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Executive Chef Jobs in Exeter, NH (NOW HIRING)

Chef de Cuisine

Cape Neddick, ME · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

This role reports directly to the Resort Executive Chef and is accountable for delivering exceptional culinary quality, financial performance, team development, and operational excellence. The Chef ...

This role reports directly to the Resort Executive Chef and is accountable for delivering exceptional culinary quality, financial performance, team development, and operational excellence. The Chef ...

Chef de Cuisine

Cape Neddick, ME · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

This role reports directly to the Resort Executive Chef and is accountable for delivering exceptional culinary quality, financial performance, team development, and operational excellence. The Chef ...

Chef de Cuisine

Cape Neddick, ME · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

This role reports directly to the Resort Executive Chef and is accountable for delivering exceptional culinary quality, financial performance, team development, and operational excellence. The Chef ...

Chef de Cuisine

Cape Neddick, ME · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

This role reports directly to the Resort Executive Chef and is accountable for delivering exceptional culinary quality, financial performance, team development, and operational excellence. The Chef ...

Sous Chef

Durham, NH · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Support menu planning and recipe development in collaboration with the Executive Chef * Utilize advanced cooking techniques including roasting, braising, sauteing, and related culinary methods ...

Sous Chef

Rochester, NH · On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

What You'll Expect As the Sous Chef, you'll support the Executive Chef by leading daily kitchen operations, supervising the culinary team, and ensuring high-quality food, safety, and consistency ...

Sous Chef

Derry, NH · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

The Sous Chef is to be the second in command in the kitchen, and is responsible for planning and directing food preparation within both Executive and Head Chef's specifications and guidelines. The ...

Sous Chef

Derry, NH · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

The Sous Chef is to be the second in command in the kitchen, and is responsible for planning and directing food preparation within both Executive and Head Chef's specifications and guidelines. The ...

Cook 1

Ipswich, MA · On-site

$17.75 - $22/hr

Reporting Structure Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key Responsibilities * Set-up, execute daily prep tasks, and organize your workstation efficiently. * Prepare and store ...

Cook 1

Ipswich, MA

$17.75 - $22/hr

Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key Responsibilities * Set-up, execute daily prep tasks, and organize your workstation efficiently. * Prepare and ...

Cook 1

Ipswich, MA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Reporting Structure • Reports to the Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or Executive Chef Key Responsibilities * Set-up, execute daily prep tasks, and organize your workstation efficiently. * Prepare and ...

Collaborates with the Executive Chef, Food and Beverage Managers, and Catering Managers on menu development and pricing strategies * Directs ordering processes, including quantities, timing ...

Line Cook

Seabrook, NH · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Support the Sous Chef and Executive Chef with additional tasks as needed What We're Looking For * Previous cook or line cook experience preferred * Knowledge of food preparation techniques and ...

Prep Cook

Kittery, ME

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

Work closely with the Executive Chef and/or Sous Chef to keep residents satisfied with food and dining programs. * Maintain kitchen in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition at all times. * Adhere to ...

Showing results 21-40

Executive Chef information

See Exeter, NH salary details

$40.7K

$88.4K

$132.3K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Exeter, NH is $88,407.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $100,200.00 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 Exeter, NH? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Exeter, NH are:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Exeter, NH? For Executive Chef jobs in Exeter, NH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Executive Chef jobs in Exeter, NH look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Chef jobs in Exeter, NH are:
What cities near Exeter, NH are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities near Exeter, NH with the most Executive Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Exeter, NH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,407 per year, or $42.5 per hour.

Chef de Cuisine

Cliff House Maine

Cape Neddick, ME • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

CHEF DE CUISINE

JOB OVERVIEW

The Chef de Cuisine is the Department Head responsible for all culinary operations within the Tiller resort signature restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as In-Room Dining and The Terrace, a seasonal alfresco restaurant. This role reports directly to the Resort Executive Chef and is accountable for delivering exceptional culinary quality, financial performance, team development, and operational excellence.

The Chef de Cuisine sets the culinary tone—driving consistency, creativity, and a sense of place through well-executed menus and disciplined leadership. This position leads the culinary team with precision, clear communication, and a forward-thinking approach that supports both the resort’s standards and the expectations of a global guest base.

The Chef de Cuisine has a culinary leadership team of an Executive Sous Chef along with Two (2) sous chefs, culinary & stewarding leads. The CDC works very closely with the Tiller front of house leadership team for synergy, consistency and ensuring the guest experience.

Pay Range: $75,000 - $90,000 annually

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Department Leadership
    Acts as the leader of the signature restaurant culinary department. Oversees daily operations, establishes standards, and partners with the Resort Executive Chef to execute the property’s culinary vision.
  • Team Development & Training
    Provides strong, structured training and development for an international culinary team. Demonstrates excellent communication, hands-on instruction, and coaching that supports consistent execution, growth, and retention.
  • Operational Oversight
    Manages all culinary functions for three meal periods, In-Room Dining, and the seasonal alfresco outlet. Ensures efficient production, consistent quality, accurate pacing, and smooth service collaboration with FOH partners. Works very closely in a role of inclusion for all operations F+B outlets for product support and staff sharing for operational awareness and efficiencies.
  • Menu Development & Culinary Identity
    Creates distinctive, seasonal, place-driven menus. Oversee recipe development, plating guides, and quality benchmarks that reflect a luxury coastal experience paired with the Tillers branding structure.
  • Recipe Management, Controls & Systems
    Upholds Craftable/recipe accuracy, portion controls, inventory procedures, and production systems. Ensures the team adheres to all culinary standards and operational SOPs. Through this system also this role is responsible for daily requisitions, monthly inventories, transfers and waste sheets for accountability.
  • Financial Accountability
    Responsible for delivering budgeted food cost, labor cost, and departmental expenses.
    Leads ordering, inventory, assists in vendor relationships, and labor deployment to support margin expectations while protecting product excellence.
  • Communication & Service Coordination
    Maintains strong communication with FOH leaders, conducting daily line-ups, menu briefings, and post-service evaluations. Supports seamless guest experiences across all touchpoints.
  • Food Safety & Sanitation
    Ensures full compliance with food safety practices, health codes, internal audits, and high sanitation standards across all kitchens and prep areas. Must be Serve Safe management certified.
  • Quality Assurance
    Executes line checks, tastings, and real-time corrections to guarantee consistency and signature-level presentation at every service. Plays an integral role in our third party quality shops and ratings for adherence, correction and celebrations.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience
    Five (5) years of progressive culinary experience with at least three (3) years in a leadership role—Sous Chef (of larger luxury property), Chef de Cuisine, or equivalent—in a high-volume or luxury environment.
  • Financial Acumen
    Demonstrated ability to manage food cost, labor cost, inventory systems, ordering, vendor relations, and departmental budgeting.
  • Leadership & Training Ability
    Proven success leading diverse, international teams. Strong coaching, communication, and developmental skills required.
  • Technical Skills
    Solid mastery of classical and contemporary culinary techniques, menu engineering, production systems, and quality control.
  • Adaptability & Work Ethic
    An agile leader who thrives in dynamic, multi-outlet operations and embraces the non-traditional schedule of hospitality

NEEDED ATTRIBUTES & EXPECTATIONS

All employees must meet performance standards for their position and comply with all resort policies, procedures, and expectations as outlined in the Employee Handbook or communicated by leadership. This job description provides an overview of primary responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve based on operational needs. Employees are expected to perform additional tasks as assigned by leadership.

Needed Attributes

Employees must fulfill their performance standards for this position and comply with policies, rules and procedures of the Hotel, including those set out in the Employee Handbook or otherwise communicated (verbally or in writing) to employees.  The job description is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of the position.  This job description and duties of this position are subject to change, modification and addition as deemed necessary by the Hotel.  Employees are required to comply with supervisory instructions and perform other job duties, responsibilities and assignments requested by supervisors, managers or other Hotel Officials.
  

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.