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Chef Jobs in West Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Applewood Retirement Living

Executive Chef

Amherst, MA · On-site

$61K - $75K/yr

Are you a talented Sous Chef ready to take the helm, or a culinary leader looking to marry your passion for food with a heart for community? This role is designed for an emerging leader who wants to ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Avon, CT · On-site

$26/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : Avon Old Farms School - 500 Old Farms Road, Avon, CT 06001. Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time ...

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Chef information

See West Springfield, MA salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for chef in West Springfield, MA is $24.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $30.91 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.
More about Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in West Springfield, MA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in West Springfield, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Chef jobs in West Springfield, MA? For Chef jobs in West Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near West Springfield, MA are hiring for Chef jobs? Cities near West Springfield, MA with the most Chef job openings:
Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chef job openings in West Springfield, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,044 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Executive Chef

Applewood Retirement Living

Amherst, MA • On-site

$61K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Full Time Salaried Position
Some weekend availability required.
Summary Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated Executive Chef to partner with our Dining Director. Are you a talented Sous Chef ready to take the helm, or a culinary leader looking to marry your passion for food with a heart for community? This role is designed for an emerging leader who wants to master the business side of hospitality while maintaining creative freedom over menu development and kitchen operations. You will be responsible for the daily management of the culinary team, ensuring food preparation and quality control consistently meet high standards.
The ideal candidate is a dedicated collaborator who is passionate about food, committed to exceeding resident expectations, and focused on building a high-performing kitchen team.
  • Mentorship & Growth: Collaborate directly with the Dining Director to sharpen your skills in budget management, labor strategy, and high-level hospitality leadership. You will play a key role in mentoring staff, fostering collaboration, and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential
  • Creative Autonomy: Lead the development of fresh, seasonal menu concepts in a 28-day cycle. You will be responsible for providing exceptional dining experiences for all customers, ensuring that culinary innovation remains a priority
  • Team Leadership: Lead efforts hiring, coaching, and inspiring a productive work environment built on mutual respect
  • Community Engagement: Interact directly with residents and participate in dining committees. You will see the immediate impact of your work through regular feedback and collaboration with those we serve
  • Operational Mastery: Partner with the Dining Director to oversee rigorous safety and sanitation standards, budget stewardship, and efficient supply chain management

Essential Functions
  • Complies with and enforces all departmental policies and procedures (includes, but not limited to-HACCP, mandatory in-services, safety regulations, timely corrective action, CARF/CCAC guidelines). Other duties may be assigned
  • Performs job functions in a manner consistent with the mission and goals of the Loomis Communities. Adheres to The Loomis Communities Compliance and Ethics Program
  • Demonstrates an awareness of, a respect for and attention to the diversity of the people with whom they interact (persons served, personnel, families/caregivers, and other stakeholders) that is reflected in attitudes, behavior and services
  • Provide all customers with efficient, professional and responsive service, while communicating with honesty, integrity and respect. Seeks customer feedback through regular interactions. Participates in the resident dining services committee meetings
  • Works harmoniously and cooperatively within a team structure. Collaborating with co-workers while remaining positive and respectful at all times. This includes coordination of resident and guest functions, activities and promotions. Oversees proper established sanitation guidelines are followed by team members
  • Performs assigned tasks while promoting resident rights and independence
  • Delivers quality services by performing advanced culinary tasks and menu management, while adhering to and establishing food safety requirements. Reviews menu cycle, follows recipes, tests product by taste, temperature, portion control and plate appeal. Proper receiving and storage of departmental supplies. Considers nutritional needs of the aging population, and utilizes Mediterranean diet concepts when developing menus
  • Promotes team building through hiring, leadership coaching, and training staff to cultivate a positive and productive work environment and ensures proper staffing levels, while working a flexible schedule when needed. Also, conducts new employee orientations and timely employee performance evaluations
  • Provides stewardship through management of the dining services budget related to purchasing and staffing

Qualifications
Required Education:
  • High School diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • Current ServSafe Sanitation Certification

Preferred Education:
  • Degree from accredited culinary school

Required Experience:
  • Minimum 3-5 years in comparable culinary position with supervisory responsibilities (Lead Line, Lead Sous, or Executive Chef)

Skills/Competencies:
  • Proficiency in menu design and Microsoft Office
  • Strong knowledge of HACCP and safety regulations
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
  • Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English
  • Ability to report to work regularly and promptly
  • Ability to work beyond normal hours when necessary

At Loomis Communities, we open doors to positive aging . Building on our proud traditions of integrity, security and hospitality, our vision is for Loomis to always be a vibrant, welcoming community, providing resources to maximize well-being and personal fulfillment; while sharing our talents and strengths with all those whose lives we touch.

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