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Chef Partner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Work in partnership with the rest of the Food & Beverage management team to execute daily ... Minimum 2 years as Sous Chef in a fast-paced kitchen, upscale high-volume restaurant * Experienced ...

$70K - $73K/yr

Work in partnership with the rest of the Food & Beverage management team to execute daily ... Minimum 2 years as Sous Chef in a fast-paced kitchen, upscale high-volume restaurant * Experienced ...

Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$29/hr

... partnering with the Executive Chef to uphold and enhance quality standards. In their absence, the Sous Chef may oversee the entire kitchen operation. Responsibilities include: * Support senior ...

Executive Chef/Chef

Long Beach, CA

$78K - $107K/yr

As the Executive Chef, you will be partnered with the General Manager and serve as an integral member of our leadership team. You will be the expert on kitchen operations from ordering, to ...

Executive Chef/Chef

San Diego, CA

$75K - $104K/yr

As the Executive Chef, you will be partnered with the General Manager and serve as an integral member of our leadership team. You will be the expert on kitchen operations from ordering, to ...

Works in partnership with the House Captain and House Chef to provide seamless service to our guests. Follows recipes and menus as established by the House Chef and Culinary Director. Maintains ...

New

Partner with Chefs to manage food costs and maintain inventory aligned with Quince COGS goals Culinary Development * Participate in menu development, tastings, and recipe refinement under the ...

JOB OVERVIEW Under the guidance of Chef Partner, Chef de Cuisine and Sous Chef team, oversee and participate in the efficient and sanitary cleaning of all dishware, cookware, utensils, and kitchen ...

Executive Chef/Chef

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

As the Executive Chef, you will be partnered with the General Manager and serve as an integral member of our leadership team. You will be the expert on kitchen operations from ordering, to ...

Sous Chef

Napa, CA · On-site

$29/hr

... partnering with the Executive Chef to uphold and enhance quality standards. In their absence, the Sous Chef may oversee the entire kitchen operation. Responsibilities include: * Support senior ...

Executive Chef/Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$77K - $106K/yr

As the Executive Chef, you will be partnered with the General Manager and serve as an integral member of our leadership team. You will be the expert on kitchen operations from ordering, to ...

Sous Chef

Riverside, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Partner with KM/Chef or General Manager to address and resolve disciplinary issues as appropriate. Foster a team work environment. * Ensure that our product quality, freshness, and presentation are ...

Executive Chef/Chef

San Diego, CA

$75K - $104K/yr

As the Executive Chef, you will be partnered with the General Manager and serve as an integral member of our leadership team. You will be the expert on kitchen operations from ordering, to ...

Executive Sous Chef

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Partner with the Executive Chef to train BOH staff, with emphasis on Japanese cuisine, sushi preparation, knife skills, fish handling, and presentation * Support culinary systems with the Executive ...

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Showing results 1-20

Chef Partner information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do chef partner jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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's a good career change for a chef?

A chef partner can transition into roles such as food service manager, culinary instructor, or food product developer, leveraging skills in kitchen management, food safety, and recipe development. Other options include hospitality management, catering business ownership, or food consulting, often requiring relevant certifications or business knowledge.

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 is a chef partner?

A chef partner is a culinary professional who collaborates with a restaurant or food business, often sharing ownership or responsibilities. They typically bring specialized cooking skills, may participate in menu development, and work closely with management to ensure quality and consistency in food service.

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.

How to make side money as a chef?

Chefs can make side money by offering private cooking classes, catering events, or selling homemade food products. Building a strong reputation and utilizing social media can help attract clients for these additional income streams.

What is the highest paid chef position?

The highest paid chef position is typically Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine, especially in high-end restaurants or luxury hotels, with salaries reaching six figures or more. Executive chefs oversee kitchen operations, manage staff, and develop menus, often requiring extensive experience and culinary certifications.

What are Chef Partners?

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 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Kettner Exchange is currently seeking a Sous Chef with the ability to support, lead, and inspire the kitchen team. This includes but not limited:

  • Ordering and inventory support.
  • Support the Chef De Cuisine in daily tasks.
  • Consistently uphold and monitor the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation to ensure all areas are kept clean, safe and code compliant.
  • Adheres to new COVID-19 sanitary guidelines.
  • Complete any additional tasks as assigned by the Chef or GM.
  • Work in partnership with the rest of the Food & Beverage management team to execute daily priorities.
  • Constantly communicate with GM and CDC to keep record of staff, training, service, and food issues dealt with during shift.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum 2 years as Sous Chef in a fast-paced kitchen, upscale high-volume restaurant
  • Experienced and able to expedite an average of 350 covers dinner service
  • Oversee food production at all stations, assisting line cooks, as needed
  • Demonstrated strong leadership and teamwork skills and abilities
  • Capability to teach and mentor others
  • Must be able to stand for 10+ hours
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds
  • Reliable and predictable attendance
  • Food Handlers Card / ServSafe Certification
  • College degree/Culinary school degree preferred, but not necessary

Ideal candidate will have stable tenures, strong attention to detail, track record of mentorship and managing teams under pressure and passion.