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Exclusive Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

P.F. Chang's

Executive Chef

Riverside, CA · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

Access exclusive employee discounts. * Holidays : Most locations closed on Thanksgiving and ... Job Summary: The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant ...

PF Changs

Executive Chef

Newport Beach, CA

$89K - $109K/yr

Access exclusive employee discounts. * Holidays : Most locations closed on Thanksgiving and ... Job Summary: The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant ...

PF Changs

Executive Chef

Newport Beach, CA

$89K - $109K/yr

Access exclusive employee discounts. * Holidays : Most locations closed on Thanksgiving and ... Job Summary: The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant ...

PF Changs

Executive Chef

Riverside, CA

$89K - $109K/yr

Access exclusive employee discounts. * Holidays : Most locations closed on Thanksgiving and ... Job Summary: The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant ...

P.F. Chang's

Executive Chef

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

Access exclusive employee discounts. * Holidays : Most locations closed on Thanksgiving and ... Job Summary: The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant ...

PF Changs

Executive Chef

Riverside, CA

$89K - $109K/yr

Access exclusive employee discounts. * Holidays : Most locations closed on Thanksgiving and ... Job Summary: The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant ...

Mintex Technology

Executive Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Executive Chef Location: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), United Polaris Lounge Salary ... Lead all culinary operations for United Airlines' exclusive Polaris Lounge serving international ...

Seacliff Inn

Sous Chef

Aptos, CA

$71K - $76K/yr

The Sous Chef will work closely with the team to prepare all food and make sure the taste and ... enjoy exclusive team member rates for rest and relaxation. We also encourage quarterly team ...

Pacifica Hotel Company

Sous Chef

Aptos, CA · On-site

$71K - $76K/yr

The Sous Chef will work closely with the team to prepare all food and make sure the taste and ... enjoy exclusive team member rates for rest and relaxation. We also encourage quarterly team ...

Seacliff Inn

Sous Chef

Aptos, CA · On-site

$71K - $76K/yr

The Sous Chef will work closely with the team to prepare all food and make sure the taste and ... enjoy exclusive team member rates for rest and relaxation. We also encourage quarterly team ...

PF Changs

Sous Chef

Mission Viejo, CA

$23.43 - $30.42/hr

Access exclusive employee discounts. * Holidays : Most locations closed on Thanksgiving and ... The Sous Chef assists in leading a culinary team managing daily restaurant culinary and food ...

P.F. Chang's

Sous Chef

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$54K - $73K/yr

Access exclusive employee discounts. * Holidays : Most locations closed on Thanksgiving and ... The Sous Chef assists in leading a culinary team managing daily restaurant culinary and food ...

The h.wood Group

Sushi Chef

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$23/hr

Los Angeles' newest and most exclusive venue. Nested in the west end of historic Sunset Boulevard ... The Sushi Chef will prepare sushi, rolls and dishes from the sushi bar, taking orders from those ...

The h.wood Group

Sushi Chef

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

$23/hr

Los Angeles' newest and most exclusive venue. Nested in the west end of historic Sunset Boulevard ... The Sushi Chef will prepare sushi, rolls and dishes from the sushi bar, taking orders from those ...

WINDSOR CAPITAL GROUP

Sous Chef

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $31.50/hr

Exclusive family & friends hotel discount rates What you'll do: * Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to cultivate a positive and cohesive departmental culture. * Manage kitchen staff and ...

Windsor Hospitality

Sous Chef

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $31.50/hr

Exclusive family & friends hotel discount rates What you'll do: * Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to cultivate a positive and cohesive departmental culture. * Manage kitchen staff and ...

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Exclusive Chef information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do exclusive chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for exclusive chef in California is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exclusive chef?

An Exclusive Chef is a culinary professional who is hired to prepare personalized meals for a single client, family, or household, often working full-time or on a contract basis. Unlike restaurant chefs, Exclusive Chefs typically cater to the specific dietary preferences and needs of their clients, creating custom menus for daily meals and special occasions. They may also be responsible for menu planning, grocery shopping, kitchen management, and sometimes even event catering within the client’s home. This role requires a high degree of discretion, professionalism, and culinary expertise to meet the unique demands of each client.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exclusive chef?

To thrive as an Exclusive Chef, you need advanced culinary expertise, menu planning abilities, and formal culinary training or certification from a reputable institution. Familiarity with kitchen management software, food safety regulations, and specialized cooking equipment is often required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong leadership are essential soft skills for managing a team and exceeding client expectations. These skills ensure consistently high-quality, personalized dining experiences and efficient kitchen operations in high-end environments.

What are some common challenges an exclusive chef faces when creating personalized menus for private clients?

Exclusive Chefs often encounter challenges in balancing client preferences with dietary restrictions, seasonal ingredient availability, and high expectations for creativity. Since clients may request unique dishes or have evolving tastes, the chef must be adaptable and proactive in menu planning. Additionally, maintaining open communication with clients and sourcing premium ingredients can require careful coordination and flexibility. Overcoming these challenges helps build strong client relationships and ensures memorable dining experiences.

What is the difference between Exclusive Chef vs Personal Chef?

AspectExclusive ChefPersonal Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, certifications often preferredSimilar credentials, often with additional client-specific training
Work EnvironmentHigh-end restaurants, private clubs, luxury estatesPrivate homes, individual clients
Employer & IndustryRestaurants, hotels, private clubsIndividual clients, families
Search & Comparison IntentLuxury dining, exclusive culinary servicesPersonalized meal planning, private dining

Exclusive Chefs typically work in high-end establishments or private estates, focusing on luxury and specialized menus. Personal Chefs serve individual clients in private homes, offering personalized meal services. While both roles require culinary expertise and certifications, their work environments and client interactions differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Exclusive Chef jobs in California?

For Exclusive Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Exclusive Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Exclusive Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Exclusive Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Exclusive Chef job openings:

Exclusive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exclusive Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Executive Chef

P.F. Chang's

Riverside, CA • On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

P.F. Chang's rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 88 rated restaurants

Job description

P.F. Chang's Pay Range (based on experience): $89,000.00 - $109,000.00 / year
Benefits We Offer:
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(K), and paid time off.
  • Competitive Pay & Performance Incentives: Monthly and annual bonuses based on performance.
  • Professional Development: Paid management training program to enhance skills and advance career - we promote from within.
  • Referral Program: Earn a $250 referral bonus for Team Member positions and $500 for restaurant management positions through our employee referral program (for locations other than home location).
  • Exclusive Discounts: Access exclusive employee discounts.
  • Holidays: Most locations closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • Supportive Community: Financial assistance through the Lucky Cat Fund during hardships for qualifying team members.

Hiring immediately for full-time salaried Executive Chef or Head Chef or Executive Kitchen Manager (EKM):
Job Summary:
The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant culinary team and restaurant food service operations to ensure high operating standards in the kitchen. This includes the hiring, training and development of the culinary team and kitchen staff, as well as managing inventory and controlling costs incurred in the kitchen. The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager reports to directly to the restaurant Operating Partner or General Manager.
Job Responsibilities:
  • Accountable for operational excellence in the kitchen
  • Delegates tasks and gives direction to all kitchen staff
  • Conducts interviews with kitchen management and staff candidates
  • Selection, orientation and continual development of all Sous Chefs and kitchen staff
  • Prepares work schedule for Sous Chef and kitchen staff
  • On-going preservation of safety certification requirements for all kitchen staff
  • Responsible for managing inventory, cost of goods and overall control of financials
  • Responsible for health inspections
  • Supervises and facilitates all training for all food prep and execution of menu items, procedures, and recipes to all kitchen staff
  • Ensures proper timing and production for food orders
  • On-going performance appraisals for Sous Chefs and kitchen staff
  • Holds kitchen staff accountable for dress code standards
  • Responsible for maintaining all product quality standards
  • Responsible for maintaining expected food costs and inventory
  • Oversees or completes all prep lists and ordering guides
  • Completes opening and closing checklists
  • Responsible for maintenance and repairs of kitchen equipment and facility
  • Responsible for knowing how to work all kitchen stations proficiently
  • Accountable for providing a clean and safe environment for both Team Members and Guests

Job Requirements:
  • 3+ years of culinary management experience with experience managing and writing prep lists
  • Must possess a valid driver's license to perform occasional duties such as providing shift coverage, meeting liquor license requirements (depending on the state), delivering large catering orders (which may include operating a rental truck), making supply runs, local restaurant marketing, attending offsite training and business meetings, and traveling between restaurant locations to support operations.
  • Experience in managing inventory, cost of goods and overall control of financials
  • Experience working in a hands-on, fast paced, high volume environment
  • Experience in managing a team, while identifying and developing employees for future leadership roles
  • Experience in facilitating and effectively executing training
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Must be able to stand and walk for periods of eight to ten hours in length each shift
  • Must be able to reach, bend, balance and transport various objects weighing up to 30 lbs repeatedly during a shift. At times it might be necessary to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Must be able to work around various levels of temperature, including warm to very warm temperatures in the kitchen

Preferences:
  • Bilingual in English and Spanish
  • Experience working in an upscale scratch kitchen concept
  • Previous front of house restaurant management experience
  • Culinary degree or culinary certificate

Why work for us?
Because it's more than a job. We are passionate people doing meaningful work, motivated by our purpose: To Celebrate Life. Family. Food.
Apply Now
  • Search for jobs by keyword or location.
  • Gather your work history, and if applicable, prepare your resume for submission.
  • Click "Apply Now" to submit your application.

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