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Executive Chef Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

As a member of Eurest's leadership and professional support team, you will help our 16,000 chefs, and in-unit associates excel as they deliver world-class meals in corporate cafes and executive ...

New

Eurest

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

As a member of Eurest's leadership and professional support team, you will help our 16,000 chefs, and in-unit associates excel as they deliver world-class meals in corporate cafes and executive ...

New

Compass Group

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Decatur, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

As a member of Eurest's leadership and professional support team, you will help our 16,000 chefs, and in-unit associates excel as they deliver world-class meals in corporate cafes and executive ...

New

Primrose Retirement Communities

Cook

Decatur, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Helps the Dining Director/Executive Chef with inventory and ordering. * Maintains a clean and sanitary working environment, including cleaning equipment and timely attention to dirty dishes.

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME AND PART TIME)

Decatur, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

Compass Group

COOK

Decatur, IL · On-site

$15.50/hr

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

All JobsChef JobsExecutive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs in Decatur, IL

Executive Chef information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$38.8K

$84.3K

$126.1K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Decatur, IL is $84,277.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,400.00 and $95,500.00 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 Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Executive Chef jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Chef jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Executive Chef job openings:
Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,277 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL

Compass Group

Decatur, IL

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,087 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 481 rated business services

Job description

Position Title: CHEF MANAGER - DECATUR, IL 

Salary: $60,000-$70,000

As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless opportunities. We feed the employees of the nation's largest and most-prestigious companies -- in every state and across all industries. As a member of Eurest's leadership and professional support team, you will help our 16,000 chefs, and in-unit associates excel as they deliver world-class meals in corporate cafes and executive dining rooms with on-site catering through vending innovations and more.

Our company is innovative, high performing and fast growing. Our teammates are enthusiastic, committed to quality and thrive on consistently delivering unparalleled results. And did we mention we work with exciting companies and at interesting locations? Come grow your career with Eurest.

This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com. 

Job Summary

Job Summary:

This is a Great Opportunity to join a great company. We are seeking a growth minded Chef Manager for our growing business. In this role you will be responsible for the success of both the culinary and food service operation. 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Full culinary management of food service operation to include inventory, ordering and receiving
  • Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable
  • Proficient in menu development, cost controls, purchasing and inventory with a focus on sourcing and utilizing local food products
  • Possesses a passion for sustainability

Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Must have a working knowledge of HACCP
  • Three years of culinary management experience in contract foodservice, fine dining setting, or restaurant with inventory and purchasing knowledge and control
  • Extensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Experience with exposition cooking needed
  • Knowledge of P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable
  • ServSafe certified is a plus

Apply to Eurest today!

Eurest is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. 

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026_Wage-Transparency_Eurest.pdf 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Eurest maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

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