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Associate Chef Jobs in Sandy Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Job Summary Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced, hospitality-focused Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at our premier corporate dining account with CoStar Group. This is an ...

Chef Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Chef Manager Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Annual Performance Bonus ... Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA Click here to Learn More about the Compass ...

New

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

You may supervise hourly associates and you work with Executive Chef/Chef to develop new menus and assist with ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary ...

Banquet Sous Chef

Reston, VA · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

Respect, Hyatt associates are inspired by the team's spirit and camaraderie given to one another ... The goal of the Sous Chef is to manage a specific department and work with the Executive Chefto ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Respect, Hyatt associates are inspired by the team's spirit and camaraderie given to one another ... The goal of the Sous Chef is to manage a specific department and work with the Executive Chef and ...

Sous Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Respect, Hyatt associates are inspired by the team's spirit and camaraderie given to one another ... The goal of the Sous Chef is to manage a specific department and work with the Executive Chef and ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Job Summary Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced, hospitality-focused Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at our premier corporate dining account with CoStar Group. This is an ...

SOUS CHEF

Arlington, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes ... Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Job Summary Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced, hospitality-focused Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at our premier corporate dining account with CoStar Group. This is an ...

SOUS CHEF

Arlington, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes ... Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary ...

SOUS CHEF

Arlington, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes ... Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Job Summary Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced, hospitality-focused Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at our premier corporate dining account with CoStar Group. This is an ...

SOUS CHEF

Arlington, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes ... Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary ...

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering ... Helps Executive Chef prepare and cook foods. Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service ...

Banquet Sous Chef

Reston, VA · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

At Hyatt, we believe our guests select Hyatt because of our caring and attentive associates who are ... The goal of the Sous Chef is to manage a specific department and work with the Executive Chef to ...

Chef Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Chef Manager Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Annual Performance Bonus ... Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA Click here to Learn More about the Compass ...

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Associate Chef information

See Sandy Spring, MD salary details

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How much do associate chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate chef in Sandy Spring, MD is $16.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $17.84 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 cities near Sandy Spring, MD are hiring for Associate Chef jobs?

Cities near Sandy Spring, MD with the most Associate Chef job openings:

Executive Chef

Restaurant Associates

Arlington, VA • On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Restaurant Associates rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 238 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 68 rated caterers


Job description

Position Title: Executive Chef 

Salary: $85,000 - $95,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Annual Performance Bonus Opportunity (Up to 20% of Base Salary) 

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice AwardsBest Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary
Restaurant Associates is seeking an experienced, hospitality-focused Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at our premier corporate dining account with CoStar Group. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who is passionate about food, hospitality, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
 
The Executive Chef will oversee a high-volume café, as well as catering and coffee bar operations. Beyond culinary excellence, this role requires a visible and engaging leader who enjoys interacting with guests, building client relationships, and creating memorable dining experiences.
 
The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic corporate environment, balancing day-to-day operations with elevated hospitality standards and executive-level events. This role offers significant visibility with senior leadership at CoStar, including support for executive gatherings and events hosted by the CEO. The Executive Chef should be comfortable operating in a client-facing environment, engaging with guests, and delivering elevated hospitality experiences.
 
While the primary schedule is Monday through Friday, flexibility is important as occasional evening and after-hours events are a regular part of the operation. Success in this role requires a hospitality-first mindset, executive presence, and a willingness to step beyond the kitchen to help create memorable experiences for employees, clients, and leadership.
 
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead all culinary operations for a high-volume corporate dining program.
  • Oversee daily café service, catering operations, and coffee bar offerings.
  • Plan regular and modified menus in accordance with client expectations, company standards, and culinary trends.
  • Ensure consistent quality, presentation, portion control, and execution of all food offerings.
  • Follow and enforce standardized recipes, production procedures, and food presentation standards.
  • Complete and utilize production worksheets and waste logs to support operational efficiency.
  • Taste completed meals and monitor quality throughout service.
  • Maintain a hands-on leadership presence in both kitchen and guest-facing environments.
  • Partner closely with client leadership and onsite teams to deliver an exceptional hospitality experience.
  • Support executive functions, VIP receptions, and CEO-hosted events, including occasional evening engagements.
  • Train, coach, and develop culinary team members on food preparation, equipment usage, food safety, sanitation, and company standards.
  • Establish and maintain cleaning, maintenance, and sanitation schedules for kitchen equipment, storage areas, and workspaces.
  • Manage food and non-food inventories while maintaining financial and operational objectives.
  • Monitor food safety, sanitation, maintenance, and compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Utilize inventory controls, waste reduction strategies, and production planning tools to drive operational excellence.
  • Participate in client engagement initiatives, satisfaction programs, department meetings, and professional development opportunities.
What We're Looking For
  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Progressive culinary leadership experience in corporate dining, restaurants, hospitality, hotels, or catering environments.
  • Experience leading high-volume and complex foodservice operations.
  • Strong catering and special event execution experience.
  • Institutional or batch cooking experience is a plus.
  • Demonstrated success developing and leading culinary teams.
  • Hands-on chef experience with a commitment to food quality and innovation.
  • Knowledge of food trends, menu planning, cost controls, sanitation, and production management.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, email, and related business technology tools.
  • ServSafe Certification preferred.
  • Experience participating in client satisfaction and hospitality-focused initiatives.

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

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. 

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

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

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_RA.pdf

Req ID:  1559758

Restaurant Associates 

Michael Abbey 

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What Restaurant Associates employees say

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About Restaurant Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A chef-driven company with a mission to deliver hospitality excellence. Since the very beginning, we’ve delivered culinary quality and innovation coupled with unparalleled hospitality to some of the most recognizable companies, institutions, and brands in the world. At R/A, food is inspiration. Our reputation is built on our ability to continuously evolve and innovate. Our work goes beyond the excellence of our food and hospitality. It extends to industry-best wellness and sustainability practices and a commitment to integrating human-centered technology.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US