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Executive Chef Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

SQUAREONE HOLDING COMPANY

Executive Chef

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef - Old Glory Distilling Co. We're seeking a visionary Executive Chef to lead our culinary team. If you're a creative force in the kitchen with a knack for leadership and a passion for ...

SQUAREONE HOLDING COMPANY

Executive Chef

Clarksville, TN

$62K - $85K/yr

Are you the Executive Chef who can bring strong leadership and experience to Strawberry Alley Ale Works in downtown Clarksville? We're part of a growing family of concepts, but this role is all about ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Henderson, TN · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson TN Relocation Assistance is available! Freed-Hardeman University is a private university associated with the Churches of Christ and ...

SQUAREONE HOLDING COMPANY

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN

$65K - $89K/yr

Executive Chef - Olos Chattanooga We're cooking up something brand new in the heart of Downtown Chattanooga! Olos is seeking a visionary Executive Chef to lead the launch of this exciting new concept.

Creative Dining Services

Executive Chef

Jackson, TN · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

The Executive Chef is part of the Dining Services Management team that works professionally together to make sure the needs of the customer, client, staff, and colleagues are met. Core ...

Sushi-San

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN

$70K - $100K/yr

EXECUTIVE CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Executive Chef with 5+ years of Executive Chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth ...

Sushi-San

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

EXECUTIVE CHEF! Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is looking for a Executive Chef with 5+ years of Executive Chef experience. We reward our teams with benefits, career-long training and growth ...

CommonSail Investment Group

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

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

Laurus Home Care

Executive Chef

Collierville, TN

$63K - $87K/yr

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

Posted today

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$61K - $84K/yr

Executive Chef Ruth's Chris Steak House Where legendary flavor meets refined leadership. Ruth's Chris Steak House is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and passionate Executive Chef to lead our kitchen ...

CommonSail Investment Group

Executive Chef

Collierville, TN · On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

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

New

Laurus Home Care

Executive Chef

Jackson, TN

$67K - $93K/yr

Executive Chef Beo of Jackson by StoryPoint 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

Chattanooga, TN

$65K - $89K/yr

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

StoryPoint

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

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

StoryPoint

Executive Chef

Jackson, TN · On-site

$59K - $82K/yr

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

CommonSail Investment Group

Executive Chef

Jackson, TN · On-site

$59K - $82K/yr

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

Chattanooga Upscale American Restaurant

Be Seen First

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$85K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Chattanooga, TN Position Type: Full-Time / Salaried with an expected weekly hourly commitment of 50-52 hours Compensation: starting at $85,000 with potential for bonuses ...

Gecko Hospitality

Be Seen First

Executive Chef

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Executive Chef $70,000 to $80,000 Location: Clarksville, TN We are currently looking for a talented Executive Chef for our Restaurant in Clarksville, TN. This position is a great opportunity to join ...

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All JobsChef JobsExecutive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs in Tennessee

Executive Chef information

See Tennessee salary details

$36.3K

$78.9K

$118K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Tennessee is $78,860.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $89,400.00 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 Tennessee?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Tennessee are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Executive Chef jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Executive Chef job openings:

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

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

Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,860 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Executive Chef

SQUAREONE HOLDING COMPANY

Clarksville, TN • On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Now Hiring: Executive Chef – Old Glory Distilling Co.

We’re seeking a visionary Executive Chef to lead our culinary team. If you’re a creative force in the kitchen with a knack for leadership and a passion for building standout food experiences from the ground up, this is your moment.

We are a growing business with many opportunities to grow.

Executive Chef responsibilities include:
•    Hiring, training, and development of hospitality-focused Team Members
•    Upholding the highest standards for food sanitation and quality
•    Assuming leadership of restaurant operations in the absence of the GM
•    Consistently enforcing standards for recipe adherence, food preparation, production, and presentation
•    Ensuring thorough training and communication of all Company initiatives
•    Use your career experience and talents to help the restaurant reach its financial goals through skillful management in the categories of labor, food cost and kitchen supplies.

What we're looking for in an Executive Chef

  • 5+ years professional cooking experience, with least 2 years in an Executive Chef capacity in an upscale casual dining restaurant
  • Excellent communication
  • Proven success as head of kitchen operations in a high- volume restaurant
  • Strong passion for culinary excellence, and service
  • Proven ability to develop your team
  • Knowledge of systems, methods and processes that contribute to great execution
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

We offer Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance as well as 401k and paid time off.

Executive Chef responsibilities include:
•    Hiring, training, and development of hospitality-focused Team Members
•    Upholding the highest standards for food sanitation and quality
•    Assuming leadership of restaurant operations in the absence of the GM
•    Consistently enforcing standards for recipe adherence, food preparation, production, and presentation
•    Ensuring thorough training and communication of all Company initiatives
•    Use your career experience and talents to help the restaurant reach its financial goals through skillful management in the categories of labor, food cost and kitchen supplies.
 

What we're looking for in an Executive Chef
5+ years professional cooking experience, with least 2 years in an Executive Chef capacity in an upscale casual dining restaurant
Excellent communication
Proven success as head of kitchen operations in a high- volume restaurant
Strong passion for culinary excellence, and service
Proven ability to develop your team
Knowledge of systems, methods and processes that contribute to great execution
Must be able to stand for long periods of time
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Apply