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Department Head Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Chef

Appleton, WI · On-site

The department head responsible for the restaurant's kitchen. Ensures kitchens provide a safe, eye-appealing, properly flavored food. Maintains a safe and sanitary work environment for all employees.

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Department Head information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$7

$15

$33

How much do department head jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for department head in Appleton, WI is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.21 and $15.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a department head?

Department Heads are senior leaders in an organization who oversee a specific department or division. They are responsible for managing staff, setting goals, developing budgets, and ensuring that their department aligns with the overall objectives of the company or institution. Department Heads also play a key role in decision-making, resource allocation, and representing their teams in broader organizational discussions. Their leadership helps ensure efficiency, productivity, and a positive work environment within their department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a department head?

To thrive as a Department Head, you need strong leadership abilities, strategic planning skills, and relevant experience in the department’s field, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with project management software, budgeting tools, and performance evaluation systems is typically required. Excellent communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills help a Department Head inspire teams and manage diverse responsibilities. These skills are crucial for driving departmental success, aligning goals with organizational strategy, and fostering a productive work environment.

How does a department head typically collaborate with other departments to achieve organizational goals?

As a Department Head, cross-department collaboration is a key part of the role. You’ll regularly communicate with leaders from other departments to align strategies, share resources, and ensure projects support the larger organizational objectives. This often involves attending interdepartmental meetings, participating in joint task forces, and working closely with other managers to resolve challenges or streamline processes. Success in this area relies on strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to balance your team's needs with broader company priorities.

What is the difference between Department Head vs Team Leader?

AspectDepartment HeadTeam Leader
CredentialsOften requires advanced degrees or certifications in management or specific industry fieldsTypically requires relevant experience; formal certifications are less common
Work EnvironmentOversees entire department, strategic planning, and resource managementManages a specific team or project, focusing on daily operations and task completion
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporate, educational, and government sectors for large organizational unitsUsed across various industries for team supervision and project management

The main difference between a Department Head and a Team Leader lies in their scope of responsibility and level of strategic involvement. Department Heads oversee entire departments, focusing on long-term planning and resource allocation, often requiring advanced credentials. Team Leaders manage specific teams or projects, concentrating on daily operations and immediate goals. Both roles are essential for organizational success but differ in their focus and authority.

What are the most commonly searched types of Department jobs in Appleton, WI?

The most popular types of Department jobs in Appleton, WI are:

What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Department Head jobs?

Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Department Head job openings:

Infographic showing various Department Head job openings in Appleton, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,052 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Melting Pot rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

Description:
The department head responsible for the restaurant's kitchen. Ensures kitchens provide a safe, eye-appealing, properly flavored food. Maintains a safe and sanitary work environment for all employees. Other duties include menu planning, budget preparation, and maintenance of payroll, food cost and other records. Specific duties involve food preparation and establishing quality standards, and training employees in cooking methods, presentation techniques and portion control, works with the owners and director on equipment repair and maintenance.

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