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Salaried Product Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requirements Primary Responsibilities • Partner with the Executive R&D Chef to develop and launch new sushi products and menu concepts. • Create and introduce new sushi rolls on a quarterly basis ...

Primary Responsibilities • Partner with the Executive R&D Chef to develop and launch new sushi products and menu concepts. • Create and introduce new sushi rolls on a quarterly basis, including ...

Summary The R&D Chef supports the development and commercialization of innovative food products by combining culinary expertise with manufacturing and customer insights. This role partners closely ...

Summary The R&D Chef supports the development and commercialization of innovative food products by combining culinary expertise with manufacturing and customer insights. This role partners closely ...

You will lead culinary product development from concept through execution, crafting and refining ... An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant ...

Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$63K - $93K/yr

You will lead culinary product development from concept through execution, crafting and refining ... An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant ...

The Business Development Chef provides culinary leadership, engages Kagome's strategic customers in ... Production Control, Production, Costing, QC, QC_Shared, R & D Shared. Software: Office 365, VPN ...

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

The Business Development Chef provides culinary leadership, engages Kagome's strategic customers in ... Production Control, Production, Costing, QC, QC_Shared, R & D Shared. Software: Office 365, VPN ...

Associate Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

You will lead culinary product development from concept through execution, crafting and refining ... An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant ...

You will lead culinary product development from concept through execution, crafting and refining ... An employee's actual annual salary will be based on but not limited to: location, relevant ...

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Product Development, you will work collaboratively with R&D ... The base salary range for this role is $95,000 to $105,000. The base pay offered will be determined ...

They will assist in the preliminary preparation, cooking and assembling of new products. The Chef's Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking) of various ...

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Product Development, you will work collaboratively with R&D ... The base salary range for this role is $95,000 to $105,000. The base pay offered will be determined ...

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Discount on Amy's products * Opportunities to grow and advance your career * Competitive ... The Chef's Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking ...

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Discount on Amy's products * Opportunities to grow and advance your career * Competitive ... The Chef's Assistant will assist the R&D Chef and R&D Staff in the prepping and executing (cooking ...

Leads the development, evaluation, and revision process for product prototypes. Design, coordinate ... Chef's Council, Food Immersions, Supplier Summits, PR/Media launch events, Ops/ Market Tests. Plan ...

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Salaried Product Development Chef information

See salary details

$42.5K

$127K

$144.5K

How much do salaried product development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for salaried product development chef in the United States is $126,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by salaried Product Development Chefs when launching new menu items?

Salaried Product Development Chefs often encounter challenges such as balancing creativity with operational feasibility, ensuring consistent quality across multiple locations, and meeting tight development timelines. They must collaborate closely with supply chain, marketing, and kitchen staff to ensure that new items are cost-effective and scalable. Navigating feedback from multiple stakeholders while maintaining the integrity of the original concept is another key aspect of the role. These challenges require strong project management skills and adaptability.

What is the difference between Salaried Product Development Chef vs Culinary Product Developer?

AspectSalaried Product Development ChefCulinary Product Developer
CredentialsProfessional culinary certifications, culinary degreeFood science or culinary background, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, R&D labs, corporate officesResearch facilities, food companies, corporate settings
Employer & IndustryFood manufacturing, hospitality, retail chainsFood companies, ingredient suppliers, R&D firms

Both roles involve developing new food products, but a Salaried Product Development Chef typically combines culinary expertise with product innovation in a corporate setting, often working in kitchens or labs. A Culinary Product Developer may focus more on food science and research, with a broader emphasis on ingredient functionality and food safety. The roles overlap in credentials and industry usage, but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

What is a Salaried Product Development Chef?

A Salaried Product Development Chef is a culinary professional who creates and develops new food products for restaurants, food manufacturers, or retail brands while receiving a fixed annual salary. Their role involves researching food trends, experimenting with recipes, and collaborating with other departments such as marketing and production to bring innovative products to market. They ensure that new products meet quality, taste, and safety standards, and often oversee the testing and refinement process. This position requires both culinary expertise and an understanding of food science and consumer preferences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Salaried Product Development Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Salaried Product Development Chef, you need a strong culinary background, creativity in recipe development, and formal training such as a culinary degree. Familiarity with food safety regulations, kitchen management systems, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong project management, collaboration, and communication skills help you work effectively with cross-functional teams and clients. These skills ensure innovative, compliant, and market-ready food products that meet both quality standards and consumer preferences.
More about Salaried Product Development Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Salaried Product Development Chef jobs? Cities with the most Salaried Product Development Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Product Development Chef jobs? The most popular types of Product Development Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Salaried Product Development Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Salaried Product Development Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Salaried Product Development Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Salaried Product Development Chef jobs are:
Infographic showing various Salaried Product Development Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% As Needed, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,987 per year, or $61.1 per hour.

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Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description

The R&D Sushi Chef leads the development and execution of innovative sushi offerings in collaboration with the Executive R&D Chef. This role is responsible for creating new sushi rolls and seasonal Limited-Time Offers (LTOs), driving culinary innovation, supporting operational growth, and maintaining industry best practices. The Head Sushi Chef will also assist with catering opportunities, presentations, training initiatives, and special culinary projects across the organization.

Requirements

Primary Responsibilities

Partner with the Executive R&D Chef to develop and launch new sushi products and menu concepts. 

Create and introduce new sushi rolls on a quarterly basis, including seasonal and promotional LTO offerings. 

Conduct research and development (R&D) for new sushi products, including in-store testing, quality evaluation, and performance tracking to support future menu decisions. 

Support culinary operations and assist the Executive R&D Chef with company-wide initiatives and special projects. 

Develop and lead culinary training programs for Regional Managers and Franchisees.

Coordinate and execute presentations, catering opportunities, product demonstrations, and special events. 

Ensure all product development aligns with operational efficiency, profitability goals, and brand standards. 


Secondary Responsibilities

Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned. 



Required Skills & Abilities

Strong knowledge of sushi preparation, presentation, and food safety standards within the grocery sushi industry. 

Proven ability to develop innovative menu items while balancing operational efficiency and commercial growth. 

Excellent communication, leadership, and training skills with the ability to effectively mentor and develop others. 

Strong organizational and project management abilities. 

Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 

Flexibility to travel frequently and work extended hours as business needs require. 


Education & Experience

3-5 years of sushi chef experience within the grocery sushi industry required. 

Demonstrated success training and mentoring of team members, Franchisees and Operators.

Ability to produce approximately 150 sushi packages per day, including all required preparation work. 

Comprehensive understanding of culinary operations and product development in the grocery sushi sector. 


Physical Requirements

Prolonged periods of standing, food preparation, and working in kitchen environments. 

Occasional desk work and computer use. 

Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed. 

Ability to travel up to 50% of the time.