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Associate Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Harper Associates

Executive Chef

Grosse Pointe, MI · On-site

$90K/yr

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef ...

Harper Associates

Executive Chef

Grosse Pointe, MI

$67K - $92K/yr

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef ...

Harper Associates

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Banquet Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Executive Banquet Chef -- Downtown Detroit Hotel/Conference & Event Center Search by Harper Associates $80-85,000+ plus great benefit packgae Executive Banquet Chef for a high volume, luxury hotel ...

Harper Associates

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Banquet Chef

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Banquet Chef - Private Country Club -- Detroit Suburbs Search by Harper Associates Position Summary: W e are seeking an experienced and highly organized Banquet Chef to lead and execute exceptional ...

Harper Associates

Banquet Chef

Detroit, MI

$85K/yr

Banquet Chef | Convention Hotel | Up to $85,000 + Outstanding Benefits Lead Large-Scale Banquet ... Kevin Swanquist Executive Recruiter Harper Associates kevin@harperjobs.com www.harperjobs.com

Harper Associates

Banquet Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$85K/yr

Banquet Chef | Convention Hotel | Up to $85,000 + Outstanding Benefits Lead Large-Scale Banquet ... Kevin Swanquist Executive Recruiter Harper Associates kevin@harperjobs.com www.harperjobs.com

Harper Associates

Sous Chef

Birmingham, MI

$65K - $78K/yr

Sous Chef / Culinary Team Member Upscale Dining Restaurant - Birmingham / Bloomfield Hills, MI We ... Kevin Swanquist Executive Recruiter Harper Associates kevin@harperjobs.com 248-737-0222 www ...

Harper Associates

Sous Chef

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$78K/yr

Sous Chef / Culinary Team Member Upscale Dining Restaurant - Birmingham / Bloomfield Hills, MI We ... Kevin Swanquist Executive Recruiter Harper Associates kevin@harperjobs.com 248-737-0222 www ...

Harper Associates

Executive Chef

Birmingham, MI

$110K/yr

Executive Chef Boutique Hotel | Multi-Outlet Operation $110,000 Base Salary + Annual Bonus ... Harper Associates, founded in 1968, is Michigan's longest-running hospitality recruitment agency.

New

Harper Associates

Executive Chef

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$110K/yr

Executive Chef Boutique Hotel | Multi-Outlet Operation $110,000 Base Salary + Annual Bonus ... Harper Associates, founded in 1968, is Michigan's longest-running hospitality recruitment agency.

New

Harper Associates

Sous Chef

Saint Joseph, MI · On-site

$85K/yr

Sous Chef | West Michigan Lake Shore | $70K-$85K Lead the Culinary Team at One of West Michigan ... Kevin Swanquist Executive Recruiter Harper Associates kevin@harperjobs.com www.harperjobs.com 248 ...

Harper Associates

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Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI

Grosse Pointe, MI · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef ...

Singh Development Company

Pastry Chef

Canton, MI · On-site

The Pastry Chef scrutinizes all of the foods they prepare to ensure proper flavor, texture and ... Our associates need to value the importance of timeliness, punctuality, and dependability, and how ...

Singh

Pastry Chef

Canton, MI · On-site

Pastry Chef is responsible for preparing all desserts and baked goods to ensure a high quality ... Our associates need to value the importance of timeliness, punctuality, and dependability, and how ...

Mon Jin Lau

Experienced Sushi Chef

Troy, MI · On-site

The sushi chef's responsibilities includes preparing traditional Japanese sushi rice, chopping ... Associates degree in culinary arts or American Culinary Federation (ACF) certification is preferred.

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Clarkston, MI · On-site

$23/hr

Our passionate team of associates is fully committed to delivering exceptional foodservice ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

Compass Group

HEALTHCARE SOUS CHEF

Detroit, MI · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Job Summary Working as the Healthcare Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful ...

Compass Group

HEALTHCARE SOUS CHEF

Detroit, MI

$49K - $66K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Job Summary Working as the Healthcare Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Sparta, MI · On-site

$20/hr

With more than 16,000 associates in 4,300 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Houghton, MI · On-site

$25/hr

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 ...

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All JobsAssociate Chef JobsAssociate Chef Jobs in Michigan

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 Michigan? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Associate Chef jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Associate Chef job openings:
Associate Chef jobs near you

Executive Chef

Harper Associates

Grosse Pointe, MI • On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI
Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe
Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, one of Metro Detroit's premier fine dining restaurants, cocktail lounges, and live music venues.
Founded by the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade, a passionate supporter of the arts and jazz, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe was created to provide an intimate atmosphere where exceptional hospitality, chef-driven cuisine, and world-class jazz come together. With strong ties to the Detroit Jazz Festival, the restaurant has become one of Michigan's most respected dining destinations.
This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader to oversee a high-performing scratch kitchen while preserving the standards that have made Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe an institution.
What You'll Do
  • Lead all culinary and back-of-house operations
  • Recruit, train, coach, and develop a talented kitchen team
  • Create seasonal menus, features, and chef-driven specials
  • Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation
  • Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships
  • Partner with the General Manager to deliver an outstanding guest experience
  • Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization
  • Drive continuous improvement in kitchen culture, systems, and financial performance

Qualifications
  • 5+ years as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Sous Chef
  • Experience in fine dining, upscale casual, luxury hospitality, chef-driven restaurants, or private clubs
  • Strong scratch kitchen background
  • Expertise in menu development, food cost control, labor management, inventory, purchasing, budgeting, and P&L management
  • Proven leader with a passion for mentoring teams and creating exceptional guest experiences
  • Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and health department compliance

Why Join Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe?
  • Lead the kitchen at one of Metro Detroit's premier dining and jazz destinations
  • Work alongside an experienced hospitality leadership team
  • Showcase your creativity in a chef-driven, scratch kitchen
  • Competitive compensation and benefits
  • Paid holidays, 15 days PTO, and paid restaurant shutdowns in July and January

About Harper Associates
For over 60 years, Harper Associates has specialized in recruiting executive hospitality professionals for many of Michigan's leading restaurants, hotels, clubs, and hospitality organizations.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply or contact kevin@harperjobs.com for a confidential conversation.
Kevin Swanquist
Executive Recruiter
Harper Associates
kevin@harperjobs.com
www.harperjobs.com
248-737-0222

Apply