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Associate Chef Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

SOUS CHEF

Sumter, SC · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

SOUS CHEF (PRISMA) Pay Grade: 12 Reports To: EXECUTIVE CHEF Morrison Healthcare ,a Compass Health ... With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ...

SOUS CHEF

Sumter, SC · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

SOUS CHEF (PRISMA) Pay Grade: 12 Reports To: EXECUTIVE CHEF Morrison Healthcare , a Compass Health ... With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ...

New

SOUS CHEF

Sumter, SC · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

SOUS CHEF (PRISMA) Pay Grade: 12 Reports To: EXECUTIVE CHEF Morrison Healthcare , a Compass Health ... With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ...

New

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 ...

SR. EXECUTIVE CHEF

Columbia, SC · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Job Summary SENIOR EXECUTIVE CHEF OPPORTUNITIES Gainesville, FL | Columbia, SC | Charlotte, NC ...

New

SR. EXECUTIVE CHEF

Columbia, SC · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Job Summary SENIOR EXECUTIVE CHEF OPPORTUNITIES Gainesville, FL | Columbia, SC | Charlotte, NC ...

With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ... Job Summary SENIOR EXECUTIVE CHEF OPPORTUNITIES Gainesville, FL | Columbia, SC | Charlotte, NC ...

New

SR. EXECUTIVE CHEF

Columbia, SC · On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

Position Title: SR. EXECUTIVE CHEF Pay Grade: 16 Reports To: SR. DFNS Salary: 100 - 120K Other ... With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ...

New

SR. EXECUTIVE CHEF

Columbia, SC · On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

Position Title: SR. EXECUTIVE CHEF Pay Grade: 16 Reports To: SR. DFNS Salary: 100 - 120K Other ... With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ...

SR. EXECUTIVE CHEF

Columbia, SC · On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

Position Title: SR. EXECUTIVE CHEF Pay Grade: 16 Reports To: SR. DFNS Salary: 100 - 120K Other ... With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Associate Chef information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$8

$14

$19

How much do associate chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 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 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 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:

$44K - $60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,093 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

347th of 496 rated business services


Job description

Position Title: SOUS CHEF (PRISMA)
Pay Grade: 12
Reports To: EXECUTIVE CHEF
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 cafés 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
SOUS CHEF - BRING YOUR HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE TO A CAREER WITH PURPOSE
Ready to trade unpredictable restaurant hours for greater stability, strong benefits, and long-term career growth-without giving up your passion for food?
We're looking for a talented Sous Chef with experience in restaurants, hotels, resorts, catering, or other high-volume hospitality environments. Healthcare experience is not required. If you know how to lead a kitchen, develop people, execute exceptional food, and thrive in a fast-paced operation, we want to meet you.
JOB SUMMARY:
As the Sous Chef, you will partner with the Executive Chef to lead daily culinary operations, develop menus, maintain high standards, and create an outstanding dining experience. You'll be hands-on in the kitchen while helping supervise, train, and motivate the culinary team.
This is an excellent opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial chef who is ready to bring fresh ideas to a growing organization and build a career beyond the traditional restaurant environment.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Assist the Executive Chef with daily culinary operations and team leadership
  • Prepare and oversee the production of high-quality food
  • Help develop creative menus, daily specials, and new culinary concepts
  • Lead catering events from preparation through execution
  • Train, coach, and motivate hourly culinary associates
  • Support food-cost controls, purchasing, inventory, and expense management
  • Maintain excellent standards for food quality, presentation, sanitation, and safety
  • Introduce new culinary programs in partnership with our marketing and culinary teams
  • Help create a positive, organized, and professional kitchen culture

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
  • Culinary leadership experience in a restaurant, hotel, resort, catering, country club, or other high-volume foodservice operation
  • A culinary degree is preferred, but equivalent hands-on experience is welcome
  • Strong cooking, production, organization, and team-leadership skills
  • Knowledge of current food trends, presentation, sanitation, and food-cost controls
  • Catering or banquet experience is a plus
  • Experience with high-volume or batch cooking is helpful but not required
  • Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, and email
  • ServSafe certification is highly desirable

WHY MAKE THE MOVE?
Bring your hospitality skills to an organization where your work has a meaningful impact. You'll have the opportunity to lead, create, grow, and build a lasting culinary career-all while serving guests who truly value what you do.
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: 1564350
Morrison Healthcare
MICHAEL GREMBA
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