1

Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Grosse Pointe, MI ยท On-site

$90K/yr

  • PTO

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef ...

Executive Chef

Cincinnati, OH ยท On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

```html Executive Chef Location: Cincinnati, OH 45202 Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Executive Chef to lead our culinary team in Cincinnati, OH. The ideal candidate will have ...

Executive Chef

Providence, RI ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Executive Chef Location: Providence, RI Company: Leading Hospitality Group Salary : $85,000-$100,000 We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Executive Chef to join our culinary leadership team at one ...

Executive Chef

Charlottesville, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Executive Chef - UP on the RoofJob Type: Full-TimeCompensation: Competitive salary + bonus structure (DOE)About UsUP on the Roof is a vibrant, upscale rooftop dining destination known for bold ...

Executive Chef

Alpharetta, GA

$69K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Executive Chef - UP on the RoofJob Type: Full-TimeCompensation: Competitive salary + bonus structure (DOE)About UsUP on the Roof is a vibrant, upscale rooftop dining destination known for bold ...

Executive Chef

Pittsburgh, PA

$69K - $95K/yr

Gaucho Parrilla Argentina - Executive Chef Are you a highly skilled Executive Chef with a passion for creating delicious South American cuisine? Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced kitchen ...

Executive Chef

Grosse Pointe, MI

$67K - $92K/yr

  • PTO

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef ...

Executive Chef

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

We are looking for an Executive Chef who wants more than a kitchen-management position. This is an opportunity to help shape the culinary identity of Cobalt, build a respected kitchen culture ...

Executive Chef

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$80K - $111K/yr

Executive Chef | High-Volume, Upscale Restaurant Relocation Assistance Available About the Role: We are seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at our chef-driven, high ...

Executive Chef

Miramar Beach, FL ยท On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

EXECUTIVE CHEF Lead. Inspire. Create. Upscale Casual Dining | Sandestin, FL Lead a talented culinary team. Inspire future chefs. Create unforgettable dining experiences. Are you an Executive Chef who ...

Executive Chef

Burlington, MA ยท On-site

$77K - $107K/yr

  • Medical

  • PTO

NOW HIRING - Executive Chef Citrus & Salt | Burlington, MA Chef Jason Santos is opening the newest Citrus & Salt in Burlington, MA, and we're looking for an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the ...

Executive Chef

Anderson, SC ยท On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Executive Chef - UP on the RoofJob Type: Full-TimeCompensation: Competitive salary + bonus structure (DOE)About UsUP on the Roof is a vibrant, upscale rooftop dining destination known for bold ...

Executive Chef

Fort Myers, FL ยท On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Now Hiring - Executive Chef Verandah Club | Fort Myers, FL Salary: Commensurate with experience Schedule: Full-time Benefits & Perks Full-time team members are eligible for a competitive benefits ...

Executive Chef

Scottsdale, AZ ยท On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SUMMARY The Executive Chef is responsible for managing the culinary and kitchen operations staff, and the overall compliance with HACCP, Food Safety and ACES specifications associated with Air ...

Executive Chef

Groveland, CA ยท On-site

$85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're looking for an Executive Chef who is excited about providing memorable cuisine and hospitality experiences and helping support a fun and rewarding work environment. WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE

Executive Chef

Groveland, CA ยท On-site

$85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're looking for an Executive Chef who is excited about providing memorable cuisine and hospitality experiences and helping support a fun and rewarding work environment. WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE

Executive Chef

Cincinnati, OH

$69K - $96K/yr

```html Executive Chef Location: Cincinnati, OH 45202 Job Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Executive Chef to lead our culinary team in Cincinnati, OH. The ideal candidate will have ...

Executive Chef

Creve Coeur, MO ยท On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

We are looking for an Executive Chef who wants more than a kitchen-management position. This is an opportunity to help shape the culinary identity of Cobalt, build a respected kitchen culture ...

Executive Chef

Greenville, SC ยท On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Executive Chef - UP on the RoofJob Type: Full-TimeCompensation: Competitive salary + bonus structure (DOE)About UsUP on the Roof is a vibrant, upscale rooftop dining destination known for bold ...

Executive Chef

Sioux Falls, SD ยท On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

Executive Chef - New Concept Opening Location: Sioux Falls, SD Compensation: Competitive salary + performance incentives Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role We are launching an exciting new ...

Showing results 41-60

Executive CHEF information

See salary details

$40K

$86.9K

$130K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in the United States is $86,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu development expertise, and significant kitchen management experience, often supported by a degree from a culinary school or equivalent professional experience. Proficiency with inventory management systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and food safety certifications (like ServSafe) is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and strong communication are essential soft skills to inspire teams and maintain high service standards. These skills ensure operational efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced culinary environment.

What does an executive chef do?

An executive chef is the head of the entire kitchen operation of a restaurant. Executive chefs manage inventory, budgeting, menu planning, training, plating, and all kitchen staff, from sous chefs to dishwashers. They ensure the high standard of food quality and that service runs smoothly and efficiently. Executive chefs are the highest level of level of management in the kitchen, and they are ultimately responsible for its success or failure.

What is an executive chef?

Executive Chefs are the head of a restaurant or hotel's kitchen, responsible for overseeing all culinary operations. They develop menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food quality, and handle budgeting and inventory. Executive Chefs also collaborate with management on menu pricing and may be involved in hiring and training staff. Their primary goal is to maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation while ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently.

What is the difference between Executive Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectExecutive ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experienceCulinary degree or equivalent, experience in kitchens
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen operations, manages staffAssists Executive Chef, manages specific kitchen sections
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, hotels, resortsAll restaurant types, including casual and fine dining

The Executive Chef is responsible for overall kitchen management, menu creation, and staff supervision, while the Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef by managing daily kitchen operations and specific sections. Both roles require culinary credentials and experience, but the Executive Chef holds a higher leadership position within the culinary hierarchy.

What does an executive chef get paid?

The average salary for an executive chef varies depending on location and establishment, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. In high-end restaurants or large hotels, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially with experience and leadership skills in kitchen management and menu development.

What are some of the main challenges executive chefs face when managing kitchen staff and operations?

Executive Chefs often balance creative menu development with the practicalities of managing a diverse kitchen team. Common challenges include maintaining high food quality standards during busy service periods, training and motivating staff, and handling tight budgets for food costs and labor. Effective communication is crucial, as Executive Chefs collaborate closely with restaurant management, waitstaff, and suppliers to ensure smooth operations. Adapting quickly to unexpected issues, such as equipment breakdowns or staff shortages, is also a key part of the role.
What cities are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities with the most Executive Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs? The most popular types of Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Executive Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Executive Chef jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs? For Executive Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Executive Chef

Harper Associates

Grosse Pointe, MI โ€ข On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI
Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe
Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, one of Metro Detroit's premier fine dining restaurants, cocktail lounges, and live music venues.
Founded by the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade, a passionate supporter of the arts and jazz, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe was created to provide an intimate atmosphere where exceptional hospitality, chef-driven cuisine, and world-class jazz come together. With strong ties to the Detroit Jazz Festival, the restaurant has become one of Michigan's most respected dining destinations.
This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader to oversee a high-performing scratch kitchen while preserving the standards that have made Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe an institution.
What You'll Do
  • Lead all culinary and back-of-house operations
  • Recruit, train, coach, and develop a talented kitchen team
  • Create seasonal menus, features, and chef-driven specials
  • Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation
  • Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships
  • Partner with the General Manager to deliver an outstanding guest experience
  • Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization
  • Drive continuous improvement in kitchen culture, systems, and financial performance

Qualifications
  • 5+ years as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Sous Chef
  • Experience in fine dining, upscale casual, luxury hospitality, chef-driven restaurants, or private clubs
  • Strong scratch kitchen background
  • Expertise in menu development, food cost control, labor management, inventory, purchasing, budgeting, and P&L management
  • Proven leader with a passion for mentoring teams and creating exceptional guest experiences
  • Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and health department compliance

Why Join Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe?
  • Lead the kitchen at one of Metro Detroit's premier dining and jazz destinations
  • Work alongside an experienced hospitality leadership team
  • Showcase your creativity in a chef-driven, scratch kitchen
  • Competitive compensation and benefits
  • Paid holidays, 15 days PTO, and paid restaurant shutdowns in July and January

About Harper Associates
For over 60 years, Harper Associates has specialized in recruiting executive hospitality professionals for many of Michigan's leading restaurants, hotels, clubs, and hospitality organizations.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply or contact kevin@harperjobs.com for a confidential conversation.
Kevin Swanquist
Executive Recruiter
Harper Associates
kevin@harperjobs.com
www.harperjobs.com
248-737-0222