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Executive Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

CommonSail Investment Group

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint of Kettlestone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities ...

StoryPoint

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA

$68K - $94K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint of Kettlestone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities ...

Laurus Home Care

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA

$68K - $94K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint of Kettlestone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities ...

Renaissance Des Moines

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

What will be expected of you as an Executive Chef: Schedule all associates adhering to labor standards guidelines and maintain adequate staffing levels. Supervise all cooking operations including ...

Boyd Gaming

Executive Chef

Northwood, IA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

... Chefs and Assistant Chefs. • Manage staffing levels congruent with departmental and business needs. • Review and analyze financial reports and apply findings in a practical manner to improve the ...

Boyd Gaming

Executive Chef

Northwood, IA

$67K - $92K/yr

Responsible for the direct supervision of all Room Chefs and Assistant Chefs. Manage staffing levels congruent with departmental and business needs. Review and analyze financial reports and apply ...

Sodexo

Executive Chef 2

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

The Executive Chef will be a dynamic team player with a strong background in managing frontline staff and developing teams in a culinary environment. SodexoMagic is the joint venture partnership ...

Diamond Jo Worth Casino

Executive Chef

Northwood, IA

$67K - $92K/yr

Responsible for the direct supervision of all Room Chefs and Assistant Chefs. * Manage staffing levels congruent with departmental and business needs. * Review and analyze financial reports and apply ...

Marcus Hotels

Executive Sous Chef

Coralville, IA

$60K/yr

Executive Sous Chef Experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys leading teams that create memorable guest experiences? The Hyatt Regency Coralville ...

Marcus Hotels

Executive Sous Chef

Coralville, IA · On-site

$60K/yr

Executive Sous Chef Experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and enjoys leading teams that create memorable guest experiences? The Hyatt Regency Coralville ...

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All JobsChef JobsExecutive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs in Iowa

Executive Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$37.6K

$81.6K

$122.1K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Iowa is $81,609.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,200.00 and $92,500.00 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
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Iowa? For Executive Chef jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Executive Chef jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Chef jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Executive Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in IA? For Executive Chef jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,609 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Executive Chef

Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center

Cedar Rapids, IA

$70K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Executive Chef – Steak House
Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center

Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center isn’t just another casino - it’s a bold reimagination of regional gaming, designed for the next twenty years. Blending gaming, hospitality, dining, live entertainment, arts, culture, and a STEM innovation lab, every experience is built around one idea: discovery.
The Executive Chef leads all culinary operations within the casino’s dining room, ensuring exceptional food quality, operational efficiency, and a first-class guest experience. This role drives menu innovation, develops and mentors culinary teams, manages costs, and upholds all food safety and sanitation standards. The Executive Chef partners closely with casino leadership to align culinary offerings with the brand and guest expectations.
Responsibilities Include:
• Lead all culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution
• Develop and inspire high-performing teams through training, coaching, performance management, and a culture of accountability and guest service
• Drive an outstanding guest experience by partnering with operations leadership, resolving concerns, and supporting special events, promotions, and VIP dining experiences.
• Manage financial performance by controlling food and labor costs, overseeing inventory and purchasing, and implementing strategies to maximize profitability
• Ensure compliance and operational excellence by maintaining food safety, sanitation, regulatory standards, and efficient kitchen operations in a high-volume environment
Requirements:
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred
• 5+ years of experience in a kitchen leadership role such as Executive Chef or Sous Chef
• Valid driver’s license with a minimum of three years driving experience
Work Environment:
• Casino environment with exposure to noise, crowds, and 24/7 operation
• Requires flexibility to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Work in hot kitchen conditions
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Iowa gaming license
Ready to lead a premier culinary operation and create exceptional dining experiences? Apply today!
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, compensation, training, and other terms of employment, are made based on qualifications, abilities, and performance, without regard to membership of a protected class and in compliance of federal, state, and/or local laws.

More detail about Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/1145248-Cedar-Crossing-Casino-%2526-Entertainment-Center