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Recipe Development Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Saco School Department

Chef

Saco, ME

$60K - $75K/yr

Experience with recipe development, recipe standardization, and large-scale food production * Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Note: The above description is ...

Saco School Department

Chef

Saco, ME · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Experience with recipe development, recipe standardization, and large-scale food production * Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Note: The above description is ...

Parkhurst Dining

Sous Chef

Portland, ME

$22 - $24/hr

... menu development, organization and completion of production sheets and execution of new recipe standards. · Assist Executive Chef in regular inspections of the entire unit for sanitation ...

Texas Roadhouse

Line Cook

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

New Skills - We'll teach you our recipe for success. You'll learn our signature, made-from-scratch ... Our Legendary training and development programs will give you the opportunity to advance and grow.

Texas Roadhouse

Line Cook

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

New Skills - We'll teach you our recipe for success. You'll learn our signature, made-from-scratch ... Our Legendary training and development programs will give you the opportunity to advance and grow.

American Dining Creations

Sous Chef

Portland, ME

$50K - $68K/yr

Ensure recipe standards, ingredients, and food handling safety protocols are met. * Keep kitchen ... Prior experience with planning and managing employee schedules, hiring, and staff development.

Parkhurst Dining

Salad Prep

Biddeford, ME

$18 - $20/hr

... development with Smile Universe • Eligibility for 401k, vision, dental and medical plans ... Prepare all salads and sides according to recipe and production pars for general service and ...

Parkhurst Dining

Student Cook

Biddeford, ME

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

... development with Smile Universe • Eligibility for 401k, vision, dental and medical plans JOB ... recipe specifications, and food products are maintained at the proper · serving temperatures as ...

Parkhurst Dining

Pizza Cook

Biddeford, ME

... recipe specifications, and food products are maintained at the proper serving temperatures as ... Access to continuous development with Smile Universe * Eligibility for 401k, vision, dental and ...

Parkhurst Dining

Cook

Portland, ME

$19 - $23/hr

... recipe specifications, and food products are maintained at the proper · serving temperatures as ... Access to continuous development with Smile Universe * Eligibility for 401k, vision, dental and ...

Parkhurst Dining

Cook

Biddeford, ME

$19 - $21/hr

... recipe specifications, and food products are maintained at the proper · serving temperatures as ... Access to continuous development with Smile Universe * Eligibility for 401k, vision, dental and ...

Sodexo

Grill Cook

South Portland, ME · On-site

$17.50 - $21/hr

Read and measure/mix ingredients according to recipe(s) * May prepare food and serve customers at ... Access to ongoing training/development and advancement opportunities to turn your job into a career

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All JobsRecipe Development JobsRecipe Development Jobs in Portland, ME

Recipe Development information

See Portland, ME salary details

$29.7K

$54.7K

$82.9K

How much do recipe development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for recipe development in Portland, ME is $54,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $61,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in recipe development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Recipe Development, you need a strong culinary background, creativity in food pairing, and a solid understanding of nutrition and food science, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with recipe management software, food costing tools, and kitchen equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and excellent communication skills help you refine recipes and collaborate with chefs, clients, or brands. These skills ensure the creation of innovative, reliable, and appealing recipes that meet both culinary standards and consumer expectations.

What are some common challenges faced in a recipe development role, and how can they be managed?

One of the main challenges in recipe development is balancing creativity with practicality, as recipes must be both innovative and reproducible by home cooks or commercial kitchens. Developers often need to test multiple iterations to ensure consistency, flavor, and clarity in instructions. Managing feedback from taste testers, nutritionists, and editorial teams is also key, requiring strong communication and flexibility. Staying organized and documenting each version meticulously helps streamline the process and minimize errors.

What is recipe development?

Recipe development is the process of creating, testing, and refining recipes to achieve desired flavors, textures, and presentation. This involves experimenting with ingredients, cooking methods, and measurements to ensure the final dish is both delicious and reliable. Professionals in recipe development often work for food brands, magazines, or restaurants, ensuring recipes are innovative, accurate, and easy for others to follow. The process may also include considering dietary restrictions, nutrition, and food trends.

What skills do you need to be a recipe development?

Recipe development requires strong culinary skills, creativity, and knowledge of food science to create and test new recipes. Attention to detail, proficiency with kitchen tools and ingredients, and the ability to adapt recipes based on feedback are essential. Good organizational skills and understanding of nutrition can also be beneficial.

What are the qualifications to get a recipe development job?

The qualifications to get a recipe development job depend greatly on your career path. If you start in the restaurant or fine dining industry, you may get a book deal to write about your restaurant’s food or ingredients. This requires years of patience and success as a cook. Others study food science or nutrition in college or at a culinary institute. Other recipe developers may have no formal background in food or food science, but they combine their passion for cooking with their writing skills and develop recipes for their audience.

How much do recipe developers get paid?

Recipe developers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Freelance recipe developers may charge per project or hour, with rates ranging from $20 to $100 or more per hour. Skills in food science, culinary arts, and food photography can influence earning potential.

How do you become a recipe developer?

To become a recipe developer, individuals typically gain culinary skills through formal education or hands-on experience in kitchens, and develop a strong understanding of food science and flavor pairing. Building a portfolio of tested recipes and proficiency with food photography or writing can also help establish credibility in the field.
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Recipe Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recipe Development job openings in Portland, ME as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,653 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Chef

Saco School Department

Saco, ME

$60K - $75K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Chef
Position Purpose
To create innovative, high-quality, and nutritious school meals that increase student participation, support local agriculture, and elevate the school dining experience through culinary excellence and collaboration.
Performance Responsibilities:




  • Develop, test, and standardize recipes that meet USDA Child Nutrition Program requirements and appeal to students.
  • Create innovative, nutritious menus using scratch and semi-scratch cooking techniques.
  • Partner with local farms, fishermen, seafood providers, and food producers to incorporate fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced foods.
  • Lead and support Farm to School initiatives and local procurement efforts.
  • Research and incorporate local, regional, and national food trends into school menus.
  • Develop culturally diverse menu items that introduce students to a variety of global cuisines.
  • Implement and oversee after school meals programing through the CACFP.
  • Use student feedback and participation data to improve menus and increase meal participation.
  • Collaborate with the School Nutrition Director to develop menus that meet nutritional, operational, and budgetary goals.
  • Train and support cafeteria staff on recipes, food preparation techniques, and presentation.
  • Evaluate new products for quality, nutrition, student acceptance, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Assist with special events, menu promotions, chef demonstrations, and nutrition education activities.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and USDA regulations.

Additional Duties

  • Performs other related tasks as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Friendly, positive attitude
  • Good customer service skills
  • Ability to work efficiently in a fast paced team environment
  • Ability to lift 40 lbs.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

  • Works in standard school cafeteria environment 

Qualifications Profile

  • Degree or certificate from an accredited culinary school (preferred).
  • Professional culinary experience, preferably in institutional, school, healthcare, or high-volume foodservice.
  • Current ServSafe Manager certification or ability to obtain
  • Current Maine Department of Education Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) approval or eligible to obtain
  • Experience with recipe development, recipe standardization, and large-scale food production
  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Note:         The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.
 

Reports to : School Nutrition Director

Compensation:

Based on experience and Education 

Chef -  Salary Range - $60,000- $75,000

Equal Opportunity:

Saco School Department is committed to promoting diversity, multiculturalism and inclusion.  We encourage qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

FLSA Status:             Nonexempt
Apply online
 




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