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Executive Chef Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Lexington, KY

$80K - $100K/yr

Executive Chef Upscale Casual Theme Are you an Executive Chef passionate about your culinary skills? Our Company is searching for a Professional Executive Chef to lead a polished culinary staff. To ...

Universal Weather And Aviation

Executive Chef

Florence, KY · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Executive Chef Full Time US ACW Management Florence, KY, US 2 days ago Requisition ID: 3989 Salary Range: $70,000.00 To $80,000.00 Annually SUMMARY The Executive Chef is responsible for managing the ...

Air Culinaire Worldwide

Executive Chef

Florence, KY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

SUMMARY The Executive Chef is responsible for managing the culinary and kitchen operations staff, and the overall compliance with HACCP, Food Safety and ACES specifications associated with Air ...

Lettuce Escape

$80 - $100/hr

Overview Shaw's Chicago is now Hiring an EXECUTIVE CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Executive Chef with 2 years of Executive Chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits ...

CoralTree Hospitality Group

$100 - $125/hr

As Executive Chef, you will help shape the culinary identity of Everline Resort & Spa while delivering exceptional dining experiences for resort guests, members, groups, weddings, and special events.

Columbia Sussex

$125 - $150/hr

As the Executive Chef, you will oversee menu development, food preparation, and ensure the highest standards of quality and safety are maintained. Key Responsibilities * Develop and execute creative ...

Wally's Wine & Spirits

$100 - $125/hr

Executive Chef# Executive ChefHot JobLas Vegas , NV 89109## OverviewSalary Range$110,000.00 - $120,000.00 SalaryPosition TypeFull TimeJob ShiftAnyCategoryRestaurant - Food Service## DescriptionWally ...

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

$100 - $125/hr

As Executive Chef, you will help shape the culinary identity of Everline Resort & Spa while delivering exceptional dining experiences for resort guests, members, groups, weddings, and special events.

DineAmic Group

$100 - $125/hr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of the restaurant's kitchen. The role requires a wide range of skills from designing and developing satisfactory menus to managing ...

Bardo

$100 - $125/hr

The Executive Chef also serves as the face of the hotel's culinary program, representing the operation with senior leadership, clients, partners, and guests. The ideal candidate is equally ...

StoryPoint Group

$80 - $100/hr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities include retail sales, special events planning, food costs and ...

NexCare Health

$60 - $80/hr

The main role of Executive Chef & Directorof Food Services is toplan, organize, develop and direct the overall operation of the Culinary Department in accordance with current federal, state, and ...

Hef's Hut Bar & Grill

$100 - $125/hr

As Executive Chef, you'll take ownership of our kitchen operations, culinary direction, and team development, helping us take our food program to the next level while maintaining the highest ...

Peachtree Group

$100 - $125/hr

Description Executive Chef About Us A new chapter is beginning at Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin and Peachtree Group. Located in the heart of downtown Austin, our hotel places guests and team ...

New

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse

$100 - $125/hr

As a successful Executive Chef, you will be the key to fulfilling our promise to make every guest visit a memorable celebration of food, wine, and personalized service. Ensuring that Fleming's is an ...

Fortune Bay

$60 - $80/hr

Executive Chef Full Time Food and Beverage Tower, MN, US 4 days ago Requisition ID: 2412 Salary Range: $67,618.61 To $84,523.26 Annually TITLE: Executive Chef DEPARTMENT: Food & Beverage SUPERVISOR:

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All JobsChef JobsExecutive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs in Kentucky

Executive Chef information

See Kentucky salary details

$34.7K

$75.5K

$112.9K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Kentucky is $75,463.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,100.00 and $85,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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. Experienced executive chefs in high-end restaurants or large hotels can earn over $100,000, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Strong leadership, culinary skills, and management experience are essential for higher compensation.

What is the work of an executive chef?

An executive chef is responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operation, including menu planning, managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, and controlling costs. They often coordinate with suppliers, maintain health standards, and lead culinary staff to deliver a consistent dining experience.
More about Executive Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Kentucky are:

What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Kentucky?

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

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

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

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Executive Chef jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Executive Chef job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in KY?

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

Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,463 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Executive Chef

Gecko Hospitality

Lexington, KY

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Executive Chef

Upscale Casual Theme

Are you an Executive Chef passionate about your culinary skills? Our Company is searching for a Professional Executive Chef to lead a polished culinary staff. To become the Executive Chef of this establishment, apply today for our location in Lexington, Kentucky. We employ hospitality professionals who are competitive, expect to win and can build sales. We are a great company for talented Culinary Professionals to make their mark! Don’t miss this fresh, exciting and rewarding career opportunity as an Executive Chef in Lexington, Kentucky.

 

Title of Position – Executive Chef

Job Description: The Executive Chef will lead a team full of culinary professionals, set high standards, and produce great tasting food, all while following strict food safety guidelines. Our Executive Chef needs to be extremely motivated, hardworking, energetic, experienced and fully capable of leading a group of culinary experts. The right candidate will support the culinary development of their team to ensure menu items are executed with excellence all the time. Along with team building and motivating, the person in this position must be able to communicate effectively with vendors to obtain the freshest ingredients at the best prices possible, can perform cost analysis and have a firm understanding of P&L management.

Benefits:

·       Competitive Compensation

·       Insurance Benefits

·       401(K)

·       Paid Time Off

·       Thorough and Ongoing Training

Qualifications:

  • The Executive Chef must possess 3-5 years high-volume Kitchen Management experience
  • Proven experience creating a safe work environment incorporating teamwork and professional development is necessary for the Executive Chef
  • The Executive Chef must have proven success in controlling of costs associated with running a profitable business such as food, labor and beverage
  • The ability to handle stress in a productive way is a must for the Executive Chef
  • The Executive Chef must have the ability to delegate while maintaining control

Apply Now – Executive Chef in Lexington, Kentucky

If you would like to be considered for this position, email your resume to douglas@geckohospitality.com

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