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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 ...

New

P.F. Chang's

Executive Chef

Louisville, KY · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant culinary team and restaurant food service operations to ensure high operating standards in the kitchen. This includes ...

PF Changs

Executive Chef

Louisville, KY · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant culinary team and restaurant food service operations to ensure high operating standards in the kitchen. This includes ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Executive Chef oversees culinary for patient meal service, retail cafe dining service and catering services for all locations. This chef will be based out of Owensboro and travel to the other ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Grand Rivers, KY

$62K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Grand Rivers, KY · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Maysville, KY

$58K - $80K/yr

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

American Cruise Lines

Executive Chef

Maysville, KY · On-site

$58K - $80K/yr

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

Gecko Hospitality

Be Seen First

Chef/Kitchen Manager

Lexington, KY · On-site

$80K - $120K/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 ...

New

Flik Hospitality Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Latonia, KY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Covington, KY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Covington, KY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Covington, KY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the ...

Jobless

$70 - $100/hr

The Dining Director/Executive Chef will be responsible for managing vendor relationships, menu planning, and talent development within their department. More about the position responsibilities:

Compass Group

Executive Chef (Multi-Unit)

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Executive Chef oversees culinary for patient meal service, retail cafe dining service and catering services for all locations. This chef will be based out of Owensboro and travel to the other ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef (Multi-Unit)

Owensboro, KY · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Executive Chef oversees culinary for patient meal service, retail cafe dining service and catering services for all locations. This chef will be based out of Owensboro and travel to the other ...

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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 Aug 23, 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 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person 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 2 days ago

New

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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