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Cook Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Renaissance Des Moines

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Supervise all cooking operations including methods, portioning, and garnishing. Assist in planning ... Train and develop Sous Chefs to manage department budgets, schedule and supervise line cooks, prep ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Pantry Chef

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Pantry Cook portions, prepares, and assembles all cold food items (salads, cold appetizers, and hot/cold desserts) offered in the ...

Asbury Village

Sous Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$45K - $64K/yr

... Chef to join our team ... This position is responsible for full-scope, hands on production cooking in the Community Culinary ...

StepStone Hospitality Inc.

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

What will be expected of you as an Executive Chef: · Schedule all associates adhering to labor standards guidelines and maintain adequate staffing levels. · Supervise all cooking operations ...

StepStone Hospitality

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

What will be expected of you as an Executive Chef: • Schedule all associates adhering to labor standards guidelines and maintain adequate staffing levels. • Supervise all cooking operations ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$21/hr

Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef. Essential Duties and ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Waterloo, IA

$21/hr

Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef. Essential Duties and ...

Compass Group

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Waterloo, IA

$21/hr

Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef. Essential Duties and ...

Eurest

SOUS CHEF (FULL TIME)

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$21/hr

Coordinates activities of cooks and other food-service associates. Assumes responsibility for kitchen and food-service associates in the absence of Executive Chef. Essential Duties and ...

Big Grove Brewery

Sous Chef-Des Moines

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Provide guidance on cooking techniques, food preparation, and presentation. * Create Back of House schedule that achieves labor cost goals * On a daily basis- Ensure pre and post shift tasks are ...

The Outing Club

Sous Chef and Lead Cooks

Davenport, IA

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

Seeking experienced line cooks and sous chef for private club. This is a hands on position who leads by example and assists in the day-to-day operation. must posses excellent people skills and ...

The Outing Club

Sous Chef and Lead Cooks

Davenport, IA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

Seeking experienced line cooks and sous chef for private club. This is a hands on position who leads by example and assists in the day-to-day operation. must posses excellent people skills and ...

Elmcrest Country Club

Line Cook

Cedar Rapids, IA

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

You will work closely with our Executive Chef and Sous Chefs to keep the plates looking sharp and ... Prepare and cook items on the menu to order for a la carte service while maintaining speed and ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Saute Cook

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Under the direction of the Executive Chef or Manager-on-Duty, the Side Cook cooks all potatoes, vegetables and hot appetizer items prepared in the restaurant and accomplishes all food preparation ...

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All JobsCook Chef JobsCook Chef Jobs in Iowa

Cook Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$15

$20

How much do cook chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cook chef in Iowa is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Cook Chefs in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Cook Chefs often encounter challenges such as managing time efficiently during busy shifts, maintaining consistency in food quality, and adapting to last-minute changes in orders or menu items. In a fast-paced kitchen, multitasking and clear communication with team members are essential to ensure that meals are prepared correctly and delivered promptly. Handling stress and staying organized under pressure are key skills that help chefs thrive and maintain a positive work atmosphere.

What is the difference between Cook Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectCook ChefLine Cook
CredentialsBasic culinary training, certifications varySimilar culinary training, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotelsKitchen stations within restaurants, fast-paced environments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly in hospitality and food serviceCommonly used in restaurants, catering, and hotels
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for career progressionCompared for entry-level or specialized roles

The main difference between a Cook Chef and a Line Cook lies in their roles and responsibilities. A Cook Chef typically oversees kitchen operations, menu planning, and supervises staff, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes at a designated station. Both roles require culinary skills and certifications, but the Cook Chef often has more experience and responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right position for their skills and career goals.

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

To thrive as a Cook Chef, you need strong culinary skills, knowledge of food safety standards, and often a culinary degree or relevant kitchen experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, point-of-sale systems, and certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure high-quality food preparation, smooth kitchen operations, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

What are Cook Chefs?

Cook Chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants, hotels, or other dining establishments. They may handle a variety of tasks including recipe creation, ingredient preparation, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Cook Chefs often work under the supervision of a head chef or may lead a kitchen team themselves, depending on their experience and the size of the establishment. Their role is essential in delivering quality meals and maintaining kitchen efficiency.
What job categories do people searching Cook Chef jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Cook Chef jobs in Iowa are:
Cook Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cook Chef job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $31,315 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Executive Chef

Renaissance Des Moines

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description

The beautiful and historic Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel is currently seeking a dynamic, experienced and motivated individual for the position of Executive Chef at our StepStone Hospitality managed hotel. This candidate should demonstrate excellent organizational & communication skills, a strong proficiency in multi-tasking with exceptional hospitality and guest service skills.     


What will be expected of you as an Executive Chef:

Schedule all associates adhering to labor standards guidelines and maintain adequate staffing levels.

Supervise all cooking operations including methods, portioning, and garnishing.

Assist in planning meals and developing menus.

Requisition food and equipment by giving specifications, quantities, and quality descriptions.

Ensure attractive presentation of all food dishes.

Maintain health and sanitation standards.

Plan and control departmental budget, plan long term and short-term business objectives.

Achieve budgeted revenues and expenses and maximize profitability.

Contribute to guest satisfaction perception of culinary department and other hotel departments.

Develop short- and long-term financial and operational plans for the restaurant that relate to the overall objectives of the hotel.

Increase level of guest satisfaction by delivery of an exceptional product through associate development. 

Manage in compliance with Federal, state, local, and StepStone regulations and standards. 

Maintain and correct procedures for inventory control.

Ability to accurately use various office and accounting software.

Train and develop Sous Chefs to manage department budgets, schedule and supervise line cooks, prep. cooks and stewards.

Interview, hire and train associates, determine/approve pay increases, conduct performance reviews, counseling, discipline and                   recommend for promotion or termination. Ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to; seek guidance of Human Resources when needed.

Formulate and implement policies and procedures and determine when to deviate from standard policy.

Flexible to work a varied schedule due to business levels and industry demand. 

Follow all safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment. 

Maintain uniform and grooming standards as outlined in associate handbook and departmental training. 

Direct all food production.

Ensure that all associates attend a monthly meeting to communicate and define new policies and procedures. Assure documentation of meeting minutes and monitors topics to assure a safety related issue is discussed at each meeting.

Assign one associate to attend monthly Life Safety Committee Meeting. Monitor to ensure information from this meeting are being presented and documented at department's monthly meetings with documentation forwarded to Security Manager.

Develop and implement quarterly menu development for all meal periods and create customer menus for special events.

Assist with weekly invoice review. 

Requirements

  Minimum lifting of 50 pounds.

Pushing, bending, stooping, upward reaching, manual dexterity.

Hearing, writing, typing.

Minimum pulling of 50 pounds.

Other duties may be assigned.   

Must have a comprehensive knowledge of all hotel departments and functions.

Must have a comprehensive knowledge of applicable Federal, state, and local health, safety, and legal regulations.

Must have exceptional mathematical and computer skills.

High school education and relevant training and experience required. Additional education is preferred.

Ability to timely obtain any required licenses or certificates.

CPR training required; first aid training preferred.

Additional language ability preferred.

 
 Stepstone Hospitality and the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel are Equal Opportunity Employers - EOE/M/F/D/V 

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