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Executive Chef Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Executive Chef Ruth's Chris Steak House Where legendary flavor meets refined leadership. Ruth's Chris Steak House is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and passionate Executive Chef to lead our kitchen ...

Executive Chef

Decatur, AL

$67K - $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

Decatur, AL · On-site

$67K - $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 Marriott

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for ensuring excellence in all aspects of food service throughout the hotel by developing and executing high-quality innovative menus, managing and teaching culinary ...

Executive Sous Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$60K - $77K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our ...

Executive Sous Chef

Decatur, AL

$60K - $77K/yr

Executive Sous Chef American Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line operating exclusively within the United States, is seeking talented Executive Sous Chefs to join our team for the 2026 season. Our ...

Sous Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Support the Executive Chef in all kitchen operations, maintaining the highest culinary and safety standards.Lead, train, and inspire kitchen staff to deliver excellence with every plate.Oversee daily ...

Sous Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

... Executive Chef in all kitchen operations, maintaining the highest culinary and safety standards. • Lead, train, and inspire kitchen staff to deliver excellence with every plate. • Oversee daily ...

Chef

Cullman, AL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

You may assist the Executive Chef and/or Sous Chef in developing new menus, recipes, and ordering. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Essential ...

Sous Chef

Decatur, AL · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Work directly with the Executive Chef to produce diversified menus for our guests using fresh ingredients. * Work directly overseeing the culinary team to produce delicious and presentable café ...

Sous Chef

Decatur, AL

$46K - $63K/yr

Work directly with the Executive Chef to produce diversified menus for our guests using fresh ingredients. * Work directly overseeing the culinary team to produce delicious and presentable café ...

Sous Chef

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

This position reports to the Executive Chef and will help lead a culinary team committed to preparing every dish from scratch with a focus on quality, flavor, and excellence in order to deliver our ...

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Executive Chef information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$37.5K

$81.5K

$121.9K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Decatur, AL is $81,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $92,300.00 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 Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Decatur, AL? For Executive Chef jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Executive Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Decatur, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,452 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Executive Chef

$70K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Ruth's Chris Steak House rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 86 rated restaurants


Job description

Description:
Now Hiring: Executive Chef
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Where legendary flavor meets refined leadership.
Ruth's Chris Steak House is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and passionate Executive Chef to lead our kitchen with precision, creativity, and commitment to excellence.
About Us
Ruth's Chris is a leader in the fine-dining industry, known for serving the highest quality USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and handcrafted sides, all delivered with signature sizzle and world-class hospitality.
Position Summary
As Executive Chef, you will oversee all kitchen operations, lead and develop the culinary team, ensure impeccable food quality and presentation, and uphold our standards of excellence. We're looking for a chef who brings not just skill, but a love for hospitality and a drive to lead by example.
Apply here: Ruth's Chris Careers
Why Join Us?
• Competitive Pay + Weekly Paycheck
• Monthly Bonus Opportunities
• PTO & Health Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Employee Discount & Manager Meals
• Employee Assistance Program
What You'll Do:
• Lead and inspire the back-of-house team
• Ensure consistent, high-quality food preparation and execution
• Manage inventory, food cost, labor, and kitchen budgets
• Enforce food safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards
• Collaborate on menu development and seasonal features
• Maintain the integrity of the Ruth's Chris brand in every dish served
What We're Looking For:
• Minimum 3 years of leadership in a high-volume, fine-dining kitchen
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Passion for quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction
Apply here: Ruth's Chris Careers
Requirements:
Qualified candidates must demonstrate good organization and time management skills. Must be a role model for all cooking positions and cooking skill sets adhering to professional chef standards and Ruth's Chris Steak House specs.
Additional Info:
We are an equal opportunity employer/ E-Verify employer
Background check and drug screening required

What Ruth's Chris Steak House employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Ruth's Chris Steak House logo

About Ruth's Chris Steak House

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our steaks are cooked using a patented broiling method developed by our founder. They’re seasoned to perfection, and then served sizzling on 500-degree plates. Our chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff are among the best in the world. They’re trained to deliver steaks exactly the way Ruth wanted. We’ve combined the finest spirits, service, and steaks with a relaxed, friendly environment to create the best bar experience.

Industry

Food services and drinking places and restaurants

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Winter Park, FL, US