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Chefs Head Cooks Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gecko Hospitality

Head Chef

Temecula, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

HEAD CHEF Temecula, California About the Opportunity A well regarded winery destination in Temecula ... Help train, coach, and motivate line cooks and prep team members * Ensure efficient ticket times ...

LSG Sky Chefs

Head Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

This role also serves as the primary leader for Sous Chefs, providing coaching, guidance, and ... Five years of experience in commercial cooking. * Apprenticeship or Graduation from an accredited ...

Clair Tappaan Lodge

Cook-Head Cook

Norden, CA · On-site

Head Cook Clair Tappaan Lodge is looking for a creative cook to enhance the lodge's culinary ... Collaborate with chefs and other team members to coordinate tasks and maintain a smooth kitchen ...

Clair Tappaan Lodge

Cook-Head Cook

CA · On-site

Head Cook Clair Tappaan Lodge is looking for a creative cook to enhance the lodge's culinary ... Collaborate with chefs and other team members to coordinate tasks and maintain a smooth kitchen ...

Clair Tappaan Lodge

Cook-Head Cook

Norden, CA · On-site

Head Cook Clair Tappaan Lodge is looking for a creative cook to enhance the lodge's culinary ... Collaborate with chefs and other team members to coordinate tasks and maintain a smooth kitchen ...

Clair Tappaan Lodge

Cook-Head Cook

Norden, CA

Head Cook Clair Tappaan Lodge is looking for a creative cook to enhance the lodge's culinary ... Collaborate with chefs and other team members to coordinate tasks and maintain a smooth kitchen ...

Clair Tappaan Lodge

Cook-Head Cook

Norden, CA · On-site

Head Cook Clair Tappaan Lodge is looking for a creative cook to enhance the lodge's culinary ... Collaborate with chefs and other team members to coordinate tasks and maintain a smooth kitchen ...

Serenite Hospitality

Head Chef

Groveland, CA · On-site

Responsibilities: - Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and ... Head Chef or similar role - In-depth knowledge of kitchen operations and food preparation ...

Serenite Hospitality

Head Chef

Fish Camp, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Description: Head Chef We are seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary ... Key Responsibilities: - Lead and manage the kitchen team, including chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff ...

The Commissary

Head Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24/hr

... to be the Head Chef of the Commissary Kitchen for Il Parco. Required to know the norms and ... The candidate should know various cooking styles and techniques, with a focus on Italian. Among ...

The Commissary

Head Cook

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$24/hr

... to be the Head Chef of the Commissary Kitchen for Il Parco. Required to know the norms and ... The candidate should know various cooking styles and techniques, with a focus on Italian. Among ...

Communal Cafe

Head Chef

Nevada City, CA

$25/hr

Lead the Culinary Charge as Head Cook/BOH Manager at Communal Cafe! Are you a seasoned culinary professional with a passion for creating exceptional food and leading a dynamic team? Communal Cafe ...

SDHR Consulting

Head Chef

San Diego, CA

$71K/hr

Supervises approximately 10-14 prep cooks Lead the Kitchen. Develop the Team. Set the Standard. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef to take ownership of our kitchen and lead a ...

DM Estate Staffing

Head Chef

San Francisco, CA

$160K - $175K/yr

Occasionally cook for visiting family members and house guests * Collaborate with household staff ... chefs, household leaders, and more. That lived experience is what sets us apart. We don't just ...

Domestic | Match

Head Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $175K/yr

Occasionally cook for visiting family members and house guests * Collaborate with household staff ... chefs, household leaders, and more. That lived experience is what sets us apart. We don't just ...

Domestic | Match

Head Chef

San Francisco, CA

$160K - $175K/yr

Occasionally cook for visiting family members and house guests * Collaborate with household staff ... chefs, household leaders, and more. That lived experience is what sets us apart. We don't just ...

SkyChefs

Head Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

This role also serves as the primary leader for Sous Chefs, providing coaching, guidance, and ... Five years of experience in commercial cooking. * Apprenticeship or Graduation from an accredited ...

Gmj Garcia Inc

Head Chef

Whittier, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

looking for a head chef with minimum 2 plus years of experience with a positive attitude, passion for cooking, willingness to learn, get along with others. Skills: Food preparation, Safe food ...

Gmj Garcia Inc

Head Chef

Whittier, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

looking for a head chef with minimum 2 plus years of experience with a positive attitude, passion for cooking, willingness to learn, get along with others. Skills: Food preparation, Safe food ...

Gmj Garcia Inc

Head Chef

Whittier, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Employee discounts looking for a head chef with minimum 2 plus years of experience with a positive attitude, passion for cooking, willingness to learn, get along with others. Skills: Food preparation ...

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All JobsChefs Head Cooks JobsChefs Head Cooks Jobs in California

Chefs Head Cooks information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$63.2K

$93.8K

How much do chefs head cooks jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for chefs head cooks in California is $63,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chef or head cook?

Chefs and Head Cooks are culinary professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of kitchens in restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments. They create menus, supervise kitchen staff, ensure food quality and safety standards, and manage inventory and budgets. In addition to cooking, they often train new staff, maintain cleanliness, and may be involved in hiring decisions. Their leadership is crucial to delivering high-quality meals and ensuring a smooth kitchen workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef or head cook?

To thrive as a Chef or Head Cook, you need advanced culinary skills, a solid understanding of food safety, and often a formal culinary degree or equivalent experience. Mastery of kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and relevant food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and the ability to work under pressure set top chefs apart. These skills ensure high-quality food production, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

How do chefs or head cooks typically manage and lead kitchen teams during busy service hours?

Head Chefs and Head Cooks play a crucial role in orchestrating kitchen operations, especially during peak service times. They coordinate with sous chefs, line cooks, and other kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation and delivery of dishes while maintaining quality standards. Effective communication, multitasking, and quick decision-making are essential for resolving issues, addressing special requests, and managing workflow. Successful Head Chefs foster a collaborative environment by delegating tasks based on team members’ strengths and providing guidance under pressure.

What is the difference between Chefs Head Cooks vs Sous Chefs?

AspectChefs Head CooksSous Chefs
CredentialsCooking experience, culinary training, certificationsSimilar credentials, often with additional experience
Work EnvironmentOversees kitchen operations, manages staffAssists head cooks, supervises kitchen stations
Industry UsageFound in restaurants, hotels, institutionsSupports head cooks in same settings

Chefs Head Cooks are responsible for managing kitchen operations and staff, while Sous Chefs assist in daily kitchen activities and support the head cook. Both roles require culinary experience and certifications, but the head cook holds a higher managerial position. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Chefs Head Cooks jobs in California?

For Chefs Head Cooks jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chefs Head Cooks jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Chefs Head Cooks jobs in California are:

Chefs Head Cooks jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chefs Head Cooks job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,156 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Head Chef

Temecula, CA • On-site

Gecko Hospitality
See more jobs at Gecko Hospitalityexternal

$75K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

HEAD CHEF

Temecula, California

About the Opportunity

A well regarded winery destination in Temecula is seeking a talented and hands on Head Chef to support the culinary operation of its Spanish fusion restaurant. This is a working chef position reporting directly to the Executive Chef and is ideal for a culinary leader who thrives in a polished yet approachable dining environment.

The restaurant delivers a Spanish inspired menu featuring flavorful classics, modern California fare with a twist, shareable plates, seasonal dishes, desserts, wine pairings, and craft beverages. The goal is to provide guests with a high quality food experience in an atmosphere of sophisticated comfort, hospitality, and consistency.

Position Summary

The Head Chef will play a key role in daily kitchen operations while working side by side with the team on the line and in prep. This individual will help execute the culinary vision of the Executive Chef, maintain food quality and presentation standards, support team development, and ensure smooth service in a mid volume restaurant setting.

This is a strong opportunity for a chef who is passionate about Spanish fusion cuisine, values teamwork, and takes pride in delivering a memorable guest experience through great food and strong kitchen leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in all back of house kitchen operations

• Work as a hands on culinary leader during prep and service

• Execute menu items consistently with attention to flavor, presentation, and quality

• Assist with ordering, inventory, prep systems, and product rotation

• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards throughout the kitchen

• Help train, coach, and motivate line cooks and prep team members

• Ensure efficient ticket times and proper execution during service

• Monitor quality and consistency of all dishes leaving the kitchen

• Assist with seasonal menu changes, specials, and recipe development

• Support labor and food cost control through proper prep, portioning, and waste management

• Maintain a positive and professional kitchen culture focused on teamwork and accountability

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or comparable culinary leadership role

• Strong working knowledge of kitchen operations in a full service restaurant environment

• Experience with Spanish, Mediterranean, California cuisine, or chef driven menus is highly preferred

• Ability to lead by example in a working chef capacity

• Strong communication, organization, and team development skills

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen best practices

• Ability to perform well in a fast paced, guest focused environment

• Dependable, detail oriented, and passionate about hospitality and culinary excellence

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary up to $75,000 - 80000

• Medical and dental benefits available after 3 months

• Sick pay

• Vacation

Why This Role Stands Out

• Opportunity to work in a scenic winery setting in Temecula

• Chef driven restaurant with a Spanish fusion culinary identity

• Strong guest experience focus with restaurant and patio dining

• Live music and a vibrant hospitality atmosphere

• Opportunity to grow under the leadership of an Executive Chef in a respected culinary environment