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

Marriott Knoxville Downtown

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Hilton Knoxville

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Hilton Knoxville

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Marriott Knoxville Downtown

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Marriott Knoxville Downtown

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Hilton Knoxville

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

WindRiver Properties, LLC

Pastry Chef

Lenoir City, TN · On-site

The Pastry Chef works closely with the Executive Chef to align the pastry program with the club's culinary direction, manages ingredient sourcing and cost, upholds food safety and sanitation ...

WindRiver Properties, LLC

Sous Chef

Lenoir City, TN · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

The Sous Chef works closely with the Executive Chef to align culinary operations with overall F&B objectives and provides a warm, engaging presence to enhance the member experience. WindRiver's new ...

Covenant Living

Sous Chef

Maryville, TN · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Assists the Executive Chef in all phases of planning, ordering, inventory, and food preparation. Assumes full responsibility of all culinary operations in the absence of the Executive Chef. ESSENTIAL ...

Covenant Living

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Assists the Executive Chef in all phases of planning, ordering, inventory, and food preparation. Assumes full responsibility of all culinary operations in the absence of the Executive Chef. ESSENTIAL ...

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 ...

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All JobsChef 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 Aug 22, 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 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 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 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 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. Experienced executive chefs in high-end restaurants or large hotels can earn over $100,000, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Strong leadership, culinary skills, and management experience are essential for higher compensation.

What is the work of an executive chef?

An executive chef is responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operation, including menu planning, managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, and controlling costs. They often coordinate with suppliers, maintain health standards, and lead culinary staff to deliver a consistent dining experience.
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
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,067 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Sous Chef

Marriott Knoxville Downtown

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Sous Chef
We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and presentation, and maintaining cleanliness and safety standards. The ideal candidate is creative, organized, and passionate about food and hospitality.
Key Responsibilities
  • You will be the right hand to our executive chef, assisting in the creation of exceptional dining experiences for our hotel guests.
  • Your daily tasks will include overseeing kitchen staff, preparing menu items, and ensuring food safety and quality standards are met.
  • You will report to the Executive Chef.
  • A career as a sous chef can lead to opportunities as a chef de cuisine, executive chef, or even culinary director within the hospitality industry.
Education & Experience
Hotel experience is always a plus! Applicants should have:
  • A combination of education and experience.

Additional consideration will be given to applicants who have completed special certifications, such as a culinary diploma.
What You'll Need to Succeed
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Sufficient education and/or literacy needed to identify and read product labels and to communicate with guests about job-related needs.
  • Ability to sit, stand, bend, kneel, and lift as required-with or without reasonable accommodations
  • Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays if needed
  • A warm, professional demeanor that reflects HVMG's Culture of Excellence by showing a warm smile, friendly personality, and positive attitude.

Why Our Associates Love HVMG
  • Career growth opportunities across our nationwide portfolio
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Access up to 40% of your earned wages before payday with PayActive
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
  • Full healthcare benefits: medical, dental, and vision
  • 401(k) with guaranteed 4% match and no vesting period
  • Exclusive hotel and food & beverage discounts
About HVMG
Our Be Excellent culture is more than just words on a website -- we live and breathe it. As one associate said in an anonymous survey, "This is the best management company I've ever worked for. They walk the talk from the corporate office to the field."
We believe that the hotel business is one of the few industries in which successful career paths can start anywhere on the org chart. You control your destiny, and, if our executives are any indication, today's dishwasher can be tomorrow's Senior Vice President.
The above job description is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities of the position, nor should it be construed as a contract.
HVMG is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any basis prohibited by federal, state, or local laws. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, promotion, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

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