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Executive Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Charlottesville, VA

$70K - $97K/yr

Executive Chef - UP on the RoofJob Type: Full-TimeCompensation: Competitive salary + bonus structure (DOE)About UsUP on the Roof is a vibrant, upscale rooftop dining destination known for bold ...

Executive Chef

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Executive Chef - UP on the Roof Job Type: Full-Time Compensation: Competitive salary + bonus structure (DOE) About Us UP on the Roof is a vibrant, upscale rooftop dining destination known for bold ...

Executive Chef

Mclean, VA

$72K - $99K/yr

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 ...

Executive Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Description Executive Chef - Maggiano's Little Italy Why Maggiano's? At Maggiano's, we believe great food brings people together. Our scratch-made Italian-American classics and warm, family-style ...

Executive Chef

Richmond, VA

$66K - $91K/yr

As the Executive Chef, you will play a key role in maintaining a culture and expectation of excellence while creating lasting positive memories for our guests. The Hilton Short Pump is a flagship ...

Executive Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$76K - $105K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for managing food, supply, and labor budgets; hiring, training, and guiding a high-performing dining team; maintaining inventory controls; and ensuring full ...

Executive Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for managing food, supply, and labor budgets; hiring, training, and guiding a high-performing dining team; maintaining inventory controls; and ensuring full ...

Executive Chef

Hampton, VA · On-site

$90K/yr

Executive Chef DEPARTMENT: Food& Beverage REPORTS TO: Director of Food & Beverage FLSA STATUS: Salaried Exempt Compensation: $90,000 Annually Summary Legends, a global leader in privately managed ...

Executive Chef

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

The Executive Chef is a specialized train chef in the areas of fine dining/hospitality, delicious meal offerings, exceptional leadership. As the Executive Chef you will lead your associates ...

Executive Chef DEPARTMENT: Food& Beverage REPORTS TO: Director of Food & Beverage FLSA STATUS: Salaried Exempt Compensation: $90,000 Annually Summary Legends, a global leader in privately managed ...

Executive Chef

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for managing food, supply, and labor budgets; hiring, training, and guiding a high-performing dining team; maintaining inventory controls; and ensuring full ...

Executive Chef 2

Elkton, VA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Role Overview Executive Chef | ELKTON, Virginia Corporate Culinary Leadership | ChefDriven Dining This account is part of the SodexoMAGIC portfolio of business. SodexoMagic is the joint venture ...

Executive Chef 2

Elkton, VA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Role Overview Executive Chef | ELKTON, Virginia Corporate Culinary Leadership | ChefDriven Dining This account is part of the SodexoMAGIC portfolio of business. SodexoMagic is the joint venture ...

Executive Chef 2

Elkton, VA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Role Overview Executive Chef | ELKTON, Virginia Corporate Culinary Leadership | ChefDriven Dining This account is part of the SodexoMAGIC portfolio of business. SodexoMagic is the joint venture ...

Executive Chef

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

We are seeking an Executive Chef to join our team! You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and dedicate time to expanding our clientele base to establish the restaurant's brand and reputation.

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Executive Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$39.7K

$86.1K

$128.9K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Virginia is $86,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,900.00 and $97,700.00 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.

How much is the salary of an executive chef?

The salary of an executive chef typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. In high-end restaurants or large hotels, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially with additional benefits and bonuses.

What are Executive Chefs?

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 does Gordon Ramsay pay his executive chef?

Gordon Ramsay's executive chefs typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the restaurant's size. Compensation may also include bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement within his restaurant group.

Do executive chefs get paid well?

Executive chefs typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on location, experience, and the size of the establishment. In general, they are among the higher-paid roles in the culinary industry, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Their compensation reflects leadership responsibilities, culinary skills, and management duties.

What does an executive chef actually do?

An executive chef oversees the entire kitchen operation, including menu planning, managing staff, ensuring food quality, and controlling costs. They coordinate between kitchen staff and management, often handle administrative tasks, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Virginia? For Executive Chef jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Executive Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in VA? For Executive Chef jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,141 per year, or $41.4 per hour.
Executive Chef

$70K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Executive Chef - UP on the RoofJob Type: Full-TimeCompensation: Competitive salary + bonus structure (DOE)About UsUP on the Roof is a vibrant, upscale rooftop dining destination known for bold flavors, creative cocktails, and an unforgettable atmosphere. We're passionate about scratch-made dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and providing guests with an elevated dining experience. We are seeking an innovative, skilled, and inspiring Executive Chef to lead our culinary program and help shape the future of our brand.Position SummaryThe Executive Chef will oversee all back-of-house operations, maintain the highest culinary standards, and lead a talented kitchen team

This role requires strong leadership, creativity, and a commitment to excellence in both food quality and guest satisfaction.What You'll DoLead all kitchen operations, including menu development, food preparation, and executionTrain, mentor, and supervise BOH staff to ensure high performance and consistencyMaintain food and labor costs in alignment with company goalsEnsure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulationsManage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationshipsCollaborate with management on special events, seasonal menus, and promotional offeringsFoster a positive, professional, and team-oriented kitchen cultureWhat We're Looking For3-5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, upscale dining environmentProven track record of menu innovation and culinary creativityStrong leadership and communication skillsExcellent understanding of cost control, budgeting, and kitchen operationsServSafe certification (or ability to obtain)Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality and consistencyWhat We OfferCompetitive salary + performance-based bonusesHealth, dental, and vision benefitsPaid time off401 (K) with employer matchEmployee Assistance ProgramEmployee Food Discount Shift Manager MealOpportunities for professional growth within a growing conceptA dynamic work environment with a supportive, energetic leadership teamHow to ApplyIf you are a passionate, driven culinary leader ready to make your mark in a high-profile kitchen, we want to hear from you!Apply today : https://eatupdrinkup.net/jobs/.