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Associate Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harper Associates

District Chef

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$120K/yr

Up to $120K Base + 30% Bonus + Car Allowance Search Conducted by Harper Associates About the Opportunity We are seeking an experienced District Chef / Regional Culinary Leader to oversee culinary ...

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

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: $130,000 - $150,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Bonus Plan Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and ...

Restaurant Associates

Chef Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Chef Manager Salary: $80,000 - $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering ...

Restaurant Associates

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 ...

Benchmark Electronics, Inc.

Sous Chef

Lincoln, MA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Sous Chef - Full Time, days Join, stay, and grow with Benchmark. Connect with your calling. The ... Associate Referral Bonus Program * Physical & Mental Health Wellness Programs * 401k Retirement ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: $130,000 - $150,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Bonus Plan Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: $130,000 - $150,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Bonus Plan Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and ...

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 ...

Compass Group PLC

Chef

Parkville, MD · On-site

Chef $80,000 + 12% Super * Work in a unique environment, combining culinary skills with ... Restaurant Associates has an enviable track record, working with some of the most prestigious ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Brooklyn, NY

$80K - $90K/yr

Sous Chef Salary: $80,000 to $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Brooklyn, NY

$80K - $90K/yr

Sous Chef Salary: $80,000 to $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Sous Chef Salary: $80,000 to $90,000 Other Forms of Compensation ... Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading provider of dining and event catering ...

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

9SR- GRACE MANAGEMENT INC

Sous Chef

Suwanee, GA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The Sous Chef reports to the Dining Services Director. Essential Functions of the Sous Chef ... Attends all associate meetings including in-service education and associate functions, as requested ...

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Sous Chef

Carmel, CA · On-site

$75K - $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 ...

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Associate Chef information

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How much do associate chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate chef in the United States is $15.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $17.55 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 cities are hiring for Associate Chef jobs? Cities with the most Associate Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs? The most popular types of Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Associate Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Associate Chef jobs include:
Associate Chef jobs near you

District Chef

Harper Associates

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

District Chef | Regional Culinary Leader

Leadership Level: Director / Executive Leadership

Cincinnati, Ohio Based

Primarily Monday to Friday Schedule | No Late Nights

Approximately 30% Regional Travel

Salary: Up to $120K Base + 30% Bonus + Car Allowance

Search Conducted by Harper Associates

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced District Chef / Regional Culinary Leader to oversee culinary operations across multiple locations throughout the Cincinnati market.

This role is ideal for an accomplished Regional Executive Chef, Corporate Chef, or Multi-Unit Culinary Leader who thrives in large-scale, high-end culinary environments and is passionate about developing teams, elevating culinary standards, and driving innovation across multiple locations.

As District Chef, you will provide strategic culinary leadership, operational oversight, and hands-on coaching while ensuring consistency, food quality, safety, and financial performance across the region.

Ideal backgrounds include culinary leadership experience within luxury hotels or upscale multi-unit hospitality organizations.

Why Culinary Leaders Pursue This Role

  • Regional culinary leadership position with broad operational impact
  • Opportunity to mentor and develop chefs across multiple locations
  • Blend of strategy, training, and hands-on culinary leadership
  • High-visibility role within a leading foodservice organization
  • Career pathway toward Regional Executive Chef or Corporate Culinary leadership
  • Dynamic role combining culinary creativity with operational leadership

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide culinary leadership across the Cincinnati market, including approximately 30% travel between locations
  • Deliver training, operational oversight, and hands-on culinary support across multiple corporate dining accounts
  • Teach, mentor, and develop Executive Chefs and culinary teams
  • Drive culinary innovation and continuous improvement across all accounts
  • Support chefs in managing food cost controls, purchasing, and inventory management
  • Standardize recipes, production methods, and culinary execution across locations
  • Lead menu planning and culinary program development
  • Roll out new culinary initiatives in collaboration with company marketing and culinary leadership
  • Elevate culinary skill levels and operational performance throughout the region
  • Implement training programs ensuring consistent, high-quality food production
  • Develop strategies that enhance guest experience and client satisfaction
  • Ensure strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards

Preferred Qualifications

  • Culinary degree preferred
  • Minimum 5+ years of multi culinary management experience
  • At least 2 years of multi-site or regional culinary leadership experience
  • Background in high-volume production, banquet operations, conference centers, corporate dining, hotels, or large-scale foodservice
  • Proven success managing food cost controls and operational expenditures
  • Strong experience in culinary training, coaching, and leadership development
  • Ability to scale recipes, systems, and operational standards across multiple locations
  • Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
  • Passion for mentoring chefs and developing high-performing culinary teams
  • Desire to grow within a leading foodservice organization

Ideal Backgrounds Include:

Leadership experience within:

  • Corporate Dining & Contract Foodservice
  • Large Hotels & Convention Centers
  • Banquet & Catering Operations
  • Healthcare or Campus Dining
  • Multi-Unit Foodservice Organizations

Apply

Apply directly here or submit your resume confidentially to kevin@harperjobs.com.

Kevin Swanquist

Executive Recruiter | Harper Associates

kevin@harperjobs.com

www.harperjobs.com

248-737-0222