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Executive Chef Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Ruth's Chris Steak House

Kitchen Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$50K/yr

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 ...

Ruth's Chris Steak House

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 ...

Hardee's

Director of Operations

Huntsville, AL · On-site

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 ...

Hardee's

Director of Operations

Moulton, AL · On-site

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 ...

Hardee's

Director of Operations

New Hope, AL · On-site

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 ...

Hardee's

Director of Operations

Huntsville, AL

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 ...

Hardee's

Director of Operations

Huntsville, AL

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 ...

Hardee's

Director of Operations

Huntsville, AL · On-site

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 ...

Hardee's

Director of Operations

Hartselle, AL · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsChef JobsExecutive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs in Decatur, AL

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 15, 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.
More about Executive Chef jobs
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:
Executive Chef jobs near you
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.
Chef Manager

Chef Manager

Southern Foodservice Management, Inc

Decatur, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Provides daily operational support for kitchen/ front of house activities, develops kitchen/front of house staff, and oversees all operational management functions to include purchasing, inventory/cost control, payroll, etc. for a multi-shift operation. Ensures compliance with menu standards, Local Food Code and the Performance Work Statement (PWS), ServSafe, and Southern Foodservice Management Standards, Policies & Procedures and HACCP Plan (SureSafe). All the above listed job duties are to be executed in a teamwork type of approach and atmosphere.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provides guidance to kitchen team members regarding food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
  • Provides guidance to front-of-house team members regarding menu items and service standards.
  • Oversee and organize kitchen ordering, storage, and issuance.
  • Ensures a first-in, first-out food rotation system and verifies all food products are properly dated and organized for quality assurance.
  • Trains all new team members on kitchen and front of house standards.
  • Manage food and product ordering by keeping detailed records and minimizes waste, plus works with existing systems to improve waste reduction and manage budgetary concerns.
  • Be involved with product inventory.
  • Supervises all food preparation and presentation to ensure quality and adherence to standards.
  • Works with Cooks to maintain kitchen organization, staff ability, and training opportunities.
  • Works with team members on the sanitation program, to include keeping temp and sanitation logs.

Southern Foodservice Management's Culture
We have a philosophy for every one on our service team to give something extra. A Southern Foodservice Management employee:
  • Exhibits a positive, friendly and respectful attitude towards guests and other team members.
  • Arrives to work on time and in correct uniform, clean shoes, clean and pressed black pants and shirt, apron, name tag, and a SMILE.
  • Understands job duties and responsibilities, as well as having an eagerness to learn more and develop new skills.
  • Promotes a fun and efficient work environment, focusing on guest satisfaction.

Qualifications and Skills
  • Management and formal culinary training, previous restaurant/contract dining experience, extensive food and beverage knowledge, restaurant industry knowledge.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of food service regulations.
  • Strong Leadership and Management skills.
  • Positive attitude and approach.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Self-motivated, creative problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Exceptional customer service skills.
  • ServSafe Certification

Requirements
Physical Requirements
  • Strength: Lift up to 20lbs
  • Posture: Standing 80%, walking 20%
  • Movement of objects: Frequent
  • Heavy lifting, Heavy Carrying, Pushing, Pulling, Climbing or Balancing: Occasional
  • Stooping: Occasional
  • Reaching: Frequent
  • Handling: Frequent
  • Talking/Hearing: Frequent
  • Seeing: Frequent
  • Temperature Variation: Frequent

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