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Seasonal Research Development Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Designs, plans, and manages R&D projects of varying complexity resulting in new or improved ... Chef's Council, Food Immersions, Supplier Summits, PR/Media launch events, Ops/ Market Tests. Plan ...

SUMMARY OF POSITION The R&D Chef is a collaborative culinary leadership role working closely with Chef/Owner Jordan Kahn and the Director of Culinary to develop, refine, and bring ideas to fruition ...

The R&D Sushi Chef leads the development and execution of innovative sushi offerings in ... This role is responsible for creating new sushi rolls and seasonal Limited-Time Offers (LTOs ...

The R&D Sushi Chef leads the development and execution of innovative sushi offerings in ... This role is responsible for creating new sushi rolls and seasonal Limited-Time Offers (LTOs ...

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 ...

The R&D Chef's Assistant will spend some of their day working in the production areas of the plant(s). This role will carry out all R&D activities on the production floor working to ensure proper ...

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

The R&D Chef's Assistant will spend some of their day working in the production areas of the plant(s). This role will carry out all R&D activities on the production floor working to ensure proper ...

R&D Chef's Assistant

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

The R&D Chef's Assistant will spend some of their day working in the production areas of the plant(s). This role will carry out all R&D activities on the production floor working to ensure proper ...

From new ramen builds and seasonal specials to innovative culinary concepts, our R&D team helps ... As the Research & Development (R&D) Sous Chef , you will support the development, testing, and ...

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As the R&D Chef at Farmer's Fridge, you will be the creative engine behind our ever-evolving menu. You'll create delicious and scalable recipes to fill our core menu as well as building velocity and ...

This role is deeply handson and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you ... You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ...

R&D Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

As the R&D Chef at Farmer's Fridge, you will be the creative engine behind our ever-evolving menu. You'll create delicious and scalable recipes to fill our core menu as well as building velocity and ...

Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...

Development Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

$63K - $93K/yr

This role is deeply hands-on and highly visible, blending chef creativity with storytelling as you ... You will coordinate research and development cuttings, drive flavor and technique, and serve as a ...

Business Development Chef

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

Work with Kagome R&D managers and scientists to develop products/ideas/applications that meet ... Certified Research Chef or Certified Culinary Scientist, a plus * Years and Type of Related ...

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Seasonal Research Development Chef information

See salary details

$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do seasonal research development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for seasonal research development chef in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Seasonal Research Development Chef vs Research and Development Chef?

AspectSeasonal Research Development ChefResearch and Development Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, food safety certificationsCulinary degree, food safety certifications
Work EnvironmentSeasonal food projects, temporary rolesYear-round product development
Employer & IndustryFood companies, catering, hospitalityFood manufacturing, product innovation
Search & Comparison IntentSeasonal culinary projects, short-term rolesLong-term product development roles

Seasonal Research Development Chefs focus on short-term, seasonal food projects, often working during specific times of the year. In contrast, Research and Development Chefs typically work year-round on continuous product innovation. Both roles require culinary credentials and food safety certifications, but their work environments and project durations differ, aligning with different employer needs within the food industry.

What cities are hiring for Seasonal Research Development Chef jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Research Development Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Development Chef jobs? The most popular types of Research Development Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Research Development Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Research Development Chef jobs include:
Research & Development Chef

Research & Development Chef

Yum! Brands

Plano, TX

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Yum! Brands rating

3.9

Company rating: 3.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

What You'll Be Serving Up:

Designs, plans, and manages R&D projects of varying complexity resulting in new or improved products & processes. Works directly with CI, Marketing, cross-functional teams, and suppliers to support the KFC US Innovation pipeline.

Here's How You'll Spice Things Up:

 Leads the identification of appropriate vendors and preparation of technical brief at onset of project.

Leads the development, evaluation, and revision process for product prototypes.

Design, coordinate and execute consumer/sensory tests and in-market research tests research using common sensory and consumer research protocols, including proper documentation, managing food and packaging inventory, review and execute with support of team to ensure smooth delivery/execution, interpretation of results and communication of next steps both internally and externally.

Develops operational procedures and specifications for new products which yield a food safe and consistent quality product. This includes identifying new smallwares (if needed), identifying appropriate in-store packaging, development and validation of cooking/holding procedures and testing of ingredients for all approved equipment.

Conducts yield analysis and depletion work and communicate results to cross-functional team.

Supports KFC/YUM nutritional goals by developing products which meet defined nutritional goals through theoretical and final lab analysis to validate consumer nutritional profiles of new/improved products.

Completes the required documentation and records for all testing and development conducted in the labs.

Secure formulas/specifications, develop packaging labels, and identify appropriate shelf life while partnering with commercialization.

Plan, execute & support: Chef's Council, Food Immersions, Supplier Summits, PR/Media launch events, Ops/ Market Tests.

Plan, execute & support product demos; NCAC, Innovation Day, Innovation WIP, LT WIP

Leads assigned AVA projects (Alternate Vendor Approval)

Travel as needed to support product development, consumer testing, etc.

Supports rapid innovation testing with key franchisees to accelerate the innovation process and reduce time between concept and commercialization.

What You Bring to the Table:

  • Education:
    • Bachelor's degree from an accredited 4-year university, preferably in Food Science or related field.
  • Experience:
    • 4+ years of relevant work experience required with Bachelor's.
    • Experience in a Product Development position for a quick service restaurant brand ($500M+ in size),  creating and commercializing successful new product offerings preferred.
  • Skills
    • Excellent oral and written communication skills to engage and align cross-functional stakeholders; ability to present effectively.
    • Strong analytical skills to interpret data and form action-able recommendations.
    • Exceptional project management capabilities, including driving great outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
  • Mindset:
    • Relentless in the pursuit of excellence and maintaining high standards.
    • Resourceful and adaptive in ambiguous situations with a proven ability to operate "in the grey."
    • Resilient in the face of obstacles and persistent in driving towards results.
    • Thrive in a collaborative environment and excel at inspiring and developing team members.

What's In It for You:

Education - Bachelors degree preferred in Food Science.

Experience

5+ years R&D/technical experience.

Successful leading projects with minimal coaching.

Strong product development mindset.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interface directly with higher levels of management.

Self-motivated with a strong drive for results and intellectual curiosity.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Must be able to meet deadlines and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

KFC Corporation, based in Plano, Texas, is one of the few brands in America that can boast about having a rich, 60-year history of success and innovation. In fact, KFC is the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain and a division of Yum! Brands, the world's largest restaurant company.
 
Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, has over 45,000 restaurants in more than 135 countries and territories and is one of the Aon Hewitt Top Companies for Leaders in North America. In 2018, Yum! Brands was recognized as part of the inaugural Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. The company's restaurant brands - KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell - are global leaders of the chicken, pizza and Mexican-style food categories. 
More important than our size is our commitment to breakthrough innovation and the success of our employees. We're proud of the unique culture we've built, one where everyone can be their best self, make a difference and have fun! We believe in our people, trust in their positive intentions, encourage ideas from everyone, and have actively developed a workforce that is diverse in style and background.