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Executive Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Verjus

Executive Chef

San Francisco, CA

$125K - $150K/yr

The Role The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the Verjus kitchen, including menu development, culinary execution, team development, food cost, purchasing ...

Dreamscape Hospitality

Executive Chef

Ontario, CA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef Job Code: 502040 Department: Culinary / Food & Beverage Reports To: General Manager / Director of Food & Beverage Supervises: Sous Chefs, Line Cooks, Pastry Chefs, Stewards, Kitchen ...

Chart House

Executive Chef

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Overview Chart House Redondo Beach, CA Executive Chef Lead the culinary team at one of Southern California's most iconic waterfront dining destinations. Chart House Redondo Beach offers an ...

Dreamscape Hospitality

Executive Chef

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

Executive Chef Job Code: 502040 Department: Culinary / Food & Beverage Reports To: General Manager / Director of Food & Beverage Supervises: Sous Chefs, Line Cooks, Pastry Chefs, Stewards, Kitchen ...

Dreamscape Hosptality

Executive Chef

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef Job Code: 502040 Department: Culinary / Food & Beverage Reports To: General Manager / Director of Food & Beverage Supervises: Sous Chefs, Line Cooks, Pastry Chefs, Stewards, Kitchen ...

Dreamscape Hospitality

Executive Chef

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

Executive Chef Job Code: 502040 Department: Culinary / Food & Beverage Reports To: General Manager / Director of Food & Beverage Supervises: Sous Chefs, Line Cooks, Pastry Chefs, Stewards, Kitchen ...

SpaceXAI

Executive Chef

Palo Alto, CA

$100K - $165K/yr

The Executive Chef plays a vital role in the company, contributing directly to SpaceXAI's success and historical milestones by overseeing teams in multiple outlets fueling the workforce overall and ...

P.F. Chang's

Executive Chef

Riverside, CA · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

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 ...

PF Changs

Executive Chef

Newport Beach, CA · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

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 ...

Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Executive Chef

Indian Wells, CA · On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

As Executive Chef , you'll oversee all food production for outlets and banquets, guiding the team with a blend of creativity, precision, and leadership. You'll drive quality, manage costs, and shape ...

Wally's Wine & Spirits

Executive Chef

Culver City, CA

$78K - $107K/yr

Wally's Wine & Spirits is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead and elevate our culinary program. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a brand-aligned menu, mentor a talented kitchen ...

Wally's Wine & Spirits

Executive Chef

Culver City, CA · On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Wally's Wine & Spirits is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead and elevate our culinary program. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a brand-aligned menu, mentor a talented kitchen ...

PF Changs

Executive Chef

Riverside, CA · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

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 ...

PF Changs

Executive Chef

Riverside, CA · On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

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 ...

Davidson Hospitality Group

Executive Chef

Monterey, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

We are seeking an Executive Chef who is passionate about culinary excellence and has a track record of inspiring teams to deliver exceptional dining experiences. As our Executive Chef, you will be ...

Live Oaks Wellness

Executive Chef

Novato, CA · On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

Executive Chef - Detox & Residential SUD Facility (6 Beds) Location: Novato, CA Employment Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Operations About Us We are a small, high-touch detox and residential ...

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All JobsChef JobsExecutive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs in California

Executive Chef information

See California salary details

$39.5K

$85.7K

$128.3K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in California is $85,749.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $97,200.00 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. Experienced executive chefs in high-end restaurants or large hotels can earn over $100,000, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Strong leadership, culinary skills, and management experience are essential for higher compensation.

What is the work of an executive chef?

An executive chef is responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operation, including menu planning, managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, and controlling costs. They often coordinate with suppliers, maintain health standards, and lead culinary staff to deliver a consistent dining experience.
More about Executive Chef jobs

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

The most popular types of Chef jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Executive Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Executive Chef job openings:

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

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

Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,749 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Executive Chef

Verjus

San Francisco, CA

$125K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

About

Verjus is a French-inspired wine bar and restaurant from Quince & Co., located in San Francisco’s Jackson Square. The restaurant combines a thoughtful, ingredient-driven culinary program with a dynamic wine experience in an intimate and energetic setting.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at Verjus. This is an opportunity for a chef with strong culinary vision, leadership skills, and operational discipline to take ownership of a distinctive restaurant while working within the broader Quince & Co. organization.

The Role

The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the Verjus kitchen, including menu development, culinary execution, team development, food cost, purchasing, organization, and day-to-day kitchen operations.

The ideal candidate is a confident and collaborative leader who is equally comfortable developing food, mentoring a team, and managing the operational demands of a busy restaurant. A strong appreciation for French and European cooking, seasonality, and exceptional products is important to the role.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead all culinary operations and maintain consistently high standards of food quality, execution, and presentation.
  • Develop and evolve seasonal menus that reflect the identity and culinary direction of Verjus.
  • Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
  • Establish a positive, professional, accountable, and collaborative kitchen culture.
  • Oversee food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, waste, and other key operational metrics.
  • Maintain strong relationships with farmers, purveyors, and suppliers while sourcing exceptional seasonal ingredients.
  • Ensure proper kitchen organization, preparation, sanitation, and compliance with health and safety standards.
  • Work closely with the General Manager and restaurant leadership to create a cohesive guest experience.
  • Collaborate with the broader Quince & Co. culinary and leadership teams while taking ownership of the day-to-day direction of Verjus.
Qualifications
  • Previous experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or senior culinary leader in a high-level, chef-driven restaurant.
  • Strong foundation in French, European, or ingredient-driven cuisine preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and retain culinary teams.
  • Strong understanding of food and labor costs, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen systems.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to maintain composure, consistency, and attention to detail in a high-volume environment.
  • Genuine enthusiasm for seasonality, sourcing, craftsmanship, and hospitality.
  • A collaborative leadership style and desire to contribute to the continued growth of Verjus and Quince & Co.
About Quince & Co.

Quince & Co. is a San Francisco-based restaurant group founded by Chef Michael Tusk and Lindsay Tusk. The group includes Quince, Cotogna, Verjus, and additional culinary and hospitality projects. Across each concept, we are committed to exceptional ingredients, thoughtful hospitality, craftsmanship, and creating opportunities for continued learning and professional growth.

Compensation: $125,000–$150,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Quince & Co. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

More detail about Verjus part of Quince & Co, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/156941-Verjus