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Senior Development Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kagome Inc.

Business Development Manager

Los Banos, CA · On-site

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 ...

KAGOME, Inc.

Business Development Manager

Los Banos, CA · 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 ...

Altius Search Group

Senior Wok Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · 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 ...

Integral Senior Living

Sous Chef

San Jose, CA · 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 ...

Compass Group

Portfolio Project Chef

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Additional Responsibilities Chef Development & Training * Design, coordinate, and deliver culinary training programs for chefs at all levels - from line cooks and sous chefs to senior executive chefs.

Compass Group

Portfolio Project Chef

Sunnyvale, CA

Additional Responsibilities Chef Development & Training * Design, coordinate, and deliver culinary training programs for chefs at all levels -- from line cooks and sous chefs to senior executive ...

Compass Group

Portfolio Project Chef

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Additional Responsibilities Chef Development & Training * Design, coordinate, and deliver culinary training programs for chefs at all levels - from line cooks and sous chefs to senior executive chefs.

Bon Appetit

Portfolio Project Chef

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

Additional Responsibilities Chef Development & Training * Design, coordinate, and deliver culinary training programs for chefs at all levels -- from line cooks and sous chefs to senior executive ...

Lab37

Research & Development

Los Angeles, CA

$20 - $28/hr

Culinary R&D Associate, Robotic Kitchen Product Lab37 Robotics, is a technology company focused on ... In this role, you will work directly under our senior chefs to help bring new brands and menu ...

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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 4, 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 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 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 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:
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Senior Development Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Development Chef job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% 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 • On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 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