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Test Chef Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Saint Petersburg, FL ยท On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Sous Chef Assist the Executive Chef in the preparation of food and oversight of kitchen operations ... Develop new menu items, test and create recipes. * Trains, develops and evaluates personnel with ...

Sous Chef

Saint Petersburg, FL ยท On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Sous Chef Assist the Executive Chef in the preparation of food and oversight of kitchen operations ... Develop new menu items, test and create recipes. * Trains, develops and evaluates personnel with ...

Chef

Winter Park, FL ยท On-site

$21 - $25/hr

CHEF / KITCHEN DIRECTOR New General Cafรฉ & Coffee Bar | Winter Park, FL WE'RE LOOKING FOR A CHEF ... Test and refine new menu items and lead the rollout and training of new dishes. * Stay current with ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test. * Must complete a criminal background check.

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test. * Must complete a criminal background check.

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test. * Must complete a criminal background check.

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test. * Must complete a criminal background check.

Executive Chef

Orlando, FL ยท On-site

$66K - $92K/yr

Actively develop Sous Chefs, and hold Sous Chefs accountable for developing hourly Back of House ... Research, develop, and test potential recipes for twice-a-year menu enhancements, to include ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test. * Must complete a criminal background check.

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test. * Must complete a criminal background check.

Plans with the executive pastry chef production for the pastry department according to menus, BEOS ... Develops, tests, and implements new products and ensures quality control of all bakery items.

Chef de Cuisine

Tampa, FL ยท On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE Location: 1001 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602 Naked Farmer is a pioneering farm-to ... Introduce and test food preparation techniques that enhance kitchen efficiency, and remain open to ...

Chef de Cuisine

Tampa, FL ยท On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE Location: 1001 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602 Naked Farmer is a pioneering farm-to ... Introduce and test food preparation techniques that enhance kitchen efficiency, and remain open to ...

Chef de Cuisine

Sarasota, FL ยท On-site

$64K - $87K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE Location: 215 N Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL 34232 (University Town Center/UTC) Naked ... Introduce and test food preparation techniques that enhance kitchen efficiency, and remain open to ...

Chef de Cuisine

Fort Lauderdale, FL ยท On-site

$63K - $86K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE Naked Farmer is a pioneering farm-to-table restaurant group with multiple locations ... Introduce and test food preparation techniques that enhance kitchen efficiency, and remain open to ...

Chef de Cuisine

Fort Lauderdale, FL ยท On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

CHEF DE CUISINE Naked Farmer is a pioneering farm-to-table restaurant group with multiple locations ... Introduce and test food preparation techniques that enhance kitchen efficiency, and remain open to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Test Chef information

See Florida salary details

$7

$18

$33

How much do test chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for test chef in Florida is $18.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $23.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a test chef?

Test Chefs are culinary professionals who develop, test, and refine recipes for restaurants, food manufacturers, or culinary research and development teams. Their work involves experimenting with new ingredients, techniques, and presentation styles to create dishes that meet quality, taste, and safety standards. Test Chefs often collaborate closely with product developers, kitchen staff, or marketing teams to ensure new menu items or food products are consistent and appealing before they reach customers. They play a crucial role in innovation within the food industry, ensuring that recipes are both delicious and feasible to produce on a large scale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Test Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, creativity in recipe development, and a background in food science or a related culinary qualification. Familiarity with kitchen testing equipment, recipe management software, and knowledge of food safety regulations are typically required. Attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for collaborating with product development teams and providing clear feedback. These skills ensure that recipes and products are consistently high-quality, innovative, and suitable for large-scale production.

How does a test chef typically collaborate with product development and quality assurance teams in a food manufacturing environment?

A Test Chef works closely with product development teams to create and refine recipes that meet market trends and company standards. They also partner with quality assurance teams to ensure that new products are both safe and consistent in taste, texture, and appearance when produced at scale. Effective communication and documentation are key, as a Test Chef must translate culinary concepts into processes that can be replicated in large-scale production while maintaining quality. Regular tastings, feedback sessions, and production trials are common collaborative activities in this role.

What is the difference between Test Chef vs QA Tester?

AspectTest ChefQA Tester
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary trainingQuality assurance certifications, testing courses
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurantsSoftware labs, testing environments
Industry UsageFood service, hospitalitySoftware, technology
Primary FocusCreating and testing recipes, menu developmentExecuting test cases, identifying bugs

While a Test Chef specializes in culinary testing and recipe development within the food industry, a QA Tester focuses on software quality assurance by testing applications for bugs and issues. Both roles require attention to detail and structured testing processes, but they operate in different industries and environments.

What cities in Florida are hiring for Test Chef jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Test Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Test Chef job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,280 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Sous Chef

Saint Petersburg, FL โ€ข On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Overview

Opportunity: Sous Chef


Assist the Executive Chef in the preparation of food and oversight of kitchen operations in accordance with established food quality, guest service and sustainability standards.


Your Growth Path


Executive Sous Chef โ€“ Chef โ€“ Executive Chef


Your Focus



  • Interview, select, train, schedule, coach and support associates, ensuring they perform in accordance with established brand or hotel standards and consistent with HHM core values.

  • Oversee preparation and production of menus, development and execution of recipes.

  • Manage kitchen operations and assigned staff.

  • Ensure staff prepares menu items following recipes and yield guides, in accordance with department standards.

  • Develop new menu items, test and create recipes.

  • Trains, develops and evaluates personnel with regard to proper use of standard kitchen equipment and tools, techniques and skills.

  • Supervise kitchen personnel to ensure that methods of cooking, garnishes and portion sizes are as prescribed.

  • Manage budget, monitor costs and operating needs in keeping with overall containment of unnecessary expenditures.

  • Direct and develop skills of the team to the achievement of department and area goals.

  • Evaluate all direct reports and conduct introductory period and annual performance reviews.

  • Maintain an open door policy and address all team member issues and/or concerns in a timely manner.

  • Conduct divisional/departmental staff meetings on a monthly basis.

  • Follow sustainability guidelines and practices related to HHMโ€™s EarthView program.

  • Practice safe work habits, wear protective safety equipment and follow MSDS and OSHA standards.

  • Perform other duties as requested by management.


Your Background and Skills



  • Degree or certification from an accredited culinary program preferred.

  • 3 years experience in a managerial position of an upscale and/or high volume food service establishment required.


Work Environment and Context



  • Work schedule varies and will include working on holidays and weekends.

  • Requires standing for extended periods, walking, pushing, lifting up to 50 pounds, bending and reaching, using fingers and hands, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.


What We Believe


People Are Our Capability โ€“ Hearts That Serve โ€“ Only Excellence โ€“ Stay Nimble - Own It


About Us

HHM Hotels is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other group protected by law.

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