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Senior Development Chef Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team ... As Sous Chef , you'll play an essential role in enriching the lives of seniors, creating meaningful ...

We continually aspire and invest in learning and development opportunities that support our team ... As Sous Chef , you'll play an essential role in enriching the lives of seniors, creating meaningful ...

Professional Development : Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career ... or Senior Kitchen Manager: Job Summary: The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant ...

Assistant Executive Chef

Aurora, CO · On-site

$77K - $98K/yr

Professional Development : Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career ... or Senior Kitchen Manager: Job Summary: The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant ...

Ephemera Sous Chef

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Position Summary The Sous Chef is a senior hourly culinary position responsible for food ... Support inventory organization and product rotation * Assist with menu development prep, tastings ...

Ephemera Sous Chef

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Position Summary The Sous Chef is a senior hourly culinary position responsible for food ... Support inventory organization and product rotation * Assist with menu development prep, tastings ...

Assistant Executive Chef

Aurora, CO · On-site

$77K - $98K/yr

Professional Development : Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career ... or Senior Kitchen Manager: Job Summary: The Assistant Kitchen Culinary Manager or Assistant ...

CHEF MANAGER

Walsenburg, CO · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

... senior care, hospital, and behavioral health communities. We're rooted in the belief that ... development, and impact are part of every role. In this role, you will support the Food Service ...

CHEF MANAGER

Walsenburg, CO · On-site

$65K - $68K/yr

... senior care, hospital, and behavioral health communities. We're rooted in the belief that ... development, and impact are part of every role. In this role, you will support the Food Service ...

... senior care, hospital, and behavioral health communities. We're rooted in the belief that ... development, and impact are part of every role. In this role, you will support the Food Service ...

... senior care, hospital, and behavioral health communities. We're rooted in the belief that ... development, and impact are part of every role. In this role, you will support the Food Service ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Development Chef information

See Colorado salary details

$47.8K

$152.4K

$234K

How much do senior development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior development chef in Colorado is $152,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,300.00 and $181,400.00 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 job?

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, and why are they important?

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 Colorado? For Senior Development Chef jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Development Chef jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Development Chef jobs in Colorado are:
Infographic showing various Senior Development Chef job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,411 per year, or $73.3 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

Posted 10 days ago


Dessert Holdings rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

212th of 434 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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