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Associate Chef Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Sumter, SC · On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Job Summary EXECUTIVE CHEF Ready to take your culinary leadership to the next level? We're looking ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Sumter, SC

$63K - $87K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Job Summary EXECUTIVE CHEF Ready to take your culinary leadership to the next level? We're looking ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Sumter, SC · On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Job Summary EXECUTIVE CHEF Ready to take your culinary leadership to the next level? We're looking ...

Doubletree Columbia

Sous Chef

Columbia, SC · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

... our associates, with our partners and within the communities where we operate. We offer ... The Sous Chef is responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing all aspects of the hotel ...

Doubletree Columbia

Sous Chef

Columbia, SC

$46K - $62K/yr

... our associates, with our partners and within the communities where we operate. We offer ... The Sous Chef is responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing all aspects of the hotel ...

Doubletree Columbia

Sous Chef

Columbia, SC · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

... our associates, with our partners and within the communities where we operate. We offer ... The Sous Chef is responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing all aspects of the hotel ...

Doubletree Columbia

Sous Chef

Columbia, SC · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

... our associates, with our partners and within the communities where we operate. We offer ... The Sous Chef is responsible for coordinating, supervising and directing all aspects of the hotel ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Jr Sous Chef

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Assists the Sous Chef in assigning associates to duties, coaching through projects, daily task,s and guest interaction. * Actively and efficiently responds to guest and client feedback, with a report ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Jr Sous Chef

Columbia, SC · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Assists the Sous Chef in assigning associates to duties, coaching through projects, daily task,s and guest interaction. * Actively and efficiently responds to guest and client feedback, with a report ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Jr Sous Chef

Columbia, SC · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Assists the Sous Chef in assigning associates to duties, coaching through projects, daily task,s and guest interaction. * Actively and efficiently responds to guest and client feedback, with a report ...

Compass Group

WAIT STAFF ASSOCIATE

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18.25/hr

... chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ... Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace ...

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All JobsAssociate Chef JobsAssociate Chef Jobs in Columbia, SC

Associate Chef information

See Columbia, SC salary details

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How much do associate chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate chef in Columbia, SC is $14.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $16.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Compass Group

Sumter, SC • On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,083 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 481 rated business services

Job description

Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, is a leader in healthcare food and nutrition services company, serving more than 1,000 hospitals and healthcare systems across the country. With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized dining experiences for patients and in their cafes to advance the healing and healthful missions of its clients. Morrison has been serving some of the nation's largest health systems for more than 70 years, and it leverages culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise to provide consistency and transform the healthcare experience. Since 2012, Morrison has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work and Training Magazine has named it a Top 125/APEX Award Training Organization. Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually.

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

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Ready to take your culinary leadership to the next level?

We're looking for a hands-on Executive Chef who loves leading teams, building great food programs, and running a high-volume kitchen.

Healthcare experience is a plus, but it is absolutely not required.

If you come from restaurants, hotels, resorts, corporate dining, universities, catering, contract foodservice, or another high-volume culinary environment, we want to hear from you.

This is a great opportunity to bring your culinary experience into healthcare, expand your leadership skills, and grow your career with one of the largest foodservice companies in the country.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Lead daily kitchen operations and set the standard for food quality, presentation, safety, and sanitation

Develop and execute menus while maintaining recipe, portion, and production standards

Lead, train, mentor, and develop culinary team members

Stay hands-on in the kitchen and support the team during production and service

Manage food costs, inventory, purchasing, production, and waste

Drive high standards around food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety

Bring creativity and current food trends into the operation

Support catering, special events, and client satisfaction initiatives

Build a positive kitchen culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and great food

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

5+ years of progressive culinary or kitchen leadership experience

Hands-on Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or similar leadership experience

High-volume, complex foodservice experience strongly preferred

Restaurant, hotel, resort, corporate dining, university, catering, contract foodservice, and healthcare chefs encouraged to apply

Strong culinary fundamentals with knowledge of food quality, production, presentation, sanitation, and cost controls

Experience leading and developing culinary teams

Catering and large-scale production experience is a plus

Associate degree or equivalent culinary experience preferred

ServSafe certification preferred

WHY MAKE THE MOVE?

This is an opportunity to take everything you've learned in the culinary world and apply it in an environment where your food, leadership, and creativity can make a real impact every day.

Bring us your culinary background. We'll help you learn healthcare.

Apply to Morrison Healthcare today!

Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Morrison Healthcare are offered many fantastic benefits. 

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Flexible 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_MorrisonHealthcare.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. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

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

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1555514

Morrison Healthcare 

MICHAEL GREMBA 

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