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Research Development Chef Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

The Post

Chef

Denver, CO · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Act like the Chef. Have the pro skills and acumen to lead a team, build culture and execute ... Annual Education / R&D Budget * This to be the best job you've ever had! What we expect: * Minimum ...

The Post Chicken and Beer

Chef

Denver, CO · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Act like the Chef. Have the pro skills and acumen to lead a team, build culture and execute ... Annual Education / R&D Budget * This to be the best job you've ever had! What we expect: * Minimum ...

Datavail

Senior NoSQL Technical Specialist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Ansible, Terraform, Chef, Puppet) * Knowledge and experience with Percona platforms, PMB and ... Help the development of engaging, modern data solutions, strategies, migrations, and applications ...

Datavail

Senior NoSQL Technical Specialist

Boulder, CO · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Ansible, Terraform, Chef, Puppet) * Knowledge and experience with Percona platforms, PMB and ... Help the development of engaging, modern data solutions, strategies, migrations, and applications ...

Sysco

Sales Representative

Denver, CO

$48K - $81K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Representative

Boulder, CO · On-site

$47K - $78K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Representative

Denver, CO

$47K - $78K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco Corporation

Sales Representative

Denver, CO · On-site

$48K - $81K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco

Sales Representative

Denver, CO

$48K - $81K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Sysco Corporation

Sales Representative

Denver, CO · On-site

$47K - $78K/yr

... or Chef looking for career development opportunities? Join Sysco's World Class Sales Team and ... Research customer business needs and develops a mix of products and service to meet needs.

Compass Group

PARTNER ADVOCATE - REMOTE

Denver, CO · Remote

$60K - $65K/yr

Conduct market research to identify high-quality local dining concepts and emerging culinary brands ... Build strong relationships with restaurant owners, operators, chefs, and decision-makers. Present ...

Foodworks

PARTNER ADVOCATE - REMOTE

Aurora, CO · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Conduct market research to identify high-quality local dining concepts and emerging culinary brands ... Build strong relationships with restaurant owners, operators, chefs, and decision-makers. * Present ...

Compass Group

PARTNER ADVOCATE - REMOTE

Denver, CO · Remote

$60K - $65K/yr

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven professional with strong business development ... chefs, and decision-makers. • Present the Foodworks value proposition and partnership ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch Development Chef JobsResearch Development Chef Jobs in Denver, CO

Research Development Chef information

See Denver, CO salary details

$49.9K

$104.8K

$169.8K

How much do research development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development chef in Denver, CO is $104,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a research development chef?

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 most commonly searched types of Research Development Chef jobs in Denver, CO?

The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs in Denver, CO are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Development Chef jobs in Denver, CO?

For Research Development Chef jobs in Denver, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Development Chef jobs in Denver, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Development Chef jobs in Denver, CO are:

Research Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Chef job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,774 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)

Dessert Holdings Inc.

Aurora, CO • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Dessert Holdings rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)


Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch-made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners.
Dessert Holdings is looking for a Senior R&D Development Chef to be based in our Aurora, CO location to use culinary knowledge and creative ability to develop new products for commercialization. From concept to prototype samples, this role is responsible for delivering products on time that meet taste, functionality, quality, and cost expectations. This position will be involved with documentation, formulations, pilot testing and commercialization touch points, vendor visits, ordering and testing raw materials, shelf-life studies, and kitchen/bench sanitation and cleanliness.
The typical hiring range for this role is $70,000 to $90,000 annually and is based on several factors such as education, work experience, skills, certifications, location, etc. In addition to pay, Dessert Holdings offers benefits such as a choice of comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and retirement contribution to all eligible employees.
 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Research, formulate, and develop new bakery product concepts within time, cost, and processing requirements.
  • Construct proof of concept samples for new desserts to support innovation and sales; prepare and present samples and specifications for customer presentation and acceptance.
  • Stay current on culinary trends in desserts and baked goods and bring ideas into new product development.
  • Consult with vendors and suppliers, and internal partners like Quality, Sanitation, and Engineering to verify SOPs for products being tested for manufacturing.
  • Compile accurate and timely summaries, guidelines, test data, and trial plans.
  • Work with Supply Chain on sourcing new ingredients.
  • Improve product quality through ongoing review of formulation and ingredient parameters.
  • Maintain, organize, and keep refrigerators, freezers, and kitchen areas clean.
     

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate's Degree in Pastry Arts/Baking; food science training or degree is beneficial (or Red Seal designation in Canada)
  • At least 5 years of hands-on experience in baking/pastry arts with exceptional palate, sensory, recipe development, and baking skills
  • Prior product commercialization experience required
  • Ability to work self-directed with strong time management, organizational, multi-tasking, and communication skills
  • Computer savvy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and use tools and reach with hands and arms
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, work around potential food allergens, and work in a variety of temperatures and with dampness or chemicals
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including extended hours and weekends, as required
  • Ability to travel up to 10 to 20% throughout North America
     

About Dessert Holdings
Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler's Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne's Fine Desserts, Kenny's Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,500 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.


EEO Statement
Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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