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Research Chef Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Sr Executive Chef

Sun City, AZ ยท On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors ... Hands-on chefs experience a must. * Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a ...

Line Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$16/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$16/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Short order Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Short order Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Chandler, AZ ยท On-site

$17/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Chandler, AZ ยท On-site

$17/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Chandler, AZ ยท On-site

$17/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Short order Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$17 - $21/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$16/hr

Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Three years of experience in food service, including experience as a line chef, restaurant cook, or prep cook is required. * Previous healthcare industry preferred. Essential Functions * Set up and ...

Schedule weekly meetings with the General Manager & Executive Chef to review upcoming events and review challenges from the prior week to ensure greater results in the future. * Research and work ...

Schedule weekly meetings with the General Manager & Executive Chef to review upcoming events and review challenges from the prior week to ensure greater results in the future. * Research and work ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Chef information

See Arizona salary details

$42.9K

$78.1K

$123.9K

How much do research chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research chef in Arizona is $78,086.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research chef?

A research chef, also known as a culinary scientist, combines culinary arts with food science to develop new recipes, food products, and menu items. They often work for food manufacturers, restaurant chains, or research and development labs, focusing on creating innovative foods that are both tasty and safe. Research chefs collaborate with food scientists, nutritionists, and marketing teams to ensure products meet quality standards, regulatory requirements, and consumer preferences. Their role is essential in bringing new food concepts from the kitchen to large-scale production.

How does a research chef typically collaborate with product development and marketing teams?

A Research Chef works closely with product development teams to translate culinary concepts into scalable food products, ensuring flavor, texture, and appearance meet both culinary and manufacturing standards. They also partner with marketing teams to align product features with current food trends and consumer preferences, often participating in taste panels and brainstorming sessions. This collaborative approach ensures that new products are both innovative and commercially viable, and fosters a dynamic work environment where ideas from multiple disciplines are integrated into the final product.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Chef, you need a strong background in culinary arts combined with food science knowledge, often supported by a culinary degree and experience in product development. Familiarity with food safety standards, recipe management software, and laboratory equipment is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you innovate and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the successful development of safe, appealing, and market-ready food products that meet consumer and industry needs.

What does a research chef do?

A research chef is a culinary professional who oversees the research and development of new recipes and food products. As a research chef, your responsibilities include assessing current offerings, working with food scientists to brainstorm concepts, and developing new recipes and products. You work in a test kitchen, either alone or with a team, to develop and test new foods for restaurants or food manufacturers. Your job is to be innovative and creative in your quest to meet consumer desires and the manufacturer or restaurants needs.

What is the difference between Research Chef vs Food Scientist?

AspectResearch ChefFood Scientist
Required CredentialsCooking skills, culinary training, sometimes culinary degreesDegree in food science, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentTest kitchens, culinary labs, food companiesLaboratories, research facilities, manufacturing plants
Employer & Industry UsageFood manufacturing, product development, culinary innovationFood production, quality control, research & development

Research Chefs focus on developing new food products through culinary expertise and practical testing, often working in kitchens and food companies. Food Scientists typically conduct scientific research to improve food safety, quality, and processing, working mainly in labs. Both roles are essential in food innovation but differ in their approach and work environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Chef jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Research Chef jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs in Arizona? For Research Chef jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Research Chef jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Research Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Research Chef jobs in AZ? For Research Chef jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Research Chef job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,086 per year, or $37.5 per hour.

Sr Executive Chef

CCL Hospitality Group

Sun City, AZ โ€ข On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Pay Grade: 16 

Salary: $90,000 - $110,000

Other Forms of Compensation: relocation assistance available 

With people as our core and a deep commitment to exceptional hospitality, CCL Hospitality Group has a philosophy rooted in caring for the individuals who care for our guests. Our most significant competitive advantage is our team members. We constantly strive to strengthen our service culture. Every team member knows they matter and owns a stake in our success, delivering hospitality excellence.

With four distinct operating companies – Morrison Living, Unidine, Coreworks, and The Hub, we are shaping the industry’s future leaders with a culture of service focused on elevated hospitality for community living across the country. Join us and discover how we drive mutual success that leaves lasting impressions.

Job Summary:

An inspirational and organized leader who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves to ensure the overall success of daily kitchen operations including recruiting, training, and food preparation. The Sr Executive Chef will showcase culinary talents through the delivery of show quality food through personal involvement in task performance while developing and empowering the onsite staff.  Works to continually improve resident, employee, and client satisfaction while maximizing the financial performance in all areas of responsibility. Will deliver on company objectives by ensuring monthly budget, food and labor costs are met and, the safe handling of food by following safety & sanitation protocols.

Leading Culinary Operation: 

  • Lead daily culinary production in preparation and production of meals, food quality and presentation, compliance with all safety and sanitation standards and regulation, team member productivity and performance, cost controls and overall profitability.
  • Determines how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.
  • Provide direction on menu development based on product availability; creates distinctive specials that incorporate seasonal or special ingredients.
  • Seeks out sources for fresh food; monitors all produce and meat for freshness.
  • Maintain product consistency by conducting inspections of seasonings, portion, and appearance of food.
  • Research customer preferences and develops a menu which incorporates local foods and flavors.
  • Prepares and cooks foods of all types, either on a regular basis or for special guests or functions.
  • Demonstrate new cooking techniques and equipment to staff.
  • Supervises and coordinates activities of cooks and workers engaged in food preparation.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, local and company health, safety, sanitation standards.
  • Provides guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
  • Communicates the importance of safety procedures, detailing procedure codes, ensuring employee understanding of safety codes, monitoring processes and procedures related to safety.
  • Monitors the quality of raw and cooked food products to ensure that standards are met.
  • Follows and enforces food safety and sanitation guidelines.
  • Maintains purchasing, receiving and food storage standards.

Business & Financial Acumen:

  • Participates in the development and implementation of business strategies for the community which are aligned with the client’s overall mission, vision values and strategies.
  • Manages department controllable expenses including food cost, supplies, uniforms, and equipment.
  • Develops and implements guidelines and control procedures for purchasing and receiving areas.
  • Analyze financial and operational information on an ongoing basis to adjust business plans, labor requirements, and operating costs.
  • Develop, implement, and manage the department's budget; continually analyze, forecast, monitor, and control the labor and food costs through various methods to meet/exceed management/budget objectives.
  • Identify major revenue and expense opportunities and possible problems.
  • Controls food cost, labor, and other expenses; monitors actual versus budgeted expenses.
  • Oversees the food inventory, purchasing, control, and disbursement of all food supplies.
  • Schedules staff based upon forecasted volumes.

Ensuring Exceptional Customer Service:

  • Creates 100% resident satisfaction by providing team members with the training and resources they need to maximize team member engagement and deliver best in class service.
  • Professional attitude and appearance while engaging with residents and community staff.
  • Improves service by communicating and assisting individuals to understand guest needs, providing guidance, feedback, and individual coaching when needed.
  • Provides and supports service behaviors that are above and beyond for customer satisfaction and retention.
  • Empowers employees to provide excellent customer service. Establishes guidelines so employees understand expectations and parameters. Ensures employees receive on-going training to understand guest expectations.
  • Ensures that employees provide genuine hospitality and teamwork on an ongoing basis.
  • Uses teamwork to support guests and employees.
  • Seeks opportunities to improve the customer experience by seeking resident feedback and developing strategies to improve department.
  • Reviews resident satisfaction results and other data to identify areas of improvement.
  • Responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.

Team Building and Management:

  • Regularly lead team member meetings
  • Establishes goals including performance goals, budget goals, team goals, etc.
  • Solicits employee feedback, utilizes an "open door" policy and reviews employee satisfaction results to identify and address employee problems or concerns.
  • Develops and implements strategies and practices which support team member engagement.
  • Ensures employees are treated fairly and equitably.
  • Provides team members with the training needed to understand expectations and perform job responsibilities.
  • Provides team members with the necessary tools to perform their duties and responsibilities.
  • Communicates performance expectations and provides team members with on-going feedback.
  • Provides team members with coaching and counseling as needed to achieve performance objectives and reach their fullest potential.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A.S. or equivalent experience
  • Minimum 5 years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training.
  • Extensive catering experience a plus
  • High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
  • Institutional and batch cooking experiences
  • Hands-on chefs experience a must.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet
  • Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities. 
  • ServSafe certified - highly desirable.

Apply to CCL today!

CCL is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

 

Associates at CCL are offered many fantastic benefits. 

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

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_CCL.pdf

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. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

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

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

CCL maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1522890

CCL Hospitality Group

Caitlin Pham

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