1

Associate Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Executive Sous Chef Experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment ... Health benefits available after 30 days for full-time associates * Free and discounted meals ...

Executive Sous Chef Experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment ... Health benefits available after 30 days for full-time associates * Free and discounted meals ...

SOUS CHEF

Mount Vernon, IA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef. Essential Duties and ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... An Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or pastry amp; baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with ...

Pastry Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United ... An Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or pastry & baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience with an ...

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Mount Vernon, IA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef. Essential Duties and ...

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Mount Vernon, IA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef. Essential Duties and ...

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Mount Vernon, IA

$46K - $62K/yr

Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef. Essential Duties and ...

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

EXECUTIVE CHEF Reports to: General Manager, position is exempt WHO WE ARE Surety Hotel is managed ... associates throughout the hotel. You will have the opportunity to work with a phenomenal group of ...

Sous Chef

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$45K - $62K/yr

As a successful Sous Chef, you will be the key to fulfilling our promise to make every guest visit ... kitchen Associates, and holding the team accountable in a constructive and supportive way.

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

THE ROLE The Executive Chef reports to the General Manager and leads menu planning and development ... associates throughout the hotel. You will have the opportunity to work with a phenomenal group of ...

Sous Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$26.54 - $30.77/hr

Works to continually improve guest and associate satisfaction while maintaining the operating ... Chef with all kitchen operations. • Recognizes superior quality products, presentations and ...

Sous Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Works to continually improve guest and associate satisfaction while maintaining the operating ... Assists Executive Chef with all kitchen operations. Recognizes superior quality products ...

Sous Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$26.54 - $30.77/hr

Works to continually improve guest and associate satisfaction while maintaining the operating ... Chef with all kitchen operations. • Recognizes superior quality products, presentations and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Chef jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Chef job openings:

Executive Sous Chef

Hyatt Regency Coralville

Coralville, IA • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in overseeing daily culinary operations across banquet, restaurant, room service, stewarding, and other food & beverage outlets

  • Supervise, coach, train, and develop culinary associates and kitchen leadership teams

  • Support scheduling and staffing to maintain operational coverage while managing labor costs responsibly


Job description

Description

Executive Sous Chef

Experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys leading teams that create memorable guest experiences?

The Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center is seeking an experienced, motivated, and hands-on Executive Sous Chef to support daily culinary operations across our award-winning hotel and conference center, including our award-winning restaurant, Watermill Kitchen + Bar, known for its elevated Midwest-inspired cuisine, locally influenced flavors, and exceptional guest experience.

This leadership role assists in overseeing banquet operations, restaurant outlets, stewarding, room service, associate dining, and overall kitchen operations while helping maintain exceptional food quality, operational efficiency, and a positive team culture.

The Executive Sous Chef serves as a key culinary leader and operational partner to the Executive Chef while helping drive consistency, creativity, cleanliness, associate development, and guest satisfaction throughout the property.

Schedule & Pay

  • Full-time leadership position
  • Annual salary starting at $60,000, commensurate with experience
  • Flexible schedule based on business demands and event volume
  • Must be available to work days, evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Salaried, exempt position

Why Our Culinary Team Loves Working Here

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Matching 401(k) and profit-sharing opportunities
  • Health benefits available after 30 days for full-time associates
  • Free and discounted meals & Starbucks
  • Free Marcus Theatre movie tickets
  • Hotel discounts at Hyatt and Marcus Hotels & Resorts properties
  • Free parking and uniforms
  • Opportunities for advancement and career growth
  • A fast-paced, team-focused culture built around People Pleasing People

What You’ll Do

As Executive Sous Chef, you will help lead culinary operations throughout the hotel while supporting kitchen leadership, operational consistency, associate development, and exceptional guest experiences.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assist in overseeing daily culinary operations across banquet, restaurant, room service, stewarding, and other food & beverage outlets
  • Supervise, coach, train, and develop culinary associates and kitchen leadership teams
  • Support scheduling and staffing to maintain operational coverage while managing labor costs responsibly
  • Ensure food quality, presentation, consistency, and recipe adherence across all outlets
  • Maintain proper food handling, labeling, storage, sanitation, and rotation procedures in compliance with health department standards
  • Support food and labor cost control initiatives and operational efficiencies
  • Assist with ordering, receiving, inventory management, and product quality control
  • Ensure kitchen cleanliness, safety, organization, and sanitation standards are consistently maintained
  • Support preventative maintenance and proper care of kitchen equipment
  • Assist with execution of special events, VIP functions, banquets, and associate events
  • Collaborate closely with Food & Beverage, Banquets, Stewarding, and Purchasing teams
  • Step into operational leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Executive Chef
  • Participate in leadership meetings, operational planning, and associate development initiatives
  • Maintain professionalism and strong communication with guests, associates, and leaders
  • Assist with additional duties and special projects as assigned

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a strong culinary leader who thrives in a high-volume hospitality environment and enjoys mentoring teams while delivering exceptional food experiences.

Ideal candidates will have:

  • 3–5 years of high-volume culinary leadership experience preferred
  • Strong knowledge of food preparation, sanitation, safety, and kitchen operations
  • Experience leading teams in a fast-paced hospitality environment
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
  • Knowledge of food and labor cost controls
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and remain calm under pressure
  • Professional appearance and dependable work ethic
  • Culinary degree, apprenticeship, or formal culinary training preferred, but not required
  • Basic computer knowledge and administrative skills helpful
  • ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain certification
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 100 lbs. with assistance as needed
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the shift

If you are passionate about culinary leadership, hospitality, and developing strong teams while creating memorable guest experiences, this could be an exciting opportunity to grow your career with an award-winning hotel team.

About Us

At Marcus Hotels & Resorts, we believe our associates are our greatest asset. Our culture is built around the philosophy of People Pleasing People, creating memorable experiences for both guests and team members.

The Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center offers a dynamic, welcoming, and fast-paced environment where associates can grow, develop, and take pride in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All offers of employment are subject to E-Verify verification of identity and employment eligibility.