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Chef Jobs in Poway, CA (NOW HIRING)

Kettner Exchange

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

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.

Kettner Exchange

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

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.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Sous Chef

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$75 - $80/hr

The goal of the Sous Chef is to manage a specific department and work with the Executive Chef and/or Executive Sous Chef to create, implement and maintain quality standards. In some instances, the ...

Waverly

Sous Chef

Cardiff, CA · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

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.

Waverly

Sous Chef

Cardiff, CA · On-site

$70K - $73K/yr

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.

Joint Venture Restaurants

Sushi Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Sushi Chef ???? The Joint Sushi & Tapas - Ocean Beach, San Diego We're looking for an experienced Sushi Chef to join our tight-knit team at The Joint Sushi & Tapas. We pride ourselves on using very ...

Joint Venture Restaurants

Sushi Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Sushi Chef The Joint Sushi & Tapas - Ocean Beach, San Diego We're looking for an experienced Sushi Chef to join our tight-knit team at The Joint Sushi & Tapas. We pride ourselves on using very high ...

ClubCorp

Banquet Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

The Banquet Chef works closely with the Executive Chef and event staff to ensure the highest standards of food quality, service, and safety are met. This position requires creativity and ...

Invited

Banquet Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

The Banquet Chef works closely with the Executive Chef and event staff to ensure the highest standards of food quality, service, and safety are met. This position requires creativity and ...

Invited Clubs

Banquet Chef

San Diego, CA

The Banquet Chef works closely with the Executive Chef and event staff to ensure the highest standards of food quality, service, and safety are met. This position requires creativity and ...

KYTT LLC

sushi Chef

Poway, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Join Our Team as a Sushi Chef! Are you passionate about creating culinary masterpieces and have a love for sushi? We're looking for a Sushi Chef to join our team and bring fresh, delicious creations ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Redtail Catering

Sous Chef

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$52 - $70/hr

Join Our Culinary Team as a Sous Chef at Redtail Catering! Are you passionate about creating memorable dining experiences through exceptional food? At Redtail Catering, located in beautiful San ...

Redtail Catering

Sous Chef

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Join Our Culinary Team as a Sous Chef at Redtail Catering! Are you passionate about creating memorable dining experiences through exceptional food? At Redtail Catering, located in beautiful San ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

RB Sushi

Sushi - Chef

Rancho Bernardo, CA · On-site

Sushi Chef At this time RB Sushi is seeking enthusiastic individuals looking for long term employment for our Sushi Chef position and we are excited to offer a great work environment with generous ...

Ruth's Chris

Sous Chef

San Diego, CA

$65K - $77K/yr

Perform restaurant food preparation (daily raw prep, cooked prep and/or butchering) and work the cooks' line (as the Pantry, Broil, Sides Cook or Expediter) as scheduled by the restaurant Chef.

RB Sushi

Sushi - Chef

Rancho Bernardo, CA · On-site

Sushi Chef At this time RB Sushi is seeking enthusiastic individuals looking for long term employment for our Sushi Chef position and we are excited to offer a great work environment with generous ...

RMD Group

Executive Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Executive Chef Location: San Diego, CA Job Id: 162-1 # of Openings: 1 EXECUTIVE CHEF - RUSTIC ROOT (GASLAMP) Salary | Full-Time | $90,000-$120,000 We're seeking a strategic, hands‑on Executive Chef ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsChef JobsChef Jobs in Poway, CA

Chef information

See Poway, CA salary details

$10

$25

$45

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in Poway, CA is $25.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.21 and $31.73 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 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 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.

Is 25 too late to become a chef?

Becoming a chef at 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success in the culinary industry depends on skills, training, and experience, which can be gained through culinary schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training at any age.
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For Chef jobs in Poway, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Infographic showing various Chef job openings in Poway, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,401 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Sous Chef

Kettner Exchange

San Diego, CA • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

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.

Apply