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Executive Chef Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Atlas Restaurant Group

Executive Chef

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

We are seeking an Executive Chef who is passionate about leading high-performing teams, driving creativity in the kitchen, and delivering exceptional dining experiences rooted in consistency, quality ...

Highwater Management

Executive Chef

Rehoboth Beach, DE · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Chefs support the General Manager by implementing business objectives through a robust sales-based focus and constant development of their team. Chef Managers help build the unit's business strategy ...

Acts Retirement-Life Communities

Executive Chef

Seaford, DE · On-site

$67K - $83K/yr

Acts is currently seeking qualified candidates for our Executive Chef position. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing multiple venues and the food production staff. Creates new recipes ...

Acts Retirement-Life Communities

Executive Chef

Seaford, DE · On-site

$67K - $83K/yr

Acts is currently seeking qualified candidates for our Executive Chef position. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing multiple venues and the food production staff. Creates new recipes ...

Platinum Dining Group

Sous Chef

Wilmington, DE

$48K - $65K/yr

Assists the executive chef to ensure that the kitchen is running smoothly with prep and production being completed in a timely manner and all dishes are prepared correctly * Helps maintain food cost ...

Platinum Dining Group

Sous Chef

Wilmington, DE

$48K - $65K/yr

Assists the executive chef to ensure that the kitchen is running smoothly with prep and production being completed in a timely manner and all dishes are prepared correctly * Helps maintain food cost ...

HarborChase

Sous Chef

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Works with the Executive Chef to ensure the highest quality food products in accordance with HRA's standards. This position reports to the Executive Chef and may be required to supervise other staff ...

HarborChase LLC

Sous Chef

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Works with the Executive Chef to ensure the highest quality food products in accordance with HRA's standards. This position reports to the Executive Chef and may be required to supervise other staff ...

HarborChase of Wilmington

Sous Chef

Wilmington, DE

$48K - $65K/yr

Works with the Executive Chef to ensure the highest quality food products in accordance with HRA's standards. This position reports to the Executive Chef and may be required to supervise other staff ...

Dupont Country Club

Sous Chef

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Taking charge of kitchen opening, closing and other side duties as directed by the Executive Chef * Ensuring kitchen staff adhere to set standards, procedures, department rules and sanitation ...

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Executive Chef information

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$87K

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How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Delaware is $86,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $98,600.00 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.
More about Executive Chef jobs

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The most popular types of Chef jobs in Delaware are:

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

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

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

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Cities in Delaware with the most Executive Chef job openings:

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Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,961 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Executive Chef

Atlas Restaurant Group

Wilmington, DE • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago

Atlas Restaurant Group rating

4.0

Company rating: 4.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


At Big Fish Wilmington, culinary excellence and hospitality go hand in hand. We are seeking an Executive Chef who is passionate about leading high-performing teams, driving creativity in the kitchen, and delivering exceptional dining experiences rooted in consistency, quality, and innovation.

This role is an opportunity to lead one of our dynamic culinary teams while shaping the guest experience through thoughtful leadership, operational excellence, and a commitment to developing talent. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, leads with confidence and collaboration, and brings a strong sense of ownership, creativity, and hospitality to everything they do.

At Big Fish Wilmington, we believe great restaurants are built by great people. We are looking for a leader who is excited to grow, inspire, and make an impac


The Role

As Executive Chef, you are the culinary leader and driving force of the kitchen. You will:

  • Shape and evolve the culinary vision of Stingray.
  • Design menus that are expressive, intentional, and rooted in both tradition and innovation
  • Lead daily kitchen operations with clarity, urgency, and consistency
  • Build, train, and inspire a high-performing kitchen team grounded in pride and accountability
  • Own food quality, execution, and presentation at every stage of service
  • Partner closely with leadership to continuously refine and elevate the guest experience
  • Establish systems that support creativity while ensuring operational excellence

What We’re Looking For

  • 4+ years of experience leading the daily kitchen
  • A chef who leads with both creativity and discipline
  • Deep respect for ingredients, technique, and cultural inspiration
  • Strong ability to balance storytelling through food with operational consistency
  • Proven leadership in high-volume, high-energy kitchen environments
  • A builder of teams and culture—not just execution
  • Calm under pressure, direct in communication, and passionate about standards

What We Bring

At Atlas, we are intentional about how we show up for our leaders because the experience you create for our teams starts with the experience we create for you. We invest in our people in a way that is thoughtful, competitive, and built for growth.

Total Rewards
The base salary range for this role is $80,000-$90,000 aligned with your experience, leadership scope, and the impact you bring to the business.

Your Experience at Atlas Includes

  • Health coverage that supports you—medical, dental, and vision
  • A 401(k) to invest in your future
  • 100% company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance for added peace of mind
  • Paid parental leave to support life’s biggest moments
  • Ongoing learning and leadership development to keep you growing
  • Real opportunities to move, grow, and build your career across our brands and markets
  • Pet Insurance options—because they’re part of your family too
  • A 40% dining discount across all Atlas Restaurant Group properties, so you can experience what we create

This is more than a role. It’s an opportunity to lead, grow, and shape the culture that defines Atlas.

Why Atlas?

At Atlas Restaurant Group, we believe hospitality is a craft and culture is the differentiator. We are a growing collection of best-in-class concepts and hospitality destinations built on energy, excellence, and experience. From waterfront hotels to iconic restaurants, we create spaces where guests celebrate life’s moments and where our teams build meaningful careers. Here, leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about impact. We invest in our people, promote from within, and challenge our leaders to think strategically, act boldly, and execute flawlessly.

We move with intention.

We hold high standards.

We lead the right way by being grounded in our Core Values of Excellence, Trust, Responsibility, Professionalism, Teamwork, Community, and Uniqueness.

At Atlas, we don’t chase industry standards. We define them.

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