowledge of food cost, labor, and inventory controls
  • Ability to train and lead in a fast-paced environment
  • High School Diploma required; Culinary Degree preferred
  • Equivalent experience may be considered

Working Conditions:
  • Fast-paced kitchen and retail environment
  • Frequent standing, walking, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.)
  • Exposure to hot/cold environments and kitchen equipment
  • Moderate to loud noise levels

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is an exempt position. Work schedules may vary based on business needs, requiring flexibility in hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Approximately 80% of travel is required within the company's operating regions, including overnight stays. Mileage reimbursement is provided for approved business travel.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees may perform other duties as directed. All employees are expected to perform any reasonable task or request that is consistent with fulfilling company goals and objectives.

What Vallarta Supermarkets employees say

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About Vallarta Supermarkets

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For more than 35 years, Vallarta Supermarkets has been bringing families together over fresh and authentic food. When you enter Vallarta, you know right away that it’s about more than food shopping — it’s about celebrating. Celebrating the food, culture, colors, and vibrant energy of Mexico and Latin America. Vallarta offers a feast for ALL your senses. You can smell the sweet aromas from the bakery, hear the rhythms of the music playing, and different languages spoken all around you.

Industry

Supermarkets and grocery stores

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1985

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