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Executive Chef Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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

Grosse Pointe, MI

$67K - $92K/yr

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 ...

Minimum 5 years of Executive Chef experience in an upscale/Fine Dining Restaurant * Strong creative background with an emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced cuisine * Experience managing food and ...

Executive Chef

Midland, MI · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Requirements : * 5+ years of Executive Chef experience within upscale hotel operations. * Strong financial and analytical acumen, including menu costing, payroll management, budgeting, and inventory ...

Executive Chef

Holland, MI · On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

The executive chef will demonstrate his/her skills in cultural proficiency, culinary creativity and leadership ability. Responsibilities o Development and execution of culinary company SOP's o ...

Executive Chef

Holland, MI · On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

The executive chef will demonstrate his/her skills in cultural proficiency, culinary creativity and leadership ability. Responsibilities o Development and execution of culinary company SOP's o ...

Executive Chef

Birmingham, MI · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Executive Chef's will be working a full-time position, with pay anticipated to be between $100,000-$120,000 plus opportunity for excellent bonuses. Starting pay will be based on each candidate ...

Executive Chef

Hillsdale, MI · On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

Executive Chef LOCATION: Hillsdale College, Hillsdale MI DIVISION: Higher Education Dining Services SALARY: 85-90K If you are an experienced Executive Chef with a strong background in Institutional ...

Be Seen First

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

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Saginaw, MI Schedule: Full Time Salary: $75,000 - $90,000/yr Pay Frequency: Weekly - Direct Deposit What We Offer You: * Generous Compensation & Benefits Package * Health ...

Executive Chef

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Saginaw, MI Schedule: Full Time Salary: $75,000 - $90,000/yr Pay Frequency: Weekly - Direct Deposit What We Offer You: * Generous Compensation & Benefits Package * Health ...

Executive Chef

Macomb, MI · On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint Macomb Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities include ...

Executive Chef

New Hudson, MI

$72K - $99K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint New Hudson Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities include ...

Executive Chef

Shelby, MI · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint Shelby Township Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities ...

Executive Chef

Macomb, MI

$66K - $91K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint Macomb Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities include ...

Executive Chef

Oakland, MI · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPont Oakland Charter Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities ...

Executive Chef

New Hudson, MI

$72K - $99K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint New Hudson Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities include ...

Executive Chef

Macomb, MI

$69K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint Macomb Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities include ...

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Showing results 1-20

Executive Chef Chef information

See Michigan salary details

$34.9K

$75.7K

$113.3K

How much do executive chef chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef chef in Michigan is $75,730.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,300.00 and $85,900.00 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 extensive culinary expertise, menu planning skills, and experience in kitchen management, often supported by a degree in culinary arts or related certifications. Mastery of commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and health and safety regulations is crucial. Leadership, creativity, and strong communication are standout soft skills for motivating staff and ensuring a cohesive kitchen environment. These skills are vital to consistently deliver high-quality cuisine, maintain efficient operations, and drive a restaurant’s success.

What is the difference between Executive Chef Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectExecutive Chef ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experienceCulinary training, experience in kitchens
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen operationsAssists Executive Chef, manages specific stations
Industry UsageLeadership role in restaurants and hotelsSecond-in-command, supports Executive Chef
Search & ComparisonOften searched together, but distinct rolesCommonly compared as second-in-command

The Executive Chef Chef is responsible for overall kitchen management, menu creation, and staff supervision, while the Sous Chef acts as the second-in-command, assisting the Executive Chef with daily operations. Both roles require culinary expertise, but the Executive Chef holds a higher leadership position with broader responsibilities.

What are some common challenges Executive Chefs face when managing a kitchen team?

Executive Chefs often navigate challenges like balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on cooking, maintaining high food quality during peak hours, and managing a diverse team with varying skill levels. Effective communication and leadership are crucial for resolving conflicts, ensuring consistent standards, and fostering a positive work environment. Additionally, Executive Chefs must adapt to fluctuating supply costs and seasonal menu changes while overseeing compliance with health and safety regulations.

What does an Executive Chef do?

An Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operation in a restaurant, hotel, or other food service establishment. Their duties include menu planning, managing kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and safety, and controlling inventory and costs. Executive Chefs also collaborate with management on budgeting and may develop new recipes or culinary concepts. They play a key leadership role, ensuring smooth kitchen operations and a high standard of food preparation.
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef Chef jobs in Michigan? For Executive Chef Chef jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Executive Chef Chef jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Executive Chef Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Executive Chef Chef job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,730 per year, or $36.4 per hour.
Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Harper Associates

Grosse Pointe, MI • On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 14 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