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Chef Partner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Head Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $86,417.73 ... As a trusted partner to the nation's leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of ...

Floor Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

JOB OVERVIEW Under the guidance of the Chef/Partner and Director of Operations, take on key responsibilities to ensure exceptional guest service, foster a high-performance culture among management ...

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At ... Partner with the National Culinary Director to roll out culinary strategies, seasonal programs, and ...

SOUS CHEF

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

Serving as the bridge between kitchen production and event execution, this role partners closely with the Chef de Cuisine and Executive Chef to prepare culinary teams for success, oversee assigned ...

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At ... Partner with the National Culinary Director to roll out culinary strategies, seasonal programs, and ...

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At ... Partner with the National Culinary Director to roll out culinary strategies, seasonal programs, and ...

Portfolio Project Chef Salary: 135,000-150,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At ... Partner with the National Culinary Director to roll out culinary strategies, seasonal programs, and ...

Santa Maria Program Chef Location: Santa Maria, CA Compensation: $70,400 plus full benefits ... About Our Partnership With SMJUHSD: Located in northern Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Joint ...

Santa Maria Program Chef Location: Santa Maria, CA Compensation: $70,400 plus full benefits ... About Our Partnership With SMJUHSD: Located in northern Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Joint ...

Head Chef Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $86,417.73 ... As a trusted partner to the nation's leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of ...

The Chef is responsible for developing meal plans, preparing and cooking meals for the sorority ... while partnering with the House Director. Observes all sanitation regulations regarding food ...

As part of this partnership, the Brigaid Chef will provide hands-on culinary, operational, and ... training support to advance the district's foodservice goals, including: * Supporting the district ...

Sous Chef

Oakville, CA · On-site

$30 - $37.50/hr

This position partners closely with the Executive Chef to lead daily culinary operations, mentor the kitchen team, execute world-class winery events, and ensure every guest experience reflects our ...

The Chef is responsible for developing meal plans, preparing and cooking meals for the sorority ... while partnering with the House Director. Observes all sanitation regulations regarding food ...

Sous Chef

Oakville, CA · On-site

$30 - $37.50/hr

This position partners closely with the Executive Chef to lead daily culinary operations, mentor the kitchen team, execute world-class winery events, and ensure every guest experience reflects our ...

Showing results 41-60

Chef Partner information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do chef partner jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef partner in California is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a chef partner balance culinary creativity with business management responsibilities?

A Chef Partner plays a dual role that requires both culinary expertise and strong business acumen. On a typical day, you’ll be designing menus, overseeing kitchen operations, and ensuring food quality, while also managing budgets, inventory, and staff training. Balancing these responsibilities often means delegating effectively and staying organized to meet both creative and operational goals. Collaboration with other partners and front-of-house managers is essential to align the kitchen’s output with the restaurant’s overall vision and profitability.

What is the difference between Chef Partner vs Chef?

AspectChef PartnerChef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesCooking certifications, culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentPartnership roles, collaborative kitchensKitchen staff, culinary establishments
Employer & Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, hospitality businessesRestaurants, hotels, food services
Search & Comparison IntentPartnership roles, business collaborationsCooking skills, culinary jobs

While both Chef Partner and Chef require culinary expertise and certifications, Chef Partner typically refers to a collaborative or business partnership role in the culinary industry, often involving shared ownership or strategic involvement. A Chef is generally a culinary professional focused on cooking and kitchen operations. The main difference lies in the role's scope: Chef Partners are involved in business decisions and partnerships, whereas Chefs focus on culinary creation and kitchen management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef partner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chef Partner, you need expertise in culinary techniques, menu development, and kitchen operations management, often supported by formal culinary training or equivalent experience. Familiarity with inventory management systems, point-of-sale (POS) software, and food safety certifications is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and strong communication skills set top Chef Partners apart by fostering team motivation and customer satisfaction. These competencies are crucial for ensuring high-quality dishes, efficient kitchen operations, and the overall success of the restaurant.

What is a chef partner?

Chef Partners are experienced culinary professionals who not only manage kitchen operations but also hold a stake in the ownership or leadership of a restaurant or food business. They are responsible for menu development, staff management, food quality, and often strategic business decisions. Unlike traditional head chefs, Chef Partners are involved in both the creative and business aspects of a restaurant, contributing to its overall success and direction. This dual role allows them to influence the culinary vision while also sharing in the financial outcomes of the business.
What are popular job titles related to Chef Partner jobs in California? For Chef Partner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Chef Partner jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Chef Partner jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Chef Partner jobs? Cities in California with the most Chef Partner job openings:
Infographic showing various Chef Partner job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

$86K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


LSG Group rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

329th of 359 rated logistics


Job description

Job Title: Head Chef
Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626
Work Location Type: On-Site
Salary Range: $86,417.73 - 108,021.41

About us
Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.
The Opportunity

The Head Chef plays a vital leadership role at SkyChefs, helping drive a culture built on teamwork, excellence, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to our airline customers. Working closely with the Executive Chef, the Head Chef helps lead daily kitchen operations, supports and develops culinary teams, and ensures the highest standards of food quality, safety, and consistency. When the Executive Chef is away, the Head Chef seamlessly steps in to lead the operation, ensuring business continuity and a positive team environment. This role also serves as the primary leader for Sous Chefs, providing coaching, guidance, and support while fostering a collaborative workplace where employees can grow and succeed. For someone passionate about food, people, and operational excellence, the Head Chef role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage starting Day 1
• Employer‑paid life insurance and AD&D benefits
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Free meals and parking
• Career growth opportunities with a global organization

How You'll Make a Difference

In this role, you will:

  • Lead and support hot and cold food production teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Ensure recipes, food quality standards, and presentation expectations are consistently met.
  • Monitor production levels, inventory, and food supplies to keep operations running smoothly and efficiently.
  • Partner with culinary leaders to develop new menu items and bring fresh ideas and food trends into the operation.
  • Help resolve customer concerns by identifying solutions and driving continuous improvement.
  • Coach, train, and develop kitchen team members to build skills, confidence, and career growth.
  • Support menu tastings, presentations, and special events for internal and customer audiences.
  • Maintain organized food storage areas and ensure proper product rotation to minimize waste.
  • Champion food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards at all times.
  • Verify the quality of ingredients and products received from suppliers.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture that reflects Sky Chefs' values.
  • Help manage labor, food, and operational costs while supporting efficiency and productivity goals.
  • Encourage innovation and continuous improvement by identifying new ideas, best practices, and opportunities to enhance the guest experience.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support quality initiatives, employee engagement, and operational excellence.
What You Bring to the Table
  • Five years of experience in commercial cooking.
  • Apprenticeship or Graduation from an accredited culinary school
  • Additional certifications (e.g. diet chef, industrial chef, design chef,) or equivalent professional experience preferred
  • Certification with the American Culinary Federation a plus
  • Knowledge of food and hygiene regulations (example: HACCP)
  • Good communication and organizational skills
  • Service orientation
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications

SkyChefs is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Women/Minorities/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.


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