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Executive Chef Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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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 ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef Key Responsibilities: * Execute menus that showcase flavors and ingredients, while also catering to the local market's tastes and preferences. * Ensure that all dishes are prepared to ...

Executive Chef

Memphis, TN

$69K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef plays a vital role in the company, contributing directly to SpaceXAI's success and historical milestones by overseeing teams within multiple outlets, fueling the workforce overall ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

EXECUTIVE CHEF Fairlane Hotel | Nashville, TN Full-Time | Salaried | On-Property ABOUT FAIRLANE Fairlane is a 79-room independent hotel in downtown Nashville, a block off Printers Alley. Downstairs ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN

$69K - $95K/yr

As an Executive Chef at bartaco, you are the culinary leader responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and operational excellence. You will guide your team to ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

As an Executive Chef at bartaco, you are the culinary leader responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and operational excellence. You will guide your team to ...

As an Executive Chef at bartaco, you are the culinary leader responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and operational excellence. You will guide your team to ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

The Executive Chef will shape menu innovation, uphold technical excellence, and lead a high-performance culinary team capable of executing refined Asian cuisine at the highest level. The ideal ...

The Executive Chef will define the menu narrative, drive culinary innovation rooted in Southern influence, and maintain uncompromising standards of excellence in execution, hospitality, and financial ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN

$69K - $95K/yr

As an Executive Chef at bartaco, you are the culinary leader responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and operational excellence. You will guide your team to ...

Executive Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

As an Executive Chef at bartaco, you are the culinary leader responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and operational excellence. You will guide your team to ...

Executive Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef plays a vital role in the company, contributing directly to SpaceXAI's success and historical milestones by overseeing teams within multiple outlets, fueling the workforce overall ...

Executive Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef plays a vital role in the company, contributing directly to SpaceXAI's success and historical milestones by overseeing teams within multiple outlets, fueling the workforce overall ...

Executive Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Stonebreaker Hotel is looking for an Executive Chef. If you have a passion for food and customer service and believe in jumping in and working hands-on with team members, then this could be the ...

Executive Chef I

Memphis, TN · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef IAt Sodexo Live!, we take pride in crafting exceptional events at the most prestigious venues on the planet and creating lasting memories for fans, visitors, guests and team members.

Executive Chef

Memphis, TN

$69K - $95K/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 ...

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$65K - $89K/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 ...

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN

$65K - $89K/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 ...

Executive Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$69K - $95K/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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Executive Chef information

See Tennessee salary details

$36.3K

$78.9K

$118K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 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 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.

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

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Tennessee 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:

Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,860 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Executive Chef

Gecko Hospitality

Clarksville, TN • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

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Job description

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 a growing family of unique, upscale brands that are growing in Tennessee. The company offers high-end food and drinks in a fun atmosphere, that is all about the overall experience of each guest. We are seeking very high-energy individuals with a broad range of skills. This is a GROWING company that offers a lot of growth potential for Chefs that are ready to work hard and lead a team of professionals.


As the Executive Chef you will be responsible for menu development, costing, hiring and training as well as maintaining COGs and other costs. The position REQUIRES a hands-on approach which means jumping in and leading wherever needs be. This is not an office job. The Executive Chef in Clarksville, TN must be passionate, driven and have a guest first mentality. If you are looking for a new Chef role, please see the requirements below and send your resume today.


Qualifications:


  • Minimum of 2 years as a salaried Executive Chef in Upscale Casual Dining
  • Experience in costing and managing associated costs
  • Hands on leadership is required
  • Excellent references as well as ability to pass background and drug test
  • Passion for great food
  • Ability to attract and train top talent
  • Good history of tenure


Benefits:


  • Excellent salary and future incentives
  • Great growth opportunities
  • Paid vacation
  • Growing brand


Ready to grow your hospitality career? Apply today in Clarksville, TN.



As part of our recruiting process, we may contact you regarding positions we feel are a good fit or engage with you via SMS text message. By clicking to submit your application, Gecko Hospitality, has your consent to communicate via SMS text message moving forward. Terms of Service are available at https://www.geckohospitality.com/terms. Privacy Policy can be found at https://www.geckohospitality.com/privacy. Message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile phone service plan. For more help reply “HELP” to your texts or you can opt-out by replying STOP

Company Description

Since 2000, Gecko Hospitality and its dedicated Franchise Partners and Recruiters throughout the United States have been pioneers in the hospitality recruiting industry. The value that Gecko Hospitality provides to its Clientele is evident in the advanced networking and technology skills our professional recruiters possess in identifying qualified restaurant professionals. Voted Forbes best recruitment firm since 2018.

Our national network consists of 37 regional offices that are driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. In addition, Gecko Hospitality offers the largest selection of hospitality jobs, restaurant jobs, hotel jobs, resort jobs and club management jobs online. Our specialized, hospitality-focused team covers all 50 states and Canada with over 80 Franchise Partners and recruiters. Gecko Hospitality was founded on providing the finest restaurant jobs nationwide to the highest performing candidates. More importantly, our Franchise Partners and recruiters began their careers in hospitality and there is no finer training ground for recruiting than real life experience.

At Gecko Hospitality, we are passionate about making sure that every member of our recruiting team is familiar with our philosophies. In the same way that we learn about people when developing relationships and friendships, we want our people to have a sense of Gecko Hospitality's values and insight into our company's "personality." With this insight comes a greater understanding of how values "fit" with Gecko Hospitality's values, why we do things the way we do as well as providing a basis for making decisions that are appropriate to those values. We all play a part in keeping these traditions and philosophies alive.

We want every member of our recruiting team to understand that we are only as good as how well we follow these philosophies on an every day basis. Gecko Hospitality is all about achieving results by being motivated. This motivation to achieve results comes from within. No one can motivate us, nor can we motivate anyone else. As leaders, all that we can do is provide an environment where people motivate themselves to achieve mutually beneficial goals. Along with this philosophy, each team member possesses the following traits for which we are proud: honesty, integrity, desire, determination, listening skills, rapid learning, responding in a timely manner, effective communication skills, thoroughness, empathy, compassion, and most of all we want every team member to have a strong work ethic that motivates them to produce superior results both for our candidates and for our Clients.

At Gecko Hospitality, you certainly have... more choices