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Executive Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Mclean, VA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

As Executive Chef, you'll have the opportunity to lead all culinary operations, mentor and develop a talented kitchen team, uphold uncompromising standards for quality and execution, and help shape ...

Executive Chef

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$89K - $109K/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 ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

The Executive Chef works in close partnership with the General Manager and Regional Chef to drive sales, profitability, and operational excellence. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position.

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

The Executive Chef works in close partnership with the General Manager and Regional Chef to drive sales, profitability, and operational excellence. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position.

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA

$82K - $113K/yr

The Executive Chef works in close partnership with the General Manager and Regional Chef to drive sales, profitability, and operational excellence. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position.

Executive Chef

Fredericksburg, VA ยท 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

Chesterfield, VA ยท On-site

$68K - $93K/yr

APEX Placement & Consulting has partnered with an exceptional healthcare organization in Chesterfield, VA seeking a dedicated Executive Chef to join their culinary leadership team. This individual ...

Executive Chef

Norfolk, VA

$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

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

We are looking for an Executive Chef with strong management skills; one able to attract, retain and motivate his staff. Benefits: * Health, dental and vision insurance * Paid Time Off * 401K plan ...

Executive Chef

Ashburn, VA ยท 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.

Executive Chef

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

We are looking for an Executive Chef with strong management skills; one able to attract, retain and motivate his staff. Benefits: * Health, dental and vision insurance * Paid Time Off * 401K plan ...

Executive Chef

Norfolk, VA ยท 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 ...

Executive Chef

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

We are looking for an Executive Chef with strong management skills; one able to attract, retain and motivate his staff. Benefits: * Health, dental and vision insurance * Paid Time Off * 401K plan ...

$85K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Denver, CO FLSA: Exempt Status: Full-time Reports to: Assistant General Manager Supervises: Culinary Team Members Pay Range: $85K-$95K Annually Job Summary: The Executive ...

Executive Chef

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef must ensure all HACCP documentation is accurate and completed daily. The Executive Chef must also produce creative and well balanced daily and weekly specials, control waste ...

Executive Chef

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef must ensure all HACCP documentation is accurate and completed daily. The Executive Chef must also produce creative and well balanced daily and weekly specials, control waste ...

Executive Chef

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$88K - $95K/yr

The main function of Executive Chef is providing overall leadership to the day-to-day operations of the Culinary Department, to include preparation of food for assisted living and health care ...

Showing results 21-40

Executive Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$39.7K

$86.1K

$128.9K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Virginia 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,141 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Executive Chef

The Palm

Mclean, VA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Overview

Lead the Kitchen. Shape the Experience. Build Your Legacy.

The Palm Steakhouse is looking for an accomplished, passionate Executive Chef to lead our culinary team in McLean, VA. If youโ€™re a culinary leader who thrives in an upscale, high-volume environment, takes pride in developing exceptional talent, and is driven to deliver consistently outstanding cuisine, this is an opportunity to take your career to the next level with an iconic steakhouse brand. As Executive Chef, youโ€™ll have the opportunity to lead all culinary operations, mentor and develop a talented kitchen team, uphold uncompromising standards for quality and execution, and help shape an exceptional dining experience for every guest. Weโ€™re looking for a hands-on leader who combines culinary creativity with strong business acumen, understands the importance of consistency and cost control, and knows how to build a culture where talented culinary professionals can thrive.

Lead with passion. Develop great talent. Elevate every plate. Build your legacy with The Palm.

Benefits:

  • Extensive and well-rounded training program
  • Continued career development and growth opportunities
  • Generous employee discounts on dining, retail, amusements, and hotels
  • Multiple health benefit plans to suit your needs
  • Dental, vision, voluntary life, short term disability, flexible spending accounts and 401 (k)
  • Paid time off
  • Monthly discretionary bonus potential

Responsibilities
  • Ensures excellence in guest satisfaction through commitment to a "Do Whatever It Takes Attitude" and a hands-on, lead by example management style
  • Management of all back of house staff in an upscale / fine dining kitchen, including ongoing training, development, and follow up
  • Achieve or exceed budgeted labor and other cost centers through proper planning and execution
  • Oversee weekly and monthly inventories, and ordering of food and supplies
  • Maintain sanitation procedures and organization of work area adhering to all OSHA regulations

Qualifications
  • At least 5 years of Culinary Management experience, with at least 2 years as an Executive Chef in an upscale / fine dining establishment
  • Strong knowledge and attention to detail on back of the house operations including staff supervision, inventory controls and food/labor cost, and product quality
  • Strong communication, leadership, and conflict resolution skills
  • Stable and progressive work history; Strong work ethic

 
EOE

#LI-KJ1


Pay Range
USD $90,000.00 - USD $100,000.00 /Yr.

PALM logo

About PALM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

2016

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