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Assistant Chef Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

Chef De Cuisine

HI · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Collaborate closely with Banquet Chef in times of peak event business to assist with production and spearhead the raw program. * Work closely with In Room Dining team to ensure all amenity drops ...

New

Executive Chef

Lihue, HI · On-site

$88K - $130K/yr

The Executive Chef will oversee all aspects of the main kitchen. Plan, implement budgets, hire ... Create and implement new menus for food & beverage outlets, voyager 47 and banquets. Assist in ...

New

Cook / Sous Chef

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Now Hiring: Cook / Sous Chef Lead with Purpose. Cook with Care. Help Feed Hawaii's Kūpuna ... Communicate clearly with kitchen staff and dietary managers * Assist during service with plating ...

Executive Chef

Lihue, HI · On-site

$88K - $130K/yr

The Executive Chef will oversee all aspects of the main kitchen. Plan, implement budgets, hire ... Create and implement new menus for food & beverage outlets, voyager 47 and banquets. Assist in ...

New

$72K - $99K/yr

Collaborate closely with Banquet Chef in times of peak event business to assist with production and spearhead the raw program. * Work closely with In Room Dining team to ensure all amenity drops ...

New

Copper Bar Chef de Cuisine (Salary)

Kamuela, HI · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Supervise, schedule, and direct cooks and other kitchen personnel to ensure efficient operations. * Assist the Executive Chef in establishing and implementing food, labor, and operational cost ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Chef information

How does an assistant chef typically collaborate with the head chef and other kitchen staff during service?

As an Assistant Chef, you play a vital role in supporting the Head Chef by preparing ingredients, ensuring stations are well-stocked, and executing dishes according to established recipes and quality standards. Collaboration is constant—clear communication with the Head Chef and other cooks helps maintain a smooth workflow, especially during busy service hours. You may also assist in training junior staff and step in to manage specific sections of the kitchen when needed, making adaptability and teamwork essential traits for success in this role.

What does a chef assistant do?

A chef assistant provides support for the head chef of a restaurant, bakery, catering business, or cafeteria. As a chef assistant, your job duties include managing inventory, ensuring that the kitchen meets food safety and cleanliness standards, and helping kitchen staff with food preparation. The qualifications for a career as a chef assistant vary by employer, but typically include training from a culinary school, proven cooking skills, and experience working in a kitchen. You need strong teamwork abilities and a willingness to work a flexible schedule.

What is an assistant chef?

Assistant Chefs, also known as commis chefs or junior chefs, support the head chef and sous chef in a professional kitchen. Their responsibilities typically include preparing ingredients, cooking basic dishes, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and helping with inventory management. They play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth workflow and may also assist in plating dishes and learning advanced culinary techniques. This position is often an entry-level role for those pursuing a culinary career, offering hands-on experience and opportunities for advancement.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Chef, you need a solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and experience in a kitchen environment, often supported by a culinary certificate or diploma. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food hygiene certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong teamwork, time management, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills that help in supporting the head chef and ensuring smooth kitchen operations. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining food quality, efficiency, and safety in a fast-paced culinary setting.

What does an assistant chef do?

An assistant chef supports the head chef by preparing ingredients, cooking dishes, and maintaining kitchen cleanliness. They often handle tasks such as chopping, plating, and managing kitchen tools, and may need basic culinary skills and knowledge of food safety standards. The role typically requires working in a fast-paced environment and following instructions closely.

What is the difference between Assistant Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectAssistant ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, certifications varyBasic culinary skills, often no formal certification required
Work EnvironmentAssists head chef, supports kitchen operationsPrepares specific dishes on the line during service
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Assistant Chef typically supports the head chef and handles a variety of kitchen tasks, often with some formal training. Line Cooks focus on preparing specific dishes during service, usually with less supervision. Both roles are essential in culinary operations, but Assistant Chefs often have broader responsibilities and may oversee Line Cooks.

More about Assistant Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Hawaii? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Hawaii are:
What cities in Hawaii are hiring for Assistant Chef jobs? Cities in Hawaii with the most Assistant Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Chef jobs in HI? For Assistant Chef jobs in HI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Chef job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Sous Chef - Hawaii Preparatory Academy

Compass Group

Waimea, HI • On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,088 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

340th of 485 rated business services


Job description

Salary: $60000 - $65000 / year

Other Forms of Compensation: N/A 

Flik Independent School Dining has been leading the way in transforming private and independent school foodservice across 300 communities for over four decades. Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice experiences every single time. Our meals are crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, supporting sustainable agricultural practices that benefit our communities. But we don't stop at just foodservice – we take it to the next level by offering cutting-edge nutrition education programs that empower students to make smart, healthy choices daily. By combining nutritious meals with comprehensive education, we equip students with the essential tools they need to lead a healthy and thriving life.  We believe in nourishing the whole person, creating community through great food and programming, and doing what’s right, every time.

We are Nourishing a Brighter Future.

Job Summary

As a Sous Chef at Hawaiʻi Preparatory Academy (HPA), an independent, coeducational day and boarding school in Waimea, Hawaiʻi, serving approximately 570 students in Kindergarten through Grade 12, you will play a key leadership role in supporting a dynamic school dining program. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will assist with daily food production, menu development, catering execution, inventory management, and the supervision of hourly kitchen associates. This is an exciting opportunity for an upbeat and motivated culinary professional with a passion for scratch cooking, creativity, and excellence in food quality and presentation. You'll have the opportunity to help deliver exceptional dining experiences for both day and boarding students while contributing to a vibrant campus community dedicated to student success.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, production, and supervision of back-of-house staff.
  • Support cost control initiatives by assisting with inventory management, ordering, and minimizing food waste.
  • Help plan, develop, and implement menus that align with company culinary standards, student preferences, and nutritional guidelines.
  • Lead or support the preparation and execution of catered events, ensuring high-quality food, presentation, and service.
  • Implement and support new culinary programs and initiatives in collaboration with the Executive Chef and corporate culinary team.
  • Ensure all food safety and sanitation guidelines are rigorously followed, including compliance with HACCP and allergy protocols.
  • Maintain high standards for food quality, cleanliness, and organization in all kitchen areas.
  • Participate in training and mentoring hourly culinary staff to support skill development and team culture.
  • Champion a safe, inclusive, and collaborative kitchen environment that reflects the values of the school community and company.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent experience.
  • 2+ years of dynamic culinary or kitchen management experience in high-volume foodservice operations; K–12, institutional, or contract dining preferred.
  • Strong catering experience and ability to lead special events.
  • Knowledge of scratch cooking, batch production, and food cost controls.
  • Confirmed understanding of food trends, seasonal ingredients, and sustainable practices.
  • ServSafe Certification highly preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and internet-based tools.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills with a strong sense of ownership and collaboration.
  • Dedication to customer happiness and a passion for crafting delicious, nutritious meals for students and school communities.

Apply to Flik today!

Flik Independent School Dining is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Flik Independent School Dining are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FISD.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 

Flik Independent School Dinning maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID: 1552644

FISD 

STEPHANIE FREER 

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