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Chef Jobs in Portland, MI (NOW HIRING)

Overview Join our culinary team as a Chef and play a key leadership role in delivering exceptional dining experiences. In this position, you will oversee daily kitchen operations, maintain high ...

Local Chef

Lansing, MI · On-site

$25/hr

OverviewJoin our culinary team as a Chef and play a key leadership role in delivering exceptional dining experiences. In this position, you will oversee daily kitchen operations, maintain high ...

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 Chef in successfully managing all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Required ...

Sous Chef

Grand Ledge, MI · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Sous Chef Independence Village Grand Ledge As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in successfully managing all aspects of the culinary and dining department.

Sous Chef

Grand Ledge, MI · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Sous Chef Independence Village Grand Ledge As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in successfully managing all aspects of the culinary and dining department.

Sous Chef

East Lansing, MI

$47K - $63K/yr

Sous Chef StoryPoint Abbot Park As a Sous Chef, you will be responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in successfully managing all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Required ...

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 Chef in successfully managing all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Required ...

Field Sous Chef

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country. The Field Sous Chef is a campus-wide culinary role designed to provide agile ...

Sous Chef

Lansing, MI · On-site

$25/hr

Job SummaryThe Sous Chef assists in overseeing food preparation and kitchen operations, ensuring the quality, presentation, and timely delivery of meals. This role supervises kitchen staff, supports ...

Sous Chef

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country. Sous Chefs are responsible for supporting the Head Chef in food preparation ...

Sous Chef

Lansing, MI · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Job Summary The Sous Chef assists in overseeing food preparation and kitchen operations, ensuring the quality, presentation, and timely delivery of meals. This role supervises kitchen staff, supports ...

Executive Chef

Grand Ledge, MI

$65K - $89K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Grand Ledge Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department.

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic leader to immediately hire to fill the role of Chef Manager in Jackson, MI. Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the ...

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic leader to immediately hire to fill the role of Chef Manager in Jackson, MI. Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the ...

Sous Chef

East Lansing, MI · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

We currently have a vacancy for a Sous Chef to work a Full Time schedule in our Bistro. Join our culinary team and make a resident's day by providing them with a flavorful quality meal. We produce a ...

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Chef information

See Portland, MI salary details

$8

$20

$36

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Portland, MI is $20.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chef do?

A chef is a professional cook who is responsible for preparing meals, developing menus, and overseeing kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. Chefs ensure food quality, safety, and presentation standards are met, and often manage other kitchen staff. Their duties may include ordering ingredients, maintaining inventory, and creating new recipes. Chefs may specialize in specific types of cuisine or cooking techniques. They play a key role in delivering a memorable dining experience.

What is the difference between Chef vs Cook?

AspectChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often preferredMinimal formal training, on-the-job experience common
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsVaries from home kitchens to restaurants, catering
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, quality controlFood preparation, cooking, basic kitchen tasks
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, culinary institutionsWidespread across all food service settings

While both chefs and cooks work in kitchens and prepare food, chefs typically have formal training, oversee kitchen operations, and work in professional or upscale environments. Cooks usually focus on food preparation and cooking tasks, often with less formal education, and work in a variety of settings. The role of a chef involves leadership and menu development, whereas a cook primarily executes recipes and prepares dishes.

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

To thrive as a Chef, you need strong culinary skills, creativity in menu development, and comprehensive knowledge of food safety standards, typically supported by culinary school training or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, recipe management software, and food hygiene certifications (such as ServSafe) is highly valuable. Exceptional organizational ability, teamwork, and leadership are critical soft skills for managing kitchen staff and maintaining a positive work environment. These competencies are essential for delivering high-quality dishes efficiently, ensuring kitchen safety, and running a successful culinary operation.

What are common challenges chefs face in maintaining consistency across dishes and shifts?

Chefs often encounter challenges in ensuring that every dish meets the restaurant’s quality and presentation standards, particularly when managing a team with varying skill levels or during busy service periods. Maintaining consistency requires strong communication, standardized recipes, and rigorous training for all kitchen staff. Additionally, chefs must monitor ingredient quality and adapt quickly to supply changes, all while leading by example to uphold the restaurant’s reputation. Overcoming these challenges is key to delivering a reliable dining experience and building trust with patrons.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Portland, MI?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Portland, MI are:

What cities near Portland, MI are hiring for Chef jobs?

Cities near Portland, MI with the most Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Portland, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,167 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Temporary

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Overview

Join our culinary team as a Chef and play a key leadership role in delivering exceptional dining experiences. In this position, you will oversee daily kitchen operations, maintain high standards of food quality and safety, and lead a team in a fast-paced healthcare food service environment. If you have strong leadership skills and a passion for culinary excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure high-quality food preparation and presentation.
  • Lead, train, and schedule kitchen staff to maintain an efficient and productive team.
  • Plan menus and oversee food production while maintaining consistency and quality.
  • Manage food costs, ordering, inventory, and budgeting.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health department standards.
  • Prepare and oversee therapeutic and modified diets when needed.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.

Requirements

  • 3–5+ years of Chef, Executive Chef, or Kitchen Manager experience.
  • Experience in senior living, healthcare, hospitals, hotels, or high-volume food service.
  • Strong leadership experience managing kitchen staff, scheduling, and training.
  • Experience with menu planning, food costs, ordering, inventory, and budgeting.
  • Knowledge of therapeutic and modified diets is preferred.
  • ServSafe Manager Certification preferred.
  • Organized, dependable, and committed to maintaining high food quality and health department standards.

Work Location

In person

Join us today to craft exceptional coffee experiences while advancing your career in a lively environment! We're dedicated to supporting your growth through comprehensive training and a positive team culture-apply now to become part of our dynamic café family!

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Work Location: In person