Research and Development Chef - Lead Culinary Innovator

Salary: Up to $150,000 base + full benefits and bonus plans

Our client in San Diego is seeking a bold and visionary Research and Development Chef to spearhead menu innovation for a renowned hospitality group celebrated for pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional dining experiences. If you thrive on the edge of creativity and have a passion for crafting game-changing concepts,

this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Innovate relentlessly by researching, designing, and developing trailblazing menu items, concepts, and techniques.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, culinary teams, and beverage directors to craft dishes that captivate and inspire.
• Experiment with ingredients, cooking methods, and presentation to deliver an elevated and cutting-edge dining experience.
• Marry creative vision with operational practicality to ensure new menu innovations align with brand identity, quality benchmarks, and cost objectives.
• Conduct in-depth market research, keeping a pulse on trends like global cuisine, sustainability, and innovative ingredient sourcing.
• Utilize a test kitchen environment to develop, refine, and perfect recipes before rolling them out.
• Act as a mentor by training and empowering kitchen teams to consistently execute new menu items to the highest standards.
• Build partnerships with vendors and purveyors, securing premium ingredients and sustainable, mutually beneficial relationships.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates should possess a blend of artistic vision, technical expertise, and operational know-how. Ideal candidates will showcase the following qualifications and skills:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in R&D kitchens, high-profile chef-driven restaurants, or innovative culinary environments.
• Michelin background is a plus, and is preferred.
• Exceptional culinary foundation with a proven track record in technique, ingredient sourcing, and groundbreaking menu development.
• Visionary thinker with a passion for exploring bold global flavors, modern techniques, fermentation, and cutting-edge culinary trends.
• Ability to turn ambitious ideas into scalable, cost-efficient, and operationally sound menu items.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to inspire and guide culinary teams across multiple locations.
• Proficiency in cost analysis, food waste management, and integrating sustainability into menu innovation.
• Flexibility to travel for culinary research and development, adapting to a dynamic workflow.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity like no other for a chef who thrives on creative exploration and wants to make a lasting mark on the hospitality industry. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

• A competitive salary package of up to $150,000 base.
• Relocation assistance.
• Comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and career growth within an influential hospitality organization.
• Creative freedom to lead and shape culinary innovation at an industry-leading level.

This role is perfect for a chef ready to take risks and push the limits of what’s possible in food and beverage. Be at the forefront of culinary evolution and inspire diners with

revolutionary menu concepts.

If you believe in your potential to shape the future of dining, we want to hear from you. Apply today and bring your visionary ideas to life!