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Executive Chef Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Denver, CO · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef - Gattara Italian Restaurant Location: Warwick Denver Hotel, Denver, Colorado Department: Food & Beverage Reports To: General Manager Employment Type: Full-Time About Warwick Denver ...

Executive Chef

Crested Butte, CO · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

The Executive Chef will work across multiple concepts, service styles, and leadership teams to build a shared culinary standard while respecting the identity of each venue. This role offers the ...

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Executive Chef

Aurora, CO

$72K - $99K/yr

Executive Chef at Aspen Glen Club | Premier Golf & Country Club in Carbondale Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the success of the ...

Executive Chef

Aurora, CO · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Executive Chef at Aspen Glen Club | Premier Golf & Country Club in Carbondale Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the success of the ...

Executive Chef

Carbondale, CO

$76K - $105K/yr

Executive Chef at Aspen Glen Club | Premier Golf & Country Club in Carbondale Ready to join a dynamic company in the hospitality and service industry where people help drive the success of the ...

Executive Chef

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The Executive Chef must be able to cook different and delicious food items, while leading the kitchen staff team and managing the inventory of food and supplies for the week. The Executive Chef will ...

Description The Executive Chef must be able to cook different and delicious food items, while leading the kitchen staff team and managing the inventory of food and supplies for the week. The ...

Executive Chef

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

We're seeking an Executive Chef who can combine culinary excellence with creativity, manage a high-volume kitchen, and deliver consistent, flavorful dishes that delight every guest. If you thrive in ...

Executive Chef

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

We're seeking an Executive Chef who can combine culinary excellence with creativity, manage a high-volume kitchen, and deliver consistent, flavorful dishes that delight every guest. If you thrive in ...

Description The Executive Chef must be able to cook different and delicious food items, while leading the kitchen staff team and managing the inventory of food and supplies for the week. The ...

Executive Chef

Denver, CO · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The Executive Chef must be able to cook different and delicious food items, while leading the kitchen staff team and managing the inventory of food and supplies for the week. The Executive Chef will ...

Executive Chef

Dolores, CO · On-site

$72K - $100K/yr

Company Description Executive Chef - Dunton Hot Springs & Dunton River Camp Dunton is seeking an experienced, passionate, and hands-on Executive Chef to lead the culinary program across two ...

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Showing results 1-20

Executive Chef information

See Colorado salary details

$42.1K

$91.4K

$136.7K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Colorado is $91,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,200.00 and $103,600.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Colorado? For Executive Chef jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Executive Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in CO? For Executive Chef jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,363 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

$100K - $110K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Executive Chef – Gattara Italian Restaurant

Location: Warwick Denver Hotel, Denver, Colorado

Department: Food & Beverage

Reports To: General Manager

Employment Type: Full-Time



About Warwick Denver & Gattara

Located in the heart of downtown Denver, Warwick Denver is a boutique luxury hotel and part of Warwick Hotels & Resorts. Gattara is the hotel's signature Italian restaurant, offering authentic regional Italian cuisine with contemporary influences, seasonal ingredients, handcrafted pastas, premium meats, seafood, and exceptional hospitality.


Position Summary

We are seeking a passionate, creative, and results-driven Executive Chef to lead Gattara Restaurant and oversee all culinary operations throughout the hotel, including breakfast, room service, banquets, catering, and special events. The Executive Chef will be responsible for culinary excellence, guest satisfaction, team leadership, financial performance, and maintaining Gattara's reputation as one of Denver's premier Italian dining destinations.


Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute Gattara's culinary vision while preserving authentic Italian traditions.
  • Create seasonal menus, specials, tasting menus, and banquet offerings.
  • Lead all kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
  • Maintain HACCP, ServSafe, sanitation, and food safety standards.
  • Manage food costs, labor costs, purchasing, inventory, and departmental budgets.
  • Build relationships with local producers and premium Italian suppliers.
  • Recruit, train, coach, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
  • Partner with the Food & Beverage team on wine dinners, promotions, and special events.
  • Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to enhance Gattara's visibility and reputation.
  • Deliver exceptional guest experiences and promptly resolve guest concerns.
  • Qualifications

    • Minimum 5 years of Executive Chef experience in an upscale hotel, fine dining restaurant, or premium Italian restaurant.
    • Demonstrated expertise in authentic regional Italian cuisine, including fresh pasta, risotto, seafood, premium meats, and seasonal menu development.
    • Strong leadership and team development skills.
    • Proven experience managing food cost, labor cost, purchasing, and inventory.
    • Knowledge of HACCP, ServSafe, and food safety regulations.
    • Culinary degree preferred.
    • ServSafe Manager Certification or ability to obtain shortly after hire.
    • Excellent English communication skills; Italian language skills are a plus.
    • Experience in luxury hospitality is highly desirable.



    • Salary: $100,000 – $110,000 annually, based on experience
    • Performance bonus opportunity

    Warwick Hotels & Resorts logo

    About Warwick Hotels & Resorts

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Founded in 1980 by Richard Chiu, Warwick Hotels and Resorts represents a collection of distinct, upscale hotels and resorts known for quality throughout the world with over 40 hotels on five continents. As a collection, Warwick hotels are bound to each other by what distinguishes them from others . All of our hotels are renowned for our exceptional locations and remarkable stories to tell. Discover our unique tales steeped in deep rooted origins and celebrate local traditions as we bring our heritage to life. Paris, Brussels, Geneva, New York, San Francisco are among the many fascinating cities where our Hotels can be found. Proudly located in the heart of each metropolis, Warwick Hotels and Resorts serve as a calm refuge amidst the hustle and bustle.

    Industry

    Hospitality services

    Company size

    501 - 1,000 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Denver, CO, US