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Associate Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CHEF, SOUS Pay Grade: 12 Reports To: General Manager Salary: $70,034 - $80,000 Other Forms of ... We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse ...

Sous Chef

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Respect, Hyatt associates are inspired by the team's spirit and camaraderie given to one another ... The goal of the Sous Chef is to manage a specific department and work with the Executive Chef and ...

New

CHEF, SOUS

Redlands, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

CHEF, SOUS Pay Grade: 12 Reports To: General Manager Salary: $70,034 - $80,000 Other Forms of ... We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse ...

CHEF, SOUS

Redlands, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

CHEF, SOUS Pay Grade: 12 Reports To: General Manager Salary: $70,034 - $80,000 Other Forms of ... We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse ...

The Sous Chef - Pastry Focus assists the Executive Chef in the overall supervision of kitchen ... Assign duties to kitchen associates to support efficient workflow and productivity. * Assist in ...

SOUS CHEF

San Juan Capistrano, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary ...

SOUS CHEF

San Juan Capistrano, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary ...

Sous Chef

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$76K - $78K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for a Sous Chef position. * Location : Mountain View, CA * Schedule ... Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions ...

SOUS CHEF

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary ...

SOUS CHEF

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary ...

SOUS CHEF

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary ...

SOUS CHEF

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The decisions, actions and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients ... Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary ...

Sous Chef

La Verne, CA

$70K - $73K/yr

You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary ...

Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$71K - $75K/yr

You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary ...

Sous Chef

La Verne, CA · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary ...

Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

As a member of Eurest's leadership and professional support team, you will help our 16,000 chefs, and in-unit associates excel as they deliver world-class meals in corporate cafes and executive ...

Sous Chef

La Verne, CA · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary ...

Sous Chef

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$76K - $78K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for a Sous Chef position. * Location : Mountain View, CA * Schedule ... Associates at Bon Appétit are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Chef information

What is an associate chef?

Associate Chefs are culinary professionals who assist head chefs or executive chefs in preparing meals, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring food quality and safety standards are met. They often handle tasks such as ingredient preparation, cooking, plating dishes, and supervising junior kitchen staff. Associate Chefs play a key role in maintaining efficient kitchen operations and may also help with menu planning and inventory management. This role is ideal for those looking to advance their culinary careers and gain valuable hands-on experience.

What are the primary ways associate chefs collaborate with other kitchen staff during service?

As an Associate Chef, you’ll work closely with the Executive and Sous Chefs to ensure that dishes are prepared efficiently and to the restaurant’s standards. You’ll often coordinate with line cooks, prep staff, and servers to manage the flow of orders, address any issues with ingredients or timing, and maintain a smooth service. Strong communication skills and teamwork are essential, as you may need to step in to help with plating, quality control, or training new kitchen team members. This collaborative environment is fast-paced but rewarding, offering opportunities to learn from more experienced chefs and contribute to a cohesive team.

What is the difference between Associate Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectAssociate ChefLine Cook
Credentials Culinary degree or equivalent experience Often no formal degree, on-the-job training
Work Environment Kitchen, often with supervisory duties Kitchen, focused on specific station
Employer Usage Restaurants, hotels, catering services Restaurants, food service establishments
Common Search Intent Roles with some responsibility, leadership Entry-level, station-specific tasks

The main difference between an Associate Chef and a Line Cook is that an Associate Chef typically has more culinary training and may take on supervisory or assistant managerial roles, whereas a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes at a specific station with less responsibility. Both roles are essential in professional kitchens, but the Associate Chef often has broader responsibilities and a higher level of experience.

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

To thrive as an Associate Chef, you need a solid background in culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations, often gained through a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Strong teamwork, multitasking, and communication skills help you excel in high-pressure environments and support the head chef effectively. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, smooth kitchen workflow, and a positive dining experience for guests.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in California? The most popular types of Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Associate Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Associate Chef job openings:

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 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

344th of 488 rated business services


Job description

Location: Redlands, California

Position Title: CHEF, SOUS 

Pay Grade: 12 

Reports To: General Manager

Salary:  $70,034 - $80,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Medical, Dental & Vision insurance, 401K, PTO 

At over 300 college & universities around the country, Chartwells Higher Education is re-inventing the on-campus dining experience. We are challenging the norm and setting new standards by investing in high-tech, food-infused social spaces that bring people together to promote meaningful relationships and interactions. We are food-forward difference makers, bound together by a desire to feed hungry minds and prepare students for success.

We are seeking hungry, humble and smart associates who are looking to join and grow with a diverse organization. We invite you to start your career journey with us and look forward to hearing from you. 

Job Summary

Job Summary:

Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary Department for a facility. You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food items, developing daily menu items and their preparation and garnishment. You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account
  • Assists the Executive Chef with planning and creating menus
  • Produces and execute catering events
  • Rolls out new culinary programs in conjunction with Company marketing and culinary team

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A.S. or equivalent experience
  • Some progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
  • Catering experience a plus
  • High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
  • Institutional and batch cooking experiences helpful
  • Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet
  • Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities 
  • ServSafe certified - highly desirable

Apply to Chartwells Higher Education today!

Chartwells Higher Education is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

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. 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates at Chartwells Higher Ed 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_ChartwellsHED.pdf

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


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