1

Executive Chef Partner Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Domestic Partner Benefits * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - focusing on a ... Executive Chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and develop teams

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Domestic Partner Benefits * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - focusing on a ... Executive Chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and develop teams

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Domestic Partner Benefits * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - focusing on a ... Executive Chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and develop teams

Executive Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Domestic Partner Benefits * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - focusing on a ... Executive Chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and develop teams

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Domestic Partner Benefits * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - focusing on a ... Executive Chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and develop teams

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Domestic Partner Benefits * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - focusing on a ... Executive Chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and develop teams

Executive Chef

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Domestic Partner Benefits * Restaurant Discounts * Employee Assistance Program - focusing on a ... Executive Chef experience in a full-service restaurant * Ability to lead and develop teams

Executive Chef

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Tzuco Chicago is looking for a Executive Chef with 2 years of Executive Chef experience. We reward ... Partner with front-of-house leadership to deliver a seamless, elevated guest experience, including ...

New

Executive Chef

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$72K - $100K/yr

Executive Chef at Ravinia Green Country Club | Riverwoods, IL | Invited Ready to join a dynamic ... Effectively communicate and distribute relevant information to employee partners for seamless menu ...

Executive Chef

Riverwoods, IL

$74K - $102K/yr

Executive Chef at Ravinia Green Country Club | Riverwoods, IL | Invited Ready to join a dynamic ... Effectively communicate and distribute relevant information to employee partners for seamless menu ...

Executive Chef

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Executive Chef at Ravinia Green Country Club | Riverwoods, IL | Invited Ready to join a dynamic ... Effectively communicate and distribute relevant information to employee partners for seamless menu ...

Executive Chef

Matteson, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

The Executive Chef will oversee multiple Food & Beverage concepts, including the Applebee's kitchen ... Partner with Food & Beverage and hotel leadership to improve guest satisfaction, revenue, and ...

Executive Chef - Full-Service Hotel Location: Near Aurora, Illinois Salary: $100,000-$130,000 ... Partner with Food & Beverage leadership to improve operational efficiency and enhance both the ...

Executive Chef

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

Health Dimensions Group is partnering with a premier senior living community in Burr Ridge, Illinois to identify an experienced and innovative Executive Chef to lead its comprehensive culinary ...

Executive Chef

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Health Dimensions Group is partnering with a premier senior living community in Burr Ridge, Illinois to identify an experienced and innovative Executive Chef to lead its comprehensive culinary ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Executive Chef Partner information

See Illinois salary details

$38.6K

$75.4K

$115.8K

How much do executive chef partner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef partner in Illinois is $75,375.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,933.00 and $80,728.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an executive chef partner?

An Executive Chef Partner is a senior culinary professional who not only oversees kitchen operations and menu development but also has an ownership stake or a significant leadership role in a restaurant or hospitality business. This position combines culinary expertise with business management responsibilities, such as budgeting, staffing, and maintaining quality standards. Executive Chef Partners are often involved in strategic decisions, ensuring the establishment's success both in cuisine and operations. They work closely with other partners or owners to set goals, drive revenue, and cultivate the restaurant's brand and culture.

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

To thrive as an Executive Chef Partner, you need extensive culinary expertise, proven kitchen management experience, and often a degree from a culinary institute. Mastery of inventory software, recipe management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe are typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication help set you apart when leading teams and collaborating with restaurant management. These skills ensure exceptional dining experiences, operational efficiency, and sustainable business growth in a competitive hospitality environment.

What are the main challenges an executive chef partner faces when balancing culinary creativity with business responsibilities?

As an Executive Chef Partner, one common challenge is maintaining a high standard of culinary innovation while also managing the financial and operational aspects of the restaurant. You’ll be responsible for designing menus, overseeing kitchen staff, and ensuring food quality, but you'll also need to monitor costs, control inventory, and collaborate with front-of-house management. Striking a balance between creative expression and profitability is crucial, as is fostering a positive team culture. Successful Executive Chef Partners often rely on strong communication skills and a solid understanding of both culinary arts and business management.

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

AspectExecutive Chef PartnerExecutive Chef
CredentialsOften requires culinary certifications, extensive experience, and partnership agreementsRequires culinary certifications, experience, and leadership skills
Work EnvironmentShared ownership or partnership in restaurant operationsLeads kitchen operations, typically employed by the restaurant
Employer/Industry UsageUsed in restaurants with ownership partnerships or co-ownersCommonly employed as the head of kitchen staff in various hospitality settings
Search/Comparison IntentPeople comparing ownership roles with executive culinary leadershipPeople seeking top culinary leadership positions

The main difference between an Executive Chef Partner and an Executive Chef lies in ownership and partnership status. An Executive Chef Partner shares ownership or partnership in the restaurant, combining culinary expertise with business responsibilities. An Executive Chef is primarily responsible for kitchen management and culinary excellence without ownership stakes. Both roles require similar culinary credentials and leadership skills, but their responsibilities and industry usage differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef Partner jobs in Illinois?

For Executive Chef Partner jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Executive Chef Partner jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Executive Chef Partner jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Executive Chef Partner jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Executive Chef Partner job openings:

Infographic showing various Executive Chef Partner job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,375 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Executive Chef Partner

Darden Restaurants Inc.

Virginia, IL • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Darden Restaurants rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 303 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 89 rated restaurants


Job description

Location: 7863l Tysons Corner Ctr, Mclean, VA, 22102-4513 $80000 per year - $92200 per year

The Executive Chef Partner is responsible for leading a team of culinary professionals that deliver high-quality, great tasting food; proper food safety and sanitation procedures and profitability. The Executive Chef contributes to building top line sales and guest count through the delivery of a competitively superior team member and guest experience. The Executive Chef supports the Culinary Development team to ensure menu items are executed with excellence in the restaurant.

Job Requirements
  • Proven success as head of kitchen operations in a high- volume upscale restaurant or high end resort restaurant
  • Strong passion for culinary excellence, wine knowledge and service
  • Proven ability to develop team
  • Knowledge of systems, methods and processes that contribute to great execution
  • Stable job history which demonstrates upward career progression
State Benefits Overview
#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Darden Restaurants employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom