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Executive Chef Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Driven by a team of in-house executive chefs, sommeliers, and seasoned hospitality professionals, our group is committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Each concept we develop is a ...

Responsibilities: * Prepare and execute banquet menus according to BEOs and guest expectations * Maintain food quality, portion control, and presentation standards * Manage inventory, ordering, and ...

Description Responsibilities: * Prepare and execute banquet menus according to BEOs and guest expectations * Maintain food quality, portion control, and presentation standards * Manage inventory ...

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. Must be able to work a flexible schedule and expect ...

Salad/Pantry Cook

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Description: Now Hiring: Pantry Cook Ruth's Chris Steak House "Where precision, presentation, and passion meet on every plate." At Ruth's Chris Steak House, we believe that every course should be ...

Director of Operations

Decatur, AL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Collaborates with executive team to develop the brand's strategies. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/CORE COMPETENCIES * Must have expertise in managing multiple priorities concurrently to effectively provide ...

New

Director of Operations

Moulton, AL · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Collaborates with executive team to develop the brand's strategies. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/CORE COMPETENCIES * Must have expertise in managing multiple priorities concurrently to effectively provide ...

New

Director of Operations

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Collaborates with executive team to develop the brand's strategies. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/CORE COMPETENCIES * Must have expertise in managing multiple priorities concurrently to effectively provide ...

New

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 8, 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.

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 Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Decatur, AL 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,452 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Assistant Hotel Manager

American Cruise Lines

Decatur, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Assistant Hotel Manager
American Cruise Lines, the largest USA flagged cruise line in the United States, is looking to add Assistant Hotel Managers to our shipboard team for our 2026 season. American Cruise Lines only operates within the United States and has no more than 200 passenger vessels that create a one-of-a-kind small ship experience. With newly constructed vessels being added to our fleet, it is a great opportunity to join our shipboard management team.
The Assistant Hotel Manager (AHM) is responsible for assisting the Hotel Manager to manage the Hotel Department to ensure the quality of service, consistency of standards, and guests' expectations are met. The Assistant Hotel Manager provides support to the Hotel Manager by supervising the shipboard hotel management team and ensuring that all employees follow approved company procedures including service standards for dining, culinary, housekeeping, shore excursions, onboard enrichment, guest services, customer service, customer interaction, crew morale, and training. The Assistant Hotel Manager is responsible for service excellence and superior guest satisfaction, which is a critical measure of success. The Assistant Hotel Manager is accountable for the performance of all Hotel Department crew members, particularly the hotel officers and executive chef. The Assistant Hotel Manager is expected to provide gracious hospitality to the guests while being safe, courteous, professional, and efficient. The Assistant Hotel Manager reports to the Hotel Manager.
At American Cruise Lines, we are driven by our values-Optimism, Commitment, Patriotism, and Merit. These values shape our culture, our service, and our people, guiding us as we work together to Share America's Story on the Finest American Ships.
Responsibilities:
  • Supervise the Housekeeping Manager and Guest Service Coordinator, at the direction of the Hotel Manager.
  • Assists Hotel Manager as directed.
  • Assists Dining Room Manager during all meal services.
  • Performs duties of Hotel General Manager when Hotel General Manager is off ship 1-2 times per week.
  • Prepares with Hotel Manager for turnover and handoff of duties during scheduled time off from ship.
  • Present and available during all meal services, either front or back of house including secondary dining outlet.
  • Ensures Housekeeping Manager is keeping all staterooms and public spaces clean.
  • Assists with stateroom inspections.
  • Prepares for turnaround day process.
  • Oversees bar operations and manages wine/liquor inventory.
  • Displays leadership and maintains professional presence.
  • Visible and available to all guests and crew.
  • Holds officers and crew accountable to American Cruise Lines' standards.
  • Complies with American Cruise Lines' Operations Manual, service standards, and procedures.
  • Assesses the performance of the management team and provides immediate corrective feedback.
  • Anticipates the needs of guests and crew.
  • Responds quickly to guest requests and ensures follow through of service delivery.
  • Identifies problems, resolves immediately, and requests home office support as needed.
  • Assists with breakfast, lunch, and dinner services, cocktail hour, and onboard events.
  • Oversees crew orientation, training, scheduling, crew appearance uniform standards, and discipline.
  • Assists ship officers in achieving weekly sales goals.
  • Maintains impeccable cleanliness in passenger areas and ensures all housekeeping standards are followed.
  • Maintains sanitation and cleanliness standards of crew rooms.
  • Monitors shipboard business transactions, accounting, timecards, and home office reporting.
  • Completes daily ship inspection/walk through with Mate to generate daily work list and follows up to ensure tasks are completed.
  • Tracks all hotel maintenance items and ensures completion.
  • Creates consistent and positive crew experiences to improve employee retention.
  • Perform bartending duties as needed with other management personnel

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in hospitality management or Hotel & Restaurant Management is preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
  • Business degree may be considered with management and hospitality experience.
  • Military experience may be considered with management and hospitality experience.
  • Minimum 3 years management experience at a full-service hotel, resort, or cruise ship.
  • Strong organizational skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills (English).
  • Available to travel and work a flexible schedule including long days for extended periods of time.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • US Coast Guard regulated pre-employment drug test.
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
  • Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Attributes for Success:
  • Ability to motivate, train, and assess individual and team performance.
  • Superior time management.
  • Ability to manage and solve problems.
  • Sense of urgency in all passenger, crew, and home office requests.
  • Positive attitude and receptive to continuous performance feedback.
  • Consistent, accountable, confident, assertive, and committed.

Work Schedule:
  • 7 Days per week while onboard the ship.
  • 6 to 8 weeks working and living onboard the ship / 1 to 2 weeks off
  • This is a full-time, exempt position.

Essential Functions:
  • Ships experience forces from wind, waves, and currents, prompting them to exhibit six distinct motions known as ship motions. The six motions are surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. This position requires the ability to live and satisfactorily perform job duties in an environment that is subject to constant motion.
  • Ability to work around 12 hours per day.
  • Ability to assist in the event of an on-board emergency by quickly climbing up a ladder, opening, and passing through a 20" diameter hatch.
  • Ability to stand for your entire shift.
  • Ability to frequently lift up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to frequently bend, squat and reach.
  • Ability to live and work on board a vessel for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to use stairs frequently.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive daily rate.
  • Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with match.
  • Covered Expenses: American Cruise Lines provides travel, room and board, uniforms, and training.

Applicant Acknowledgment
By proceeding to apply for the above position, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the description of the job position for which I am applying, I agree that it accurately reflects the essential functions of the position, and I represent that I can complete the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
American Cruise Lines is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. ‎American Cruise Lines bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements, and individual ‎qualifications without regard to protected characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin and citizenship, age (40 and over), disability (including perceived disability), generic information, military service, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law. ‎This policy applies to all aspects of employment and employment decisions, including, but not limited to, ‎hiring, selection, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access ‎to benefits.‎
*Job sites across the nation.
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position and such duties and responsibilities may change without notice.