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Executive Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Eurest

EXECUTIVE CHEF - WEST DES MOINES

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

As a member of Eurest's leadership and professional support team, you will help our 16,000 chefs, and in-unit associates excel as they deliver world-class meals in corporate cafes and executive ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA

$51K - $56K/yr

Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually. Job Summary Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$51K - $56K/yr

Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually. Job Summary Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the ...

Compass Group

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$51K - $56K/yr

Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually. Job Summary Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Fort Madison, IA

Notify the Executive Chef of any product shortages or equipment maintenance issues. * Maintain accurate counts on all food items prepared to prevent discrepancies between amount of food needed and ...

American Cruise Lines

Pastry Chef

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

Notify the Executive Chef of any product shortages or equipment maintenance issues. * Maintain accurate counts on all food items prepared to prevent discrepancies between amount of food needed and ...

Whispering Creek Senior Living

Sous Chef

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

Basic Term Life/AD&D * 401K Position Overview This position supports the Executive Chef or Dining Director in overseeing daily food production, while maintaining high quality of food and safety ...

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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 12, 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
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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, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,609 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Sous Chef - Banquets

GATEWAY HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER

Ames, IA • On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description

The Gateway Hotel & Conference Center is looking for a Sous Chef to work in the Banquet side of the Kitchen. In this position you will lead the way in the preparation of menu items for Banquet events to the exacting standards and specifications set forth by the Executive Chef. The successful candidate will report directly to the Executive Sous or Chef to help fulfill our mission to enthusiastically deliver first class hospitality that exceeds guest expectations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Assist in the execution and design of our Banquet Menu.

Lead team to the successful and timely execution of service.

Organize line to optimize efficiency.

Assign, coordinate and supervise the food production areas in both the Banquet and Restaurant prep areas.

Ensure established documentation procedures, (Cooling temperature log, waste log, product need list, etc.), are adhered to.

Empowered to quickly and responsibly resolve any service recovery issues that may arise.

Maintain an organized (mise en place), clean & sanitary work area. Follow the "clean as you go" philosophy (lead by example!).

Ensure all products are properly labeled, dated and rotated (FIFO) in accordance with Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (lead by example!).

Assess food items daily to ensure they meet quality standards set forth by the Executive Chef, while fostering a culture within your team to do the same.

Communicate with Chef, immediately, issues that may arise in relation to service, food quality, staffing (or general employee concerns), equipment or any general concerns that may impact guest satisfaction.

Attend weekly kitchen management team meeting.

Assist in monthly inventory.

Maintain a positive and professional attitude and demeanor consistent with The Gateway Hotel Values.

Demonstrate the attributes set forth in our Values: Honesty, Integrity, Enthusiastic, Positive Attitude, TEAMWORK, Caring for the Guest and Each Other, Professionalism, Sharing & Transparency - the good and the bad, Treat each other with Respect & Dignity, Always Learning, Work towards continuous improvement, Celebrate Cultural & Individual Diversity, HAVE FUN at Work!

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.

Your experience matters: Consideration will be given to candidates that demonstrate they possess the knowledge and skill set to be successful in this position. You must have a minimum 2 years of experience as a Sous Chef or 3 years restaurant, hotel, country club (or similar venue) experience, with 2 years in a kitchen supervisory role. 

ServSafe (or equivalent) Food Manager Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Weekend availability and scheduling flexibility are necessary.

Excellent verbal communication and organizational skills.

Must be able to execute assigned tasks in an accurate and timely manner (sense of urgency).

Excellent understanding of the various cooking methods used in a professional kitchen, ingredients commonly used in a kitchen and kitchen equipment.

Working knowledge of various basic computer software programs, e.g.: MS Office to include Word & Excel.

Must be able to squat, lift and push 55lbs.

Preferred

Culinary degree or current enrollment in a culinary program.

Previous kitchen experience in a hotel, country club, event catering or similar venue.

Apply