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Senior Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Business Development Manager

Los Banos, CA ยท On-site

$77K - $127K/yr

Reporting directly to the Senior of Business Development, the Business Development Manager will ... Chef, to conceptualize and develop on-trend, scalable sauce solutions tailored to prospective ...

Reporting directly to the Senior of Business Development, the Business Development Manager will ... Partner with the Culinary Team, especially the Business Development Chef, to conceptualize and ...

Senior Wok Chef

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Senior Wok Chef will play a critical role in executing signature dishes, maintaining the ... Passionate about mastering wok technique and flavor development. * Calm and efficient during peak ...

Senior Sous Chef Kitchen Manager

Sherman Oaks, CA ยท On-site

$25.35 - $32.34/hr

Professional Development : Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career ... The Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager or Chef De Cuisine leads a culinary team managing daily ...

Professional Development : Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career ... The Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager or Chef De Cuisine leads a culinary team managing daily ...

Professional Development : Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career ... The Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager or Chef De Cuisine leads a culinary team managing daily ...

Professional Development : Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career ... The Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager or Chef De Cuisine leads a culinary team managing daily ...

Professional Development : Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career ... The Senior Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager or Chef De Cuisine leads a culinary team managing daily ...

Sous Chef

La Mirada, CA ยท On-site

$21.50 - $25.50/hr

Provincial Senior Living proudly manages lifestyle-driven Independent Living communities across the ... We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team ...

Sous Chef - FT

Thousand Oaks, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Sous Chef - FT At MBK Senior Living, we're committed to putting people first - our residents and ... development, training, and personal coaching through our Mentor, Buddy, and Executive Director in ...

Sous Chef

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$28.16 - $31.69/hr

Integral Senior Living (ISL) proudly manages care and lifestyle-focused Independent Living ... We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team ...

Sous Chef

West Hollywood, CA ยท On-site

$71K - $75K/yr

The Sous Chef supports the Sr. Sous Chef in leading daily culinary operations across the restaurant ... Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, and employee development skills. * Comprehensive knowledge ...

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Senior Development Chef information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$143K

$219.6K

How much do senior development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior development chef in California is $143,046.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,000.00 and $170,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior development chef?

A Senior Development Chef is responsible for creating and developing new food products, improving existing recipes, and ensuring they meet market trends, customer preferences, and business objectives. They work closely with food manufacturers, restaurant chains, and suppliers to innovate and refine products. This role involves researching ingredients, testing recipes, and collaborating with teams to bring concepts from ideas to production while ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with food safety standards.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a senior development chef?

As a Senior Development Chef, your typical day involves creating and testing new recipes, working with product development teams, and collaborating closely with marketing, procurement, and production departments. You will oversee kitchen operations during trials, ensure compliance with food safety standards, and fine-tune recipes for large-scale production. The role frequently requires presenting concepts to clients or internal stakeholders and staying ahead of culinary trends to maintain a competitive edge. Balancing hands-on kitchen innovation with project management and cross-departmental communication is a key part of this position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the senior development chef position?

A Senior Development Chef needs advanced culinary skills, significant experience in menu development, and a strong understanding of food trends and manufacturing processes, often supported by a relevant culinary qualification. Familiarity with recipe management software, food safety certifications, and product development systems is frequently required. Leadership, creativity, and excellent project management abilities are essential soft skills for success in this collaborative and innovative environment. These capabilities ensure the creation of commercially viable, high-quality products that meet client needs and industry standards.

What are popular job titles related to Senior Development Chef jobs in California?

For Senior Development Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Development Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Development Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Development Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Development Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Development Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,046 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Research and Development Chef - Award Winning Restaurant

NextGen Hospitality Solutions

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description

NextGen Hospitality Solutions is excited to announce an opening for a Research and Development Chef at our award-winning restaurant located in vibrant San Francisco. This full-time, on-site position offers an exceptional opportunity to lead culinary innovation and create extraordinary dining experiences that define our brand.

As a Research and Development Chef, you will play a pivotal role in conceptualizing and developing unique menu offerings that highlight our commitment to quality and creativity in the culinary arts. Collaborating closely with our talented kitchen team, you will be responsible for experimenting with new techniques, flavors, and presentation styles that cater to diverse palates, ensuring our restaurant remains a leader in the industry.

We offer a competitive salary range of $90,000 - $100,000 annually, along with a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities
  • Develop innovative recipes and menu items that enhance brand identity
  • Research and experiment with emerging culinary trends and techniques
  • Collaborate with the kitchen team to optimize food preparation processes
  • Conduct tastings and solicit feedback to refine menu offerings
  • Oversee kitchen staff training on new dishes and cooking methods
  • Ensure consistency in food quality and presentation
  • Manage food costing and inventory for new menu items
  • Establish relationships with local suppliers for fresh ingredients
Requirements
  • Proven experience in a senior culinary role, preferably as a chef
  • Strong background in menu development and kitchen leadership
  • Excellent understanding of flavor profiles and culinary techniques
  • Ability to think creatively and work collaboratively
  • Exceptional communication and organizational skills
  • Passion for food and commitment to high culinary standards
  • Experience with food costing and inventory management
  • Relevant culinary qualifications or degrees are preferred