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Senior Development Chef Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

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

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Support the supervision, training, and development of line cooks and prep cooks * Ensure food ... Step into leadership roles during shifts and support service in the absence of senior chefs * Help ...

Sous Chef

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

The Sous Chef collaborates with cross-functional teams to support menu development, maintain inventory and equipment standards, and uphold food safety and compliance. In the absence of senior ...

Executive Chef

Gilbert, AZ

$71K - $98K/yr

Executive Chef / Director of Dining Services - Large Senior Living Community We are seeking an ... Hiring, training, and development of staff in conjunction with your leadership team * Responsible ...

Executive Chef

Gilbert, AZ

$69K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef / Director of Dining Services - Large Senior Living Community We are seeking an ... Hiring, training, and development of staff in conjunction with your leadership team * Responsible ...

Executive Chef

Gilbert, AZ

$69K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef / Director of Dining Services - Large Senior Living Community We are seeking an ... Hiring, training, and development of staff in conjunction with your leadership team * Responsible ...

Executive Chef

Gilbert, AZ

$71K - $98K/yr

Executive Chef / Director of Dining Services - Large Senior Living Community We are seeking an ... Hiring, training, and development of staff in conjunction with your leadership team * Responsible ...

Executive Chef

Gilbert, AZ · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef / Director of Dining Services - Large Senior Living Community We are seeking an ... Hiring, training, and development of staff in conjunction with your leadership team * Responsible ...

Support the supervision, training, and development of line cooks and prep cooks * Ensure food ... Step into leadership roles during shifts and support service in the absence of senior chefs * Help ...

Executive Chef

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Significant experience in a senior culinary leadership role within an upscale, high-volume ... Formal culinary training or equivalent hands-on professional development * Solid understanding of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Development Chef information

See Phoenix, AZ salary details

$45.2K

$143.9K

$220.9K

How much do senior development chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior development chef in Phoenix, AZ is $143,916.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,700.00 and $171,300.00 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 Phoenix, AZ? For Senior Development Chef jobs in Phoenix, AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Development Chef jobs in Phoenix, AZ look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Development Chef jobs in Phoenix, AZ are:
Infographic showing various Senior Development Chef job openings in Phoenix, AZ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $143,916 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

$90K - $95K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Southwest Foodservice Excellence rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

JOB TITLE:Sr. Regional ChefDEPARTMENT:Culinary - Operations ExcellenceSUPERVISOR’S TITLE:Corporate Executive Chef LOCATION:Corporate OfficeFLSA STATUS:ExemptREVISION DATE:6/5/2026
PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES OF POSITION

The Senior Regional Chef is a strategic culinary leader responsible for driving enterprise-wide culinary excellence, innovation, and operational performance across multiple regions. This role partners closely with executive leadership, operations, and sales to shape culinary strategy, enhance client experience, and accelerate business growth.

This position leads high-impact initiatives including menu innovation, culinary standardization, talent development, and sales enablement, while ensuring best-in-class food quality, consistency, and profitability. The Senior Regional Chef serves as a thought leader and brand ambassador, elevating the organization’s Food First culture and reinforcing innovation as a core differentiator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Business Impact:

Define and execute regional culinary strategies aligned with company growth objectives and client needs

Act as a senior advisor to operations, contributing to margin improvement, food cost optimization, and concept development

Influence executive decision-making through culinary insights, trend forecasting, and performance data

Lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction


Sales Enablement & Client Engagement:

Serve as a senior culinary ambassador in high-profile client presentations, national accounts, and strategic bids

Partner with sales leadership to design and deliver customized culinary solutions that drive revenue growth

Lead culinary storytelling through elevated presentations, tastings, and innovation showcases

Support retention and expansion of key accounts through differentiated culinary experiences


Culinary Operations Excellence:

Provide oversight and guidance across multiple districts to ensure consistent execution of culinary standards

Lead complex, high-visibility events and support critical account openings or transitions

Identify operational gaps and implement scalable solutions to improve quality, speed, and cost efficiency

Establish and monitor KPIs tied to food quality, innovation adoption, and operational performance


Talent Development & Leadership:

Mentor and develop Regional and District Chefs, building a strong internal culinary leadership pipeline

Design and lead advanced training programs focused on culinary skills, leadership, and business acumen

Foster a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Provide succession planning and performance coaching across the culinary organization


Innovation & Menu Development:

Lead enterprise-level menu innovation and culinary R&D, aligning with consumer trends and client expectations

Standardize recipes, platforms, and culinary programs for scalability and consistency

Introduce new concepts, global flavors, and emerging techniques to maintain a competitive edge

Partner with supply chain and nutrition teams to ensure feasibility, compliance, and cost control


Culture, Brand & Values:

Champion the company’s Food First philosophy and embed innovation into daily practice

Act as a cultural leader promoting inclusivity, creativity, and culinary excellence across all regions

Drive adoption of customized programs tailored to diverse client and community needs

Represent the organization at industry events, tradeshows, and strategic partnerships

This job description does not state nor imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. It is not intended to give all the details or a step-by-step account of the way each procedure or task is performed. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department. This job description does not constitute an offer of continued employment or an employment contract.

QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality, or related field (or equivalent experience) required
  • 7–10+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience in multi-unit or high-volume foodservice environments
  • Proven success leading regional or enterprise culinary programs across multiple locations
  • Strong business acumen, including food cost management, labor efficiency, and operational scalability
  • Experience supporting sales growth, client engagement, and high-level presentations
  • Deep knowledge of culinary trends, innovation, and foodservice technology
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills
  • K-12 or institutional foodservice experience preferred
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, nutrition-related software programs, and culinary-related technology
  • Ability to pass an extensive nationwide criminal background check and fingerprint analysis
  • Current driver’s license and ability to travel freely in the United States
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and peripheral vision.


The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position will be involved heavily in computer tasks and telephone communication including, but not limited to, customer service. This job requires a comprehensive work effort while generally working a regular five-day work week schedule, however, occasionally a six- or seven-day work schedule may be required. Corporate meetings and functions may be required.


The position requires travel 75% or more of the time.


In addition:


  • Ability to move throughout the kitchen and cafeteria to prepare food and assist in cafeteria management
  • Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 8 hours)
  • Maybe exposed to strong smells from food products
  • Maybe exposed to cold and freezing temperatures


Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LICENSING/ CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

If hired, must be able to obtain a ServSafe Certificate and/or a Food Handlers Card (if applicable).

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

70%


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