1

Executive Chef Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$85K - $95K/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

Milwaukee, WI

$70K - $96K/yr

The Executive Chef provides strategic and operational leadership for all culinary operations within the Food Hall, overseeing one cohesive culinary concept delivered through multiple food stations.

Executive Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

The Executive Chef provides strategic and operational leadership for all culinary operations within the Food Hall, overseeing one cohesive culinary concept delivered through multiple food stations.

Executive Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

The Executive Chef provides strategic and operational leadership for all culinary operations within the Food Hall, overseeing one cohesive culinary concept delivered through multiple food stations.

Executive Chef

Dousman, WI · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

Executive Chef Full Time Salary: $72,000-$80,000/year Join the team at Three Pillars Senior Living Communities in beautiful Dousman, Wisconsin, where our core values- Respect, Commitment, Fulfillment ...

Executive Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$48K - $60K/yr

THE CITY MARKET 2205 E Capital Drive Shorewood, WI 53211 We are seeking and NOW HIRING a skilled Executive Chef The Ideal applicant has Experience and Training in both Culinary and Bakery Operations ...

Executive Chef

Mcfarland, WI

$66K - $92K/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 (3274)

Madison, WI

$72K - $99K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the daily operations of the kitchen such as preparing the daily prep list, purchasing food items, supplies, and equipment, and maintains a safe, orderly, and ...

Executive Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$70K - $97K/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

Mount Pleasant, WI · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the ...

Executive Sous Chef

Hartland, WI · On-site

$63K - $81K/yr

Executive Sous Chef Location: Chenequa Country Club Department: Culinary / Kitchen Operations Reports To: Executive Chef Position Summary An Executive Sous Chef is the second-in-command in a kitchen ...

New

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$64K - $81K/yr

The Executive Sous Chef is responsible for the effective daily operations of the kitchen, including staffing, recruitment, employee development, financial management and facilities management. This ...

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$64K - $81K/yr

The Executive Sous Chef is responsible for the effective daily operations of the kitchen, including staffing, recruitment, employee development, financial management and facilities management. This ...

Executive Chef

Marshfield, WI · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Job Summary Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct ...

Executive Chef

Marshfield, WI · On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

Job Summary Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct ...

New

Executive Chef

Marshfield, WI · On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

Job Summary Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Executive Chef information

See Wisconsin salary details

$40.4K

$87.7K

$131.2K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Wisconsin is $87,699.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $99,400.00 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.

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

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Wisconsin are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Executive Chef jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Executive Chef job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,699 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

611th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Position Title:Executive ChefJob Category:Academic StaffEmployment Type:RegularJob Profile:Executive ChefJob Duties:

Under the general direction of the Director of Dining & Retail Services (DRS), this position supports the University's mission by leading the department in delivering high-quality food services and exceptional customer experiences across all service areas.

The Executive Chef serves as the culinary expert and visionary responsible for food quality, menu development, culinary innovation, and presentation standards. Provides leadership, supervision, and professional development for culinary staff and serves as a public representative of Dining & Retail Services.

This position has full responsibility for culinary program administration across multiple service platforms, including residential dining, retail operations, and catering services and requires the following:

  • Strong knowledge of culinary principles and high-volume food production.

  • Leadership and staff development skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple operations.

  • Financial and operational analysis capability.

  • Strong communicationand problem-solving skills.

Key Job Responsibilities:

35% Staff Leadership, Development, and Supervision

  • Directs, supervises, and develops kitchen production staff to ensure effective operations and quality outcomes
  • Designs, implements, and evaluates training programs including food safety, culinary skills, and waste reduction
  • Establishes performance expectations and conducts evaluations
  • Promotes an inclusive and engaged work environment
  • Oversees staffing plans and labor utilization

30% Culinary Program Management & Menu Development

  • Direct and administers menu development across all units
  • Ensures alignment with dietary needs and customer preferences
  • Integrates seasonal and local sourcing
  • Oversee recipe testing, costing, and documentation
  • Collaborates on procurement standards

15% Culinary Operations & Quality Assurance

  • Plans and evaluates production systems
  • Enforces quality and safety standards
  • Ensures compliance with regulations
  • Monitors product consistency and service standards

10% Catering & Special Events Administration

  • Direct and administer UWM Catering operations
  • Establishes catering standards and oversees events
  • Develop partnerships and expand services
  • Monitors financial and operational performance
  • Implements improvements and innovation

5% External Relations & Program Representation

  • Represents Dining Services to stakeholders
  • Supports academic partnerships
  • Promotes culinary programs

5% Financial & Operational Support

  • Analyzes food and labor costs
  • Supports budget planning
  • Evaluate customer feedback
  • Assists with operational support and facilities planning
Department:

Dining and Retail Services

Compensation:

$85,000 - $100,000 Annually

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in hospitality management, business, culinary arts, organizational leadership, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience-associate's degree plus 8 years of management experience in a higher education setting

  • Minimum of5 years of progressive foodservice management experience, preferably in ahigher educationdining environment

  • Demonstrated experience managing food, labor, and operating budgets

  • Knowledge of institutional food purchasing, inventory systems, and POS platforms

  • Experience with standardized recipes, menu development, and production systems

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

  • Valid Driver's License and ability to qualify tooperateState of Wisconsin vehicles

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, Hospitality Management, or related field.

  • Certified Executive Chef (CEC)

  • Experience in university,collegeor large institutional dining programs.

  • Experience supervising managers and leading multi-layered teams

  • ServSafeManager Certification or ability to obtain within requiredtimeframe

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are required to apply online and provide BOTH cover letter and resume addressing your professional level work experience as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications.

Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. Applications missing any of the required documents listed prior to the application deadline will be marked as incomplete and will not be considered. In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they may be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications.

Finalist candidates(s) will be asked to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified.

This is a continuous recruitment with an initial review date of 07/23/2026. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by 07/22/2026. Applications submitted after 07/22/2026 may not be reviewed.

Contact Information:

Questions about this position can be directed to Jennifer Brown (brow2366@uwm.edu)

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWMis a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law.UWMwill not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBCand Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check.UWMtakes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For theUWMAnnual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, seehttp://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.


What University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom