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Chef Helper Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

An established and well-respected restaurant group in the Birmingham area is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to help lead the next evolution of its culinary program. This opportunity is ideal for a ...

Sous Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Sullivans Steakhouse is hiring qualified applicants for Sous Chefs in your area. Submit your resume ... to help assure that financial goals are met Regularly creates unique dishes and menu items for ...

Sous Chef Location: Fenton, MI 48430 Job Overview We are seeking a skilled and motivated Sous Chef ... Help develop new menu items and recipes in collaboration with the culinary team. * Monitor ...

Banquet Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Help control food cost, waste, labor, and inventory * Collaborate with Banquet Operations and Catering teams to ensure flawless event execution Qualifications * 3-5+ years of Banquet Chef, Executive ...

Banquet Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Help control food cost, waste, labor, and inventory * Collaborate with Banquet Operations and Catering teams to ensure flawless event execution Qualifications * 3-5+ years of Banquet Chef, Executive ...

Sous Chef

Detroit, MI · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Description Sullivan's Steakhouse is hiring qualified applicants for Sous Chefs in your area ... to help assure that financial goals are met * Regularly creates unique dishes and menu items for ...

Sous Chef

Saint Joseph, MI · On-site

$85K/yr

  • PTO

Sous Chef | West Michigan Lake Shore | $70K-$85K Lead the Culinary Team at One of West Michigan ... Help manage food cost, labor, inventory, ordering, and kitchen productivity * Maintain a clean ...

Sous Chef

Auburn Hills, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Help troubleshoot operational challenges and recommend process improvements. Business & Financial Support * Support the Executive Chef in achieving food cost, labor cost, and waste management targets ...

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

Now Hiring: Sous Chef Dominos Farm, Ann Arbor Managed by Picasso Restaurant Group Picasso ... Help facilitate high-end, high-volume food production and service * Support execution of upscale ...

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$48K - $55K/yr

Now Hiring: Sous Chef Dominos Farm, Ann Arbor Managed by Picasso Restaurant Group Picasso ... Help facilitate high-end, high-volume food production and service * Support execution of upscale ...

Sous Chef

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for planning and directing food preparation in the kitchen ... Primary duties are to help with food creation, menu planning, inventory, purchasing and managing ...

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI

$48K - $66K/yr

Sous Chef Dominos Farm, Ann Arbor Managed byPicasso Restaurant Group Picasso Restaurant Group is ... Help facilitate high-end, high-volume food production and service * Support execution of upscale ...

Sous Chef

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Sous Chef will work alongside our Head Chef to ensure an enjoyable and memorable dining ... If food is your passion, and you think you can step up to the plate to help us to create once-in-a ...

Sous Chef

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for planning and directing food preparation in the kitchen ... Primary duties are to help with food creation, menu planning, inventory, purchasing and managing ...

Sous Chef

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for planning and directing food preparation in the kitchen ... Primary duties are to help with food creation, menu planning, inventory, purchasing and managing ...

Sous Chef

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef StoryPoint Abbot Park As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive ... This emphasis on putting people first has helped us successfully grow for the right reasons. We ...

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Chef Helper information

What are the typical daily tasks and challenges of a chef helper?

As a Chef Helper, your daily tasks typically include assisting with food preparation, maintaining cleanliness in the kitchen, organizing ingredients, and supporting chefs with basic cooking tasks. One common challenge is working efficiently in a fast-paced environment, especially during busy meal times. You'll also need to adapt quickly to changing priorities and follow strict food safety standards. Collaborating closely with chefs and other kitchen staff is essential to ensure smooth operations and timely meal preparation.

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

To thrive as a Chef Helper, you need basic food preparation skills, knowledge of kitchen hygiene, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kitchen appliances, food safety standards, and sometimes certifications like a Food Handler's Permit are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure kitchen operations run smoothly, food quality is maintained, and safety standards are upheld.

What is the difference between Chef Helper vs Kitchen Assistant?

AspectChef HelperKitchen Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; basic culinary training often preferredHigh school diploma; may require food safety certification
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsCommercial kitchens, catering services, restaurants
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in hospitality and food service industriesUsed interchangeably with Chef Helper in many settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with food prep, cleaning, basic cooking tasksSupporting kitchen staff, prep work, cleaning

Both Chef Helper and Kitchen Assistant roles involve supporting kitchen operations with food prep and cleaning. While their responsibilities are similar, 'Chef Helper' is often used in more formal culinary settings, whereas 'Kitchen Assistant' may be more common in casual or institutional environments. Both positions typically require basic food safety knowledge and a high school diploma.

How to become a chef helper?

To become a chef helper, typically no formal education is required, but previous experience in food preparation or kitchen work can be beneficial. Employers often look for basic cooking skills, ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Gaining experience through entry-level kitchen positions or culinary training programs can improve job prospects.

What does a chef helper do?

A chef helper assists in food preparation, such as chopping, measuring, and organizing ingredients, and supports the chef or kitchen staff with various tasks. They often work in fast-paced environments, follow safety and hygiene standards, and may need basic cooking skills or certifications. Their duties help ensure smooth kitchen operations and timely meal service.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Chef Helper job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Sous Chef- Downtown Detroit - up to $70k base!

Gecko Hospitality

Detroit, MI

$55K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

SOUS CHEF

FULL TIME

DETROIT, MI

$55k - $70k base


________________________________________________________________________


We are seeking a disciplined, hands-on Sous Chef in Detroit, MI to support daily kitchen operations, uphold culinary standards, and lead the BOH team with consistency and professionalism. This role is ideal for a Sous Chef who thrives in a high-volume, quality-driven environment and understands that execution, organization, and leadership are as important as creativity.

The Sous Chef will act as a key extension of the Executive Chef & Executive Sous Chef, helping ensure food quality, team accountability, and operational excellence across all services.


Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Execution

· Execute all menu items to our standards for quality, consistency, and presentation

· Lead daily service with confidence, urgency, and attention to detail

· Ensure all prep, stations, and service periods run smoothly and efficiently

· Maintain strict adherence to recipes, portioning, and plating standards

· Step into the role of acting Chef when the Executive Chef is not present


Leadership & Team Development

· Lead, train, and mentor line cooks and prep staff

· Hold BOH team accountable to standards, cleanliness, and professionalism

· Assist with onboarding and ongoing training of kitchen staff

· Foster a positive, disciplined, and respectful kitchen culture

· Communicate clearly with FOH leadership to support seamless service


Administrative & Systems Support

· Assist with ordering, inventory management, and food cost control

· Support scheduling and labor efficiency in collaboration with leadership

· Ensure proper food safety, sanitation, and health department compliance

· Participate in menu execution planning and feature rollouts

· Identify operational issues and proactively offer solutions


Qualifications

· Minimum 3–5 years of professional kitchen experience, including leadership or Sous Chef experience

· Strong line cook foundation with the ability to work all stations

· Experience in high-volume, scratch or semi-scratch kitchens preferred

· Proven leadership skills with the ability to coach and hold standards

· Food safety knowledge and ServSafe certification preferred (or willingness to obtain)

· Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required


What We’re Looking For

· A Sous Chef who leads by example and stays calm under pressure

· Someone who values structure, systems, and consistency

· A professional who understands hospitality extends beyond the plate

· A team player who takes ownership of the kitchen’s success

· A candidate interested in long-term growth, not just a job


Compensation & Pay Range

Annual Salary Range (Detroit / Southeast Michigan): $55,000 – $70,000

Final compensation is dependent on experience, culinary skill set, leadership ability, and performance. Candidates with strong execution in high-volume or upscale kitchens, and those who demonstrate reliability and leadership, may command compensation toward the higher end of the range or above.


Compensation & Benefits

· Competitive salary, commensurate with experience

· Performance-based growth opportunities

· Professional, standards-driven kitchen environment

· Opportunity to work closely with ownership and senior leadership


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