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Certified Executive Chef Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

... executive dining rooms with on-site catering through vending innovations and more. Our company is ... ServSafe certified is a plus Apply to Eurest today! Eurest is a member of Compass Group USA Click ...

New

Eurest

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... executive dining rooms with on-site catering through vending innovations and more. Our company is ... ServSafe certified is a plus Apply to Eurest today! Eurest is a member of Compass Group USA Click ...

New

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... executive dining rooms with on-site catering through vending innovations and more. Our company is ... ServSafe certified is a plus Apply to Eurest today! Eurest is a member of Compass Group USA Click ...

New

Primrose Retirement Communities

Cook

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Helps the Dining Director/Executive Chef with inventory and ordering. * Maintains a clean and ... Sanitation Certified (ServSafe) or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire. * Must ...

All JobsCertified Chef JobsCertified Executive Chef JobsCertified Executive Chef Jobs in Decatur, IL

Certified Executive Chef information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$38.8K

$84.3K

$126.1K

How much do certified executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for certified executive chef in Decatur, IL is $84,277.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $95,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Certified Executive Chef vs Executive Chef?

CriteriaCertified Executive ChefExecutive Chef
CertificationsRequires certification from recognized culinary organizationsMay or may not hold formal certifications
Work EnvironmentHigh-end restaurants, hotels, culinary institutionsVaries from restaurants to catering services
Employer & Industry UsageOften preferred or required by employers for prestigeCommonly used title regardless of certification

The Certified Executive Chef designation emphasizes formal certification and recognized culinary expertise, often preferred by employers seeking verified credentials. An Executive Chef may or may not have certification but still holds a leadership role in the kitchen. Certification can enhance career prospects, but both roles involve overseeing kitchen operations and culinary staff.

Do Certified Executive Chefs get paid well?

Certified Executive Chefs typically earn competitive salaries that reflect their experience, skills, and the size and type of the establishment they work in. According to industry data, their pay can range from moderate to high, especially in upscale restaurants, hotels, or corporate settings. Certifications and leadership responsibilities often contribute to higher compensation levels.

What is a certified executive chef?

A Certified Executive Chef (CEC) is a professional chef who has earned formal certification from a recognized culinary organization, such as the American Culinary Federation (ACF). This designation demonstrates advanced culinary skills, leadership abilities, and management experience in professional kitchens. Certified Executive Chefs are responsible for overseeing kitchen staff, menu creation, food quality, and operational efficiency. Achieving this certification involves passing rigorous written and practical exams, as well as meeting experience and education requirements. The CEC credential is highly respected in the culinary industry and can open doors to leadership roles in restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified executive chef?

To thrive as a Certified Executive Chef, you need advanced culinary expertise, menu development skills, and a formal culinary degree or certification such as a Certified Executive Chef (CEC) credential. Mastery of kitchen management software, food safety systems, and inventory control tools is typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication set standout chefs apart in managing teams and delivering exceptional dining experiences. These skills are crucial for ensuring operational excellence, innovative cuisine, and high standards of food quality and safety.

What are some common challenges certified executive chefs face when managing kitchen staff, and how can these be addressed?

Certified Executive Chefs often face challenges such as maintaining effective communication with a diverse team, ensuring consistent food quality during busy service periods, and managing staff turnover. To address these, executive chefs typically implement thorough training programs, foster an open-door policy for feedback, and develop clear standard operating procedures. Building a positive kitchen culture through mentorship and recognition also plays a vital role in retaining talent and maintaining high performance.
What are popular job titles related to Certified Executive Chef jobs in Decatur, IL? For Certified Executive Chef jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Certified Executive Chef jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Certified Executive Chef jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Certified Executive Chef jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Certified Executive Chef job openings:
Certified Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Certified Executive Chef job openings in Decatur, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,277 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Compass Group

Decatur, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,087 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 481 rated business services

Job description

Position Title: CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL 

Salary: $60,000-$70,000

As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless opportunities. We feed the employees of the nation's largest and most-prestigious companies -- in every state and across all industries. As a member of Eurest's leadership and professional support team, you will help our 16,000 chefs, and in-unit associates excel as they deliver world-class meals in corporate cafes and executive dining rooms with on-site catering through vending innovations and more.

Our company is innovative, high performing and fast growing. Our teammates are enthusiastic, committed to quality and thrive on consistently delivering unparalleled results. And did we mention we work with exciting companies and at interesting locations? Come grow your career with Eurest.

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

Job Summary:

This is a Great Opportunity to join a great company. We are seeking a growth minded Chef Manager for our growing business. In this role you will be responsible for the success of both the culinary and food service operation. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Full culinary management of food service operation to include inventory, ordering and receiving
  • Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable
  • Proficient in menu development, cost controls, purchasing and inventory with a focus on sourcing and utilizing local food products
  • Possesses a passion for sustainability

Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Must have a working knowledge of HACCP
  • Three years of culinary management experience in contract foodservice, fine dining setting, or restaurant with inventory and purchasing knowledge and control
  • Extensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Experience with exposition cooking needed
  • Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable
  • ServSafe certified is a plus

Apply to Eurest today!

Eurest is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Eurest 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

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/2026/01/2026_Wage-Transparency_Eurest.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. 

Eurest maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

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