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Executive Chef Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Meriwether Godsey is looking for an Executive Chef responsible for leading and managing a high-volume food production program, as well as special events and high-end catering for the dining program ...

Elizabeth's

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$110K - $120K/yr

The Executive Chef will oversee all aspects of the kitchen, including designing and managing the menu, supervising kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and safety, and maintaining inventory.

FTK Hospitlatity DC

Executive Chef

Washington, DC

$80K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef - Full Time FTK Hospitality Baltimore | Washington, DC FTK Hospitality DC is seeking a dedicated Executive Chef to lead the kitchen at one of Baltimore's most acclaimed upscale coastal ...

Restaurant Associates

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Annual Performance Bonus Opportunity (Up to 20% of Base Salary) Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading ...

New

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Annual Performance Bonus Opportunity (Up to 20% of Base Salary) Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading ...

Invited

Executive Chef

Leesburg, VA

$72K - $99K/yr

Executive Chef at River Creek Club | Premier Golf & Country Club in Leesburg, VA Championship Golf on the Potomac River Creek Club is home to an 18-hole championship course that blends thoughtful ...

New

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA

$85K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef Salary: $85,000 - $95,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Annual Performance Bonus Opportunity (Up to 20% of Base Salary) Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry's leading ...

Retirement Unlimited, Inc.

Executive Chef

Burke, VA · On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for all food production including that used for restaurants. Develop menus, food purchase specifications and recipes, supervise staff, develop and monitor food and ...

National Democratic Club

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

The National Democratic Club is looking for an Executive Chef to join our team. NDC was founded in 1953 by former members of the Truman Administration as a membership organization dedicated to ...

SIXTY VINES MONTGOMERY CNTY LLC

Executive Chef

Reston, VA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef for Sixty Vines will serve as a working Chef, responsible for training and developing their team daily. They will play a key role in implementing new recipes and ensuring adherence ...

Cogir Management, USA Inc

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 ...

Cogir Management, USA Inc

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD · On-site

$74K - $101K/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 ...

Cogir of Potomac

Executive Chef

Potomac, MD · On-site

$74K - $101K/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 ...

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Executive Chef information

See Washington salary details

$45.3K

$98.4K

$147.2K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Washington is $98,407.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $111,600.00 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 Washington? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Washington? For Executive Chef jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Executive Chef jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Chef jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Executive Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in WA? For Executive Chef jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,407 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Executive Chef

Meriwether Godsey, Inc.

Potomac, MD • On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Meriwether Godsey is looking for an Executive Chef responsible for leading and managing a high-volume food production program, as well as special events and high-end catering for the dining program at an exceptional private school account in Washington, DC. Our ideal candidate has strong culinary and management skills and is well versed in contract dining services in a school setting.


What the Executive Chef will do:

  • Communicate daily with production staff on all food production activities.

  • Purchase organically and locally produced foods, whenever possible, and work alongside production staff to incorporate these products into recipes and menu offerings on a daily basis.

  • Oversee menu development, purchasing, and production, incorporating the latest trends and practices.

  • Ensure proper food temperatures are reached, maintained, and recorded; ensure daily records of food usage, organization of storage/cooler areas, and other compliance regulations are kept.

  • Lead by example, engaging and developing direct reports and team members through ongoing support, monitoring, coaching, and feedback.

  • Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships while researching price variations.

  • Implement and maintain HACCP standards.

  • Maintain effective client and customer-centric relationships.

  • Deliver high-end catering.

  • Assist in Back of House phases of financial planning, budget/cost analysis, and reporting to set, monitor, and achieve operating and financial goals.

What the Executive Chef needs:

  • Associate’s Degree or five or more years of related food service experience.

  • 3-5 years of Executive Chef experience

  • 5+ Years of experience in Contract Food Service Operation, High-End Catering Management, High-Volume Dining, and Multi-Unit experience.

  • Experience in a school setting is preferred.

  • Application and promotion of current food trends.

  • Proficiency and growing knowledge of sustainable practices.

  • Participative management style and excellent leadership skills.

  • Demonstrated experience cultivating talent and promoting an inclusive work environment.

  • Strong communication and presentation skills.

  • Account and Project Management Skills.

  • Knowledge of food safety (HACCP), sanitation, and overall workplace safety standards.

  • Ability to work in a collaborative team environment while fostering strong client and customer relationships.

  • ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certification preferred and Allergen Training and experience.

  • Must be able to pass a background check

What the Executive Chef will get:

  • Competitive Pay, Meals, Uniforms, Benefits such as Health, Vision, Dental, and more!

Meriwether Godsey offers significant opportunities for growth and career advancement. The work environment is fast-paced, team-oriented, and high-energy. You’ll be surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do. Interested in learning more? Visit our About Us Page

Enjoy a people and food-focused environment where you have the opportunity to make a difference every day and advance your career. Help Meriwether Godsey set the standard for hospitality in the Greater DC market!

  • Meriwether Godsey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace.

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