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Executive Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sodexo

Executive Chef 2

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

Sodexo is seeking an Executive Chef 2atUnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospitallocated inCedar Rapids, IA. SodexoMagic is the joint venture partnership between NBA Hall of Famer, Earvin "Magic" Johnson ...

Kinseth Hospitality

Executive Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

What we offer: * Health, Dental, Vision and other benefits available after 60 days * DailyPay * 401k * Paid Training * Paid PTO * Referral program * Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels ...

Lakeside Hotel Casino

Executive Chef

Osceola, IA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Key Responsibilities - (Other duties may be assigned) Leadership & Management * Lead, train, and mentor kitchen managers and staff. * Plan, assign, and evaluate work performance, providing coaching ...

Lakeside Hotel Casino

Executive Chef

West Des Moines, IA

$70K - $96K/yr

Key Responsibilities - (Other duties may be assigned) Leadership & Management * Lead, train, and mentor kitchen managers and staff. * Plan, assign, and evaluate work performance, providing coaching ...

AC Marriott

Executive Chef

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

What we offer: * Health, Dental, Vision and other benefits available after 60 days * DailyPay * 401k * Paid Training * Paid PTO * Referral program * Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels ...

Holiday Inn

Executive Chef

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

SUMMARY Supervises and coordinates activities of food preparation, kitchen, pantry, and storeroom personnel by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ...

Vue Rooftop

Executive Chef

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

SUMMARY Supervises and coordinates activities of food preparation, kitchen, pantry, and storeroom personnel by performing the following duties. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ...

Lakeside Hotel Casino

Executive Chef

Osceola, IA

$67K - $92K/yr

Key Responsibilities - (Other duties may be assigned) Leadership & Management * Lead, train, and mentor kitchen managers and staff. * Plan, assign, and evaluate work performance, providing coaching ...

Lakeside Hotel Casino

Executive Chef

Osceola, IA

$67K - $92K/yr

Key Responsibilities - (Other duties may be assigned) Leadership & Management * Lead, train, and mentor kitchen managers and staff. * Plan, assign, and evaluate work performance, providing coaching ...

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel

Lucky's Sous Chef

Tama, IA · On-site

$22.66/hr

Document and report to Executive Chef incidents-of-interest involving F&B employees and customers related to safety, service, products and performance. Provide written shift summaries as directed.

Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel

F&B Sous Chef

Tama, IA · On-site

$22.66/hr

Document and report to Executive Chef incidents-of-interest involving F&B employees and customers related to safety, service, products and performance. Provide written shift summaries as directed.

Ascension Recovery Services

Sous Chef

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Support the Executive Chef with daily kitchen operations, scheduling, meal production, and team coordination. * Help establish the kitchen and food service program before the facility opens.

Ascension Recovery Services

Sous Chef

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Support the Executive Chef with daily kitchen operations, scheduling, meal production, and team coordination. * Help establish the kitchen and food service program before the facility opens.

Access Dubuque

Sous Chef

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Executive Chef Supervisors: N/A DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assist the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations and menu execution. * Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain high ...

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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 7, 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 2

Sodexo

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 482 rated business services

Job description

Role Overview

Grow your career and develop a team that shares your desire to make a difference!

Sodexo is seeking an Executive Chef 2atUnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospitallocated inCedar Rapids, IA.

SodexoMagic is the joint venture partnership between NBA Hall of Famer, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and Sodexo. As a certified minority company, we deliver food, facilities management and integrated services to corporations, healthcare facilities, K-12 schools, colleges and universities and aviation lounges. This strategic alliance between Magic Johnson Enterprises and Sodexo, Inc., enables us to deliver creative solutions to our clients along with our local partners throughout the communities we serve.

What You'll Do
  • implement and standardize all culinary systems and procedures for hospital
  • be responsible for Food and Physical Safety and annual training for all hourly associates
  • manage, direct, and mentor frontline staff
  • procurement and purchasing
  • create menus based on client needs
  • implement innovative and fresh ideas in retail, catering and patient services
  • create interpersonal relationships with clients
What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring
  • a strong culinary background in a high-volume environment
  • strong management skills and experience
  • menu planning experience and a strong understanding of current culinary trends
  • the ability to multitask and proven effectiveness in a high-standards driven environment
  • the ability to successfully lead, develop and train a team
  • ability to handle change and maintain professionalism in changing environments
  • creative and effective problem-solving and project management skills
  • proficient computer skills, highly organized, and detail-focused
  • a proven ability to set up processes, create efficiencies, and solve problems with little to no direction
Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum Management Experience - 2 years
Minimum Functional Experience - 2 years work experience in food or culinary services including restaurants, fast food, vending, catering services, institutional services, mall food courts, etc.


    Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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