Culinary Development Chef

Windows Catering; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Windows Catering seeks a highly creative and independent Culinary Development Chef to lead menu innovation and concept development from concept to delivery with minimal oversight. You will design themed stations, test recipes, and present concepts to clients.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years of culinary experience, strong presentation skills, and a track record in high-end dining or luxury catering. You will mentor staff, coordinate with kitchen leadership, and ensure compliance with health

Qualifications

• Graduate of a recognized culinary institution or equivalent high-level professional experience.
• 7+ years of culinary experience, with at least 3 in menu development or innovation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead culinary design and execute new concepts independently.
• Experience in high-end restaurants, luxury catering, or fine dining environments.
• Strong understanding of kitchen layout, station design, and equipment needs.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills for client-facing interactions.
• Ability to lead under pressure while maintaining creativity and attention to detail.
• Flexible schedule and availability for occasional off-premise events, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of new menu concepts and culinary stations, including design, layout, and ingredient selection.
• Independently develop and present full culinary stations, such as themed pasta bars, with multiple dish options, garnishes, finishes, and guest experience.
• Design and test innovative recipes aligned with seasonal trends and client requirements.
• Coordinate with kitchen leadership and cross-functional teams to plan, prototype, and launch new food experiences.
• Supervise food preparation and kitchen staff, ensuring quality and consistency across output.
• Oversee equipment needs, production scheduling, and resource planning for new menu rollouts.
• Participate in high-end tastings and presentations with clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all DOH and food safety regulations while promoting a clean, efficient kitchen environment.
• Mentor junior team members in culinary innovation and fine dining standards.

Skills

Menu development

Culinary innovation

Leadership

Presentation skills

Client-facing

Quality control

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Kitchen equipment planning

Job description

Windows Catering is seeking a highly creative and independent Culinary Development Chef to lead culinary innovation and concept development. This role requires a forward-thinking professional who can take broad ideas and execute them fully from concept to delivery with minimal oversight. Ideal candidates bring a strong portfolio of creative culinary development, refined presentation skills, and the leadership to drive innovation from idea to implementation.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the creative development and execution of new menu concepts and culinary stations, including design, layout, and ingredient selection.
• Independently develop and present full culinary stations, such as themed pasta bars, including multiple dish options, garnishes, finishes, and overall guest experience.
• Design and test innovative recipes that align with seasonal trends, client preferences, and event requirements.
• Coordinate with kitchen leadership and cross-functional teams to plan, prototype, and launch new food experiences.
• Supervise food preparation and kitchen staff, ensuring quality, consistency, and creativity across all output.
• Oversee equipment needs, production scheduling, and resource planning for new menu rollouts.
• Participate in high-end tastings and presentations with clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all DOH and food safety regulations while promoting a clean, efficient kitchen environment.
• Mentor junior team members in culinary innovation and fine dining standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Graduate of a recognized culinary institution or equivalent high-level professional experience.
• 7+ years of culinary experience, with at least 3 in a role focused on menu development or innovation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead culinary design and execute new concepts independently.
• Experience in high-end restaurants, luxury catering, or fine dining environments.
• Strong understanding of kitchen layout, station design, and equipment needs for varied culinary applications.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills for client-facing interactions.
• Ability to lead under pressure while maintaining creativity and attention to detail.
• Flexible schedule and availability for occasional off-premise events, including evenings and weekends.