ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Associate Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Executive Chef 1

Altoona, IA · On-site

$56 - $73/hr

Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience * Management Experience: 1-3 years * Related Experience: 1-3 years What we offer Compensation is fair and equitable, partially ...

New

Sodexo

Executive Chef 1

Altoona, IA

$56K - $72K/yr

Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience * Management Experience: 1-3 years * Related Experience: 1-3 years What we offer Compensation is fair and equitable, partially ...

New

Sodexo

Executive Chef 1

Altoona, IA · On-site

$56K - $72K/yr

Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience * Management Experience: 1-3 years * Related Experience: 1-3 years What we offer Compensation is fair and equitable, partially ...

New

Sodexo

Executive Chef 1

Altoona, IA · On-site

$56K - $72K/yr

Associate's degree or Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience * Management Experience: 1-3 years * Related Experience: 1-3 years What we offer Compensation is fair and equitable, partially ...

New

Trinity Health

Food Service Associate

Centralia, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Under the leadership of the House of Mercy Chef, participates as a dietary services team member and assists in preparation of food items, cleans food preparation area, runs the dishwasher, and ...

Trinity Health

Food Service Associate Part Time

Centralia, IA · On-site

$12.25 - $15.75/hr

Under the leadership of the House of Mercy Chef, participates as a dietary services team member and assists in preparation of food items, cleans food preparation area, runs the dishwasher, and ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related ... Preferred Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts or Hotel & Restaurant Management. * Minimum 4 years ...

American Cruise Lines

Lead Line Cook

Fort Madison, IA

$15.50 - $20/hr

You assist the Executive Chef/Sous Chef with the preparation and service of "all" food related ... Preferred Associate's Degree in Culinary Arts or Hotel amp; Restaurant Management. * Minimum 4 ...

Troon

Line Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Maintains a professional relationship with fellow associates. * Helps reduce loss/waste. * Communicates equipment repair needs with chef. * Actively participates in training efforts. * Incorporates ...

Troon Golf

Line Cook

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Maintains a professional relationship with fellow associates. * Helps reduce loss/waste. * Communicates equipment repair needs with chef. * Actively participates in training efforts. * Incorporates ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate Chef JobsAssociate Chef Jobs in Iowa

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:

Associate Chef jobs near you

EXECUTIVE CHEF- DES MOINES, IA

Compass Group

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,097 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services

Job description

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000
A family of companies and experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you've been hungry and away from home, chances are you've tasted Compass Group's delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the 'job search' in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on 'referral tracking.' For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com.
Job Summary
Job Summary:
Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the preparation of meals in accordance with corporate programs and guidelines. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
  • Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
  • Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
  • Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
  • Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
  • Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products
  • Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party audits
  • Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting
  • Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate

Preferred Qualifications:
  • A.S. or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of three to five years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
  • Extensive catering experience a plus
  • High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
  • Institutional and batch cooking experiences
  • Hands-on chef experience a must
  • 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
  • ServSafe certified - highly desirable

Apply to Compass Group today!
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.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

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_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1552693
Compass Corporate
Hannah Pacer
((req_classification))

What Compass Group employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply