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Executive Chef Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Gecko Hospitality

Be Seen First

Restaurant Executive Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef with the passion for creating culinary masterpieces and the drive to become a leader in our highly successful hospitality group. Apply ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$77K - $82K/yr

The Executive Chef is the leader for all things culinary at Covenant Health Park- from setting the menu standards to training team members and being the face of Levy on social media. Food is a ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$77K - $82K/yr

The Executive Chef is the leader for all things culinary at Covenant Health Park- from setting the menu standards to training team members and being the face of Levy on social media. Food is a ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF I

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$77K - $82K/yr

The Executive Chef is the leader for all things culinary at Covenant Health Park- from setting the menu standards to training team members and being the face of Levy on social media. Food is a ...

Buddys Bar-B-Q

SOUS CHEF/COOK - BANQUET HALL

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$41K - $55K/yr

Key Responsibilities: * Assist the Executive Chef in the preparation and execution of banquet menus for weddings, corporate events, and special functions. * Supervise kitchen staff during event prep ...

Buddy's bar-b-q

SOUS CHEF/COOK - BANQUET HALL

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$41K - $55K/yr

Key Responsibilities: * Assist the Executive Chef in the preparation and execution of banquet menus for weddings, corporate events, and special functions. * Supervise kitchen staff during event prep ...

Buddys Bar-B-Q

SOUS CHEF/COOK - BANQUET HALL

Knoxville, TN

$41K - $55K/yr

Key Responsibilities: * Assist the Executive Chef in the preparation and execution of banquet menus for weddings, corporate events, and special functions. * Supervise kitchen staff during event prep ...

Foothills Milling Company Inc

Sous Chef

Maryville, TN

$45K - $61K/yr

Prepare and plate food according to kitchen specifications * Assist Executive Chef with kitchen operations with a goal of increasing revenue and profit * Supervise and coordinate all food preparation ...

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All JobsExecutive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Executive Chef information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$38.2K

$83.1K

$124.3K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Oak Ridge, TN is $83,067.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,400.00 and $94,200.00 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 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 $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the restaurant location, experience, and responsibilities. Compensation may also include bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement within his restaurant group.

How much is an executive chef paid?

An executive chef's salary varies based on experience, location, and establishment size, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. In high-end restaurants or large hotels, salaries can exceed $100,000, and many executive chefs also receive benefits and bonuses.

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 requiring leadership skills, culinary expertise, and certifications such as ServSafe. Their role is essential in maintaining the restaurant's standards and profitability.

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 is the highest paid chef position?

The highest paid chef position is typically that of a Executive Chef or Culinary Director in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private estates, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Executive Chefs oversee kitchen operations, menu development, and staff management, and their compensation varies based on location, experience, and establishment size.
More about Executive Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? For Executive Chef jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Executive Chef jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Chef jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Executive Chef job openings:
Executive Chef jobs near you
Restaurant Executive Chef

Restaurant Executive Chef

Gecko Hospitality

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Be Seen First

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Job description

Executive Chef

We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef with the passion for creating culinary masterpieces and the drive to become a leader in our highly successful hospitality group. Apply today for our location in Knoxville, TN - we would love to have the opportunity to meet you! Our personalized service makes this the perfect location for an evening out with friends and family, private dining or an elegant banquet. We cater to everyone- there’s a variety of menus to enjoy as well as bar and drink specials. Much of our success is attributed to the loyal staff and the exceptional service they provide our guests. Providing our guests with the finest quality of both food and service has been our number one priority from the get-go.

Our efforts have not gone unnoticed by any means. Apply today, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to become our Executive Chef in Knoxville, TN!

Title of Position: Executive Chef

Job Description: Our Executive Chef will demonstrate exceptional leadership skills by recruiting, training and mentoring the culinary staff. Responsibilities for the Executive Chef also include maintaining a safe, clean and professional kitchen always. Managing food cost, conducting proper inventories and product ordering will be the responsibility of the Executive Chef as well as coaching the Sous Chef to understand these responsibilities. The most important part of the Executive Chef position is ensuring every dish is delivered in a timely manner and exceeds guest expectations. Our Executive Chef will be devoted to culinary excellence and inspire the staff to do the same.

Benefits:

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Medical Benefits
  • Flexible Hours
  • Job Advancement

Requirements

  • This position requires a minimum of 3 years’ experience as an Executive Chef in a high-volume environment
  • The Executive chef must be passionate, and thrive on the development and mentoring of others
  • The ability to drive positive sales and raise guest counts is a must for the Executive Chef
  • Trust, honesty, integrity and a true passion for customer satisfaction is a requirement for the Executive Chef
  • The Executive Chef should act as a “brand ambassador” for our company at all times

Apply Now - Executive Chef located in Knoxville, TN

If you would like to be considered for this position, email your resume to cindy@geckohospitality.com

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Company Description

Since 2000, Gecko Hospitality and its dedicated Franchise Partners and Recruiters throughout the United States have been pioneers in the hospitality recruiting industry. The value that Gecko Hospitality provides to its Clientele is evident in the advanced networking and technology skills our professional recruiters possess in identifying qualified restaurant professionals. Voted Forbes best recruitment firm since 2018.
Our national network consists of 37 regional offices that are driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. In addition, Gecko Hospitality offers the largest selection of hospitality jobs, restaurant jobs, hotel jobs, resort jobs and club management jobs online. Our specialized, hospitality-focused team covers all 50 states and Canada with over 80 Franchise Partners and recruiters. Gecko Hospitality was founded on providing the finest restaurant jobs nationwide to the highest performing candidates. More importantly, our Franchise Partners and recruiters began their careers in hospitality and there is no finer training ground for recruiting than real life experience.
At Gecko Hospitality, we are passionate about making sure that every member of our recruiting team is familiar with our philosophies. In the same way that we learn about people when developing relationships and friendships, we want our people to have a sense of Gecko Hospitality's values and insight into our company's "personality." With this insight comes a greater understanding of how values "fit" with Gecko Hospitality's values, why we do things the way we do as well as providing a basis for making decisions that are appropriate to those values. We all play a part in keeping these traditions and philosophies alive.
We want every member of our recruiting team to understand that we are only as good as how well we follow these philosophies on an every day basis. Gecko Hospitality is all about achieving results by being motivated. This motivation to achieve results comes from within. No one can motivate us, nor can we motivate anyone else. As leaders, all that we can do is provide an environment where people motivate themselves to achieve mutually beneficial goals. Along with this philosophy, each team member possesses the following traits for which we are proud: honesty, integrity, desire, determination, listening skills, rapid learning, responding in a timely manner, effective communication skills, thoroughness, empathy, compassion, and most of all we want every team member to have a strong work ethic that motivates them to produce superior results both for our candidates and for our Clients.
At Gecko Hospitality, you certainly have... more choices