1

Research Development Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

Apply Early

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development * Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in ...

Executive Chef

Midland, MI ยท On-site

$56K - $77K/yr

Use market research to develop new products * Responsible for maintaining quality of food product ... Responsible for the selection, training, and development of the personnel within the department

Executive Chef

Midland, MI ยท On-site

$56K - $77K/yr

Use market research to develop new products * Responsible for maintaining quality of food product ... Responsible for the selection, training, and development of the personnel within the department

Contingent Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$16.92 - $21.85/hr

In collaboration with the Executive Chef, researchers and designs new menu plans for various food ... Visit Trinity Health Michigan to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development ...

The Executive Chef will define the menu narrative, drive culinary innovation rooted in American ... and R&D processes to ensure dishes meet the highest standards of flavor, technique, and ...

Apply Early

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

... service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan ... The Executive Chef is responsible for ensuring high-quality patient meals, regulatory compliance ...

Executive Chef

Novi, MI ยท On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef, Cooks and Dishwasher staff. * Responsible for menu development ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. * Oversee menu testing ...

Executive Chef

Novi, MI ยท On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef, Cooks and Dishwasher staff. * Responsible for menu development ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. * Oversee menu testing ...

Apply Early

Executive Chef

Novi, MI ยท On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Sous Chef, Cooks and Dishwasher staff. * Responsible for menu development ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. * Oversee menu testing ...

Sous Chef, Cooks and Dishwasher staff. * Responsible for menu development ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. * Oversee menu testing ...

Apply Early

Chef Manager

Troy, MI ยท On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Chef Manager Department: 500050 Cafe Administration Employment Type: Full Time Location: Cafe ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. 5. Complete weekly ...

The Chef Manager is primarily responsible for culinary preparation, business development, and ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. 5. Complete weekly ...

Chef Manager

Troy, MI ยท On-site

The Chef Manager is primarily responsible for culinary preparation, business development, and ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. 5. Complete weekly ...

Chef Manager

Novi, MI

$55K - $60K/yr

Description The Chef Manager is primarily responsible for culinary preparation, business ... Conduct research and development of new culinary trends and ideas for menus. 5. Complete weekly ...

Apply Early

Training & development Benefits/Perks * Flexible Scheduling * Competitive Compensation * Career ... Create menus according to season and customer research * Set up the kitchen with necessary tools ...

Apply Early

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Development Chef information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research Development Chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Development Chef, you need comprehensive culinary expertise, a deep understanding of food science, and often a degree in culinary arts or food technology. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, recipe management software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is highly valuable. Creativity, problem-solving skills, and strong collaboration abilities help you excel when designing innovative recipes and working with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure you can successfully develop new food products that meet both culinary standards and market demands.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Research Development Chef?

As a Research Development Chef, your day often involves creating and testing new recipes, refining existing products, and collaborating with food scientists and marketing teams on product concepts. You'll also conduct sensory evaluations, oversee kitchen trials, and ensure that all recipes meet quality, safety, and cost parameters. Working closely with other chefs, suppliers, and sometimes clients, you help bring innovative food ideas from the test kitchen to commercial production. The role is dynamic and hands-on, blending creative culinary work with research and project management tasks.

What does a Research Development Chef do?

A Research Development Chef is responsible for creating, testing, and refining new food products, recipes, and menu items, often for restaurants, food manufacturers, or retail brands. They blend culinary creativity with food science and market trends to develop innovative and scalable food concepts. Their role involves experimenting with ingredients, improving flavors, ensuring product consistency, and considering factors like cost, nutrition, and production feasibility.

What is the highest paying type of chef?

Executive chefs and culinary directors typically earn the highest salaries among chefs, often exceeding $70,000 annually, especially in upscale restaurants or hotel settings. Specialized roles such as pastry chefs or chefs with advanced certifications and extensive experience can also command high wages, particularly in high-end establishments or managerial positions.

How to become a research and development chef?

To become a research and development chef, individuals typically need a culinary degree or extensive cooking experience, along with knowledge of food science and product development. Skills in experimentation, creativity, and understanding of food safety are essential, and familiarity with industry tools like sensory analysis and formulation software can be beneficial. Gaining experience in food innovation and staying updated on culinary trends also support career advancement in this field.

What is the highest paid chef position?

The highest paid chef position is typically Executive Chef or Culinary Director, especially in luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, or corporate food services, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve managing large teams and budgets.

What does a research and development chef do?

A research and development chef develops new food products, recipes, and cooking techniques to improve or create offerings for a company or brand. They often experiment with ingredients, conduct taste tests, and collaborate with other culinary and product development teams, using skills in food science and culinary arts to innovate and meet market trends.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development Chef jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Development Chef jobs in Michigan? For Research Development Chef jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Chef jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Chef jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Research Development Chef job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Executive Chef

The Dixboro Project

Ann Arbor, MI โ€ข On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead all day-to-day back-of-house operations across the culinary program.

  • Partner with the Chef Partner on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development.

  • Build, mentor, and develop the culinary team through hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management.


Job description

Nestled in the historic village of Dixboro, The Dixboro Project sits at the intersection of world-class dining, transformational hospitality, and abundant nature. Led by acclaimed Chef Partner Garrett Lipar, our culinary program celebrates the seasons, the Great Lakes region, and the relationships we build with local farmers, producers, and artisans.
We're seeking an experienced Executive Chef to help lead and evolve one of Michigan's most ambitious culinary programs. This is an opportunity for a proven culinary leader to partner closely with Garrett while overseeing all day-to-day kitchen operations, team development, systems management, and culinary execution across the property.
If you are passionate about ingredient-driven cooking, building strong teams, developing future leaders, and creating exceptional guest experiences through food, we'd love to meet you.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Lead all day-to-day back-of-house operations across a high-volume, chef-driven culinary program
  • Partner with Chef Partner Garrett Lipar on menu development, seasonal evolution, tastings, and research & development
  • Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team rooted in accountability, professionalism, and growth
  • Oversee ordering, inventory, food cost management, labor performance, and operational systems
  • Drive consistency, quality, organization, and execution across all services and culinary offerings
  • Create and maintain systems that support efficiency, cleanliness, food safety, and operational excellence
  • Participate in hiring, onboarding, training, coaching, and performance management of kitchen team members
  • Lead service with a strong presence, providing direction and support during prep and peak operating periods

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
  • 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience in high-level, chef-driven restaurant environments
  • Proven experience managing kitchen operations, food cost, labor cost, inventory, and purchasing systems
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to build culture, accountability, and team engagement
  • Deep understanding of seasonality, sourcing, technique, and modern culinary execution
  • Experience leading menu development, recipe costing, and implementation of new culinary programs
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and other hours as needed to support the business

WHY WORK WITH US:
  • Be part of a leadership team shaping one of Michigan's most respected and ambitious hospitality organizations
  • Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and advancement
  • Competitive salary based on experience
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits with company contributions
  • Company-sponsored short-term disability insurance
  • Paid time off and paid sick time programs that support work-life balance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Dining discounts across all The Pulpo Group concepts

Requirements
  • Stand and move throughout kitchen and restaurant spaces for extended periods
  • Lift and carry up to 50 lbs occasionally and 25 lbs regularly
  • Safely operate kitchen equipment, knives, and culinary tools
  • Work in hot, fast-paced, and physically demanding kitchen environments
  • Bend, reach, twist, kneel, and perform repetitive kitchen tasks throughout shifts

Salary Description
$95k - $120k annually