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Executive Chef Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Florence, AL · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

Highlands College

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

The Executive Chef provides strategic, operational, and spiritual leadership for all culinary operations at Highlands College. This role is responsible for shaping and executing a compelling campus ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Florence, AL · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

Trilogy Hotel

Executive Chef

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall food service throughout the Hotel and oversight of all kitchen staff to ensure optimal product and service is provided while operating within ...

Ascent Hospitality

Executive Chef

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall food service throughout the Hotel and oversight of all kitchen staff to ensure optimal product and service is provided while operating within ...

Spire Hospitality

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Executive Chef will lead, mentor, and collaborate with our team of Chefs to prepare, cook, and present food to the highest standards, ensuring exceptional quality and guest satisfaction Essential ...

Spire Hospitality

Executive Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Executive Chef will lead, mentor, and collaborate with our team of Chefs to prepare, cook, and present food to the highest standards, ensuring exceptional quality and guest satisfaction Essential ...

Wind Creek Hospitality

Executive Chef

Wetumpka, AL

$63K - $88K/yr

As the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our food service operations at the Steakhouse, ensuring the delivery of high-quality dining experiences to our guests. You ...

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All JobsChef JobsExecutive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs in Alabama

Executive Chef information

See Alabama salary details

$36.3K

$78.8K

$117.8K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Alabama is $78,753.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,800.00 and $89,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
More about Executive Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Alabama are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Executive Chef jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Executive Chef job openings:

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

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

Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,753 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Executive Chef

American Cruise Lines

Decatur, AL • On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Executive Chef
American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ships in America. We offer over 50 itineraries across America's breathtaking waterways, including New England, the Southeast, the Mississippi River, the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Great Lakes, and more.
We believe every meal should be a memorable event. That's why we're searching for talented, driven Executive Chefs to join our shipboard team for the 2026 cruising season. If you're ready to lead a high-performing galley crew, craft regionally inspired dishes, and provide exceptional guest service, all while traveling the country, this is the opportunity of a lifetime.
As Executive Chef, you'll be responsible for delivering an unforgettable culinary experience-planning, preparing, and presenting elevated cuisine that reflects the flavors of each region we visit. You'll mentor and lead your team with professionalism and passion, ensuring every dish meets our high standards of taste and presentation. We're seeking chefs who are not only technically skilled but also natural leaders who thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented environments. This is a dynamic, rewarding role for those who want to reach beyond the four walls of a traditional kitchen.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Leading all meal preparation for both guests and crew onboard.
  • Executing regionally inspired menus using fresh, local ingredients.
  • Coaching and managing a galley team of 6-10 in a hands-on environment.
  • Ensuring kitchen operations meet FDA, sanitation, and safety standards.
  • Overseeing food inventory, portion control, and waste reduction.
  • Adapting quickly to last-minute changes while maintaining a calm, can-do approach.
  • Providing an unforgettable dining experience for every guest.

Qualifications:
  • 6-8+ years' experience in full-service resorts, hotels, country clubs, or banquet settings.
  • ServSafe Manager Certification strongly preferred.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and training abilities.
  • Proven knowledge of FDA food safety standards and kitchen best practices.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
  • A hands-on, collaborative, and detail-oriented approach to kitchen leadership.
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check.
  • TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) is required.
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Work Schedule:
  • 7 Days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard the ship / 1 to 2 weeks off.
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to speak, read, and understand basic cooking recipes and adhere to directions.
  • Ability to multi-task, take direction, and be a team player.
  • Ability to work with composure under pressure.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Jobs sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

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