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Executive Chef Jobs in Portland, ME (NOW HIRING)

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef - hands-on

Bath, ME · On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

Executive Chef Opportunity - Confidential Search, Midcoast Maine About the Venue Located in the coastal corridor of Midcoast Maine, this award-winning historic restaurant is known for exceptional ...

American Dining Creations

Sous Chef

Portland, ME · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Responsibilities: * Assist the Executive Chef with all culinary points of service including food stations and catering events. * Provide guidance and supervise BOH staff. * Ensure recipe standards ...

Sodexo

Executive Chef 2

Gorham, ME · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

About the job Take on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You'll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and ...

Sodexo

Executive Chef 2

Gorham, ME · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

About the job Take on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You'll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and ...

Sodexo

Executive Chef 2

Gorham, ME · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

About the job Take on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You'll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and ...

Sodexo

Executive Chef 2

Gorham, ME · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

About the job Take on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You'll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and ...

Parkhurst Dining

Sous Chef

Portland, ME

$22 - $24/hr

Other responsibilities include assisting the executive chef in all phases of planning, budgeting, costing, inventory, and employee relations, and ensuring company standards throughout daily ...

Benchmark

Sous Chef

Kennebunkport, ME · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

The Sous Chef will play a key role by assisting the Executive Chef in managing the kitchen and ensuring smooth daily operations. This position is essential in maintaining efficient kitchen operations ...

Compass Group

SENIOR SOUS CHEF

Portland, ME · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account * Assists the Executive Chef with planning and creating menus * Produces and execute catering events

Unidine

SENIOR SOUS CHEF

Portland, ME · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account * Assists the Executive Chef with planning and creating menus * Produces and execute catering events

Compass Group

SENIOR SOUS CHEF

Portland, ME · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account * Assists the Executive Chef with planning and creating menus * Produces and execute catering events

Compass Group

SENIOR SOUS CHEF

Portland, ME · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for the account * Assists the Executive Chef with planning and creating menus * Produces and execute catering events

Migis Hotel Group

Sous Chef

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$1.0K - $1.5K/wk

Job Summary The Sous Chef works directly with our Executive Chef to help support our Culinary Team as much as possible. Daily responsibilities range from creating menu items, recipes, daily specials ...

Migis Hotel Group

Sous Chef

Westbrook, ME

$1.0K - $1.5K/wk

Job Summary The Sous Chef works directly with our Executive Chef to help support our Culinary Team as much as possible. Daily responsibilities range from creating menu items, recipes, daily specials ...

Black Point Inn

Sous Chef

Scarborough, ME · On-site

$1.0K - $1.5K/wk

Job Summary The Sous Chef works directly with our Executive Chef to helpsupport our Culinary Team as much as possible. Daily responsibilities rangefrom creating menu items, recipes, daily specials ...

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Executive Chef information

See Portland, ME salary details

$40.9K

$88.9K

$133K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Portland, ME is $88,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $100,800.00 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 Portland, ME?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Portland, ME are:

What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Portland, ME?

For Executive Chef jobs in Portland, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Executive Chef jobs in Portland, ME look for?

The top searched job categories for Executive Chef jobs in Portland, ME are:

What cities near Portland, ME are hiring for Executive Chef jobs?

Cities near Portland, ME with the most Executive Chef job openings:

Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Portland, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,895 per year, or $42.7 per hour.

Executive Chef

The Westin Portland Harborview

Portland, ME

$110K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Executive Chef

As the Executive Chef, you will lead all culinary operations, overseeing menu creation, food preparation, and kitchen staff management. You’ll ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety. Your creativity and leadership will shape a memorable dining experience for every guest.

Salary Range $110K-$120K

Key Responsibilities
  • You will be the culinary mastermind of our hotel, crafting exceptional dining experiences that impress and delight our guests.
  • Your daily tasks will include overseeing kitchen operations, managing kitchen staff, and developing innovative menus and dishes.
  • You will report to the Food & Beverage Operations Manager or Director of Food & Beverage.
  • A career as an executive chef can lead to opportunities as a culinary director, corporate chef, or even owning and operating your own restaurant or catering company.
Education & Experience

Hotel experience is always a plus! Applicants should have: 

  • Previous experience in this exact position
  • Previous experience in a similar or related position
  • 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.