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Culinary Professional Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Lead the implementation of streamlined culinary systems that boost consistency and operational success. * Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.

New

Executive Chef 2

Rochester, NY · On-site

$64K - $100K/yr

Lead the implementation of streamlined culinary systems that boost consistency and operational success. * Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.

New

Tuition and/or professional certification reimbursement * Generous friends-and-family discounts at many of our hotels and resorts What will you do? * Supervise and lead the culinary team, ensuring ...

Executive Sous Chef

Pittsford, NY · On-site

$61K - $78K/yr

Develop culinary talent through hands-on coaching, skill building, and feedback while ensuring ... This team of security professionals is integral to and works in every facility and store in our ...

Successful candidates for this role will have previous experience working in a professional kitchen environment, with a strong desire to learn, to develop skills and work with the culinary leadership ...

Fine Dining Line Cook

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Free shift meals, professional culinary networking, and an advanced scratch kitchen environment. Key Responsibilities: * Prepare and cook menu items according to recipes and presentation standards.

As Executive Chef, you will oversee all back-of-house operations, driving culinary excellence ... Tuition and/or professional certification reimbursement * Generous friends-and-family discounts at ...

As Executive Chef, you will oversee all back-of-house operations, driving culinary excellence ... Tuition and/or professional certification reimbursement * Generous friends-and-family discounts at ...

Shift Leader

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

Shift Leader

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

Shift Leader

Webster, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

Shift Leader

Webster, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

Shift Leader

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of rich culinary tradition and a unique New ... Handle guest concerns professionally and support a positive dining experience * Train new team ...

Assistant Manager

Webster, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of culinary tradition and a unique New Orleans ... Resolve guest concerns quickly and professionally * Ensure food preparation meets Popeyes quality ...

Assistant Manager

Rochester, NY · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Join Popeyes, a beloved brand with over 50 years of culinary tradition and a unique New Orleans ... Resolve guest concerns quickly and professionally * Ensure food preparation meets Popeyes quality ...

Showing results 21-40

Culinary Professional information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$10

$17

$28

How much do culinary professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for culinary professional in Rochester, NY is $17.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a culinary professional?

A culinary professional is an individual trained in the art and science of preparing, cooking, and presenting food. This can include chefs, cooks, bakers, and others working in restaurants, hotels, catering, or other food service establishments. Culinary professionals are skilled in a variety of cooking techniques, food safety, kitchen management, and menu planning. They often work in fast-paced environments, requiring creativity, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Many pursue formal education at culinary schools, while others gain experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training.

What are some common challenges culinary professionals face in a fast-paced kitchen environment?

Culinary professionals often navigate challenges such as time management, maintaining consistency under pressure, and adapting to last-minute menu changes. Working in a bustling kitchen requires effective communication with team members and the ability to multitask without compromising food quality or safety standards. Additionally, long hours and physically demanding tasks are common, so resilience and a passion for the craft are essential for success and growth in this field.

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

To thrive as a Culinary Professional, you need a solid foundation in cooking techniques, food safety, and menu planning, typically supported by a culinary arts degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are commonly required. Creativity, teamwork, and attention to detail are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies ensure consistently high food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and exceptional dining experiences for guests.

What is the difference between Culinary Professional vs Chef?

AspectCulinary ProfessionalChef
CredentialsOften includes culinary certifications, food safety, and hospitality trainingTypically requires culinary school, apprenticeships, and culinary certifications
Work EnvironmentRestaurants, catering, food service, hospitality industryProfessional kitchens, restaurants, hotels, culinary establishments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly for food service roles in hospitality and cateringSpecific to kitchen leadership and culinary arts

The term "Culinary Professional" encompasses a wide range of food service roles, including cooks, food prep staff, and kitchen assistants, often with various certifications. A "Chef" is a specialized culinary professional who typically has formal culinary training and leads kitchen operations. While all chefs are culinary professionals, not all culinary professionals are chefs. The main difference lies in the scope of responsibilities and level of specialization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary jobs in Rochester, NY?

The most popular types of Culinary jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Culinary Professional jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Culinary Professional job openings:

Infographic showing various Culinary Professional job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,002 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

$64K - $100K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Executive Chef | Culinary Operations, Retail & Catering

About the job

Take on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You’ll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and crafting innovative menus that meet diverse client needs, all while building strong partnerships that elevate the dining experience.


Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

Pay Range: $64600 per year - $100430 per year

What’s in it for you

  • Lead the implementation of streamlined culinary systems that boost consistency and operational success.
  • Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.
  • Oversee procurement and purchasing to ensure top-quality ingredients and cost- effective sourcing.
  • Design menus that balance creativity with client preferences and nutritional standards.
  • Champion fresh, innovative culinary ideas that keep dining experiences exciting and relevant.
  • Cultivate meaningful relationships with clients through exceptional service and collaboration.
  • Play a key role in shaping culinary strategy and driving continuous improvement across your area.


What you’ll bring 

  • Extensive culinary expertise with a proven track record in high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environments.
  • Leadership and management skills, with experience mentoring teams and driving professional development.
  • Advanced menu planning abilities combined with a deep understanding of current culinary trends and client preferences.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proficiency in computer systems to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to implement processes independently that improve productivity and consistency.
  • ServSafe certification and solid working knowledge of HACCP principles to ensure food safety and compliance.


Requirements

  • Education Requirement: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • Management Experience: 1-3 years
  • Related Experience: 1-3 years


What we offer 

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include: 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs 

  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions 

  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays 

  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement 

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are 

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide. 

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form. 


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