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Executive Chef Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Vancouver, WA ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Vision insurance Executive Chef - Cecilia, Vancouver WA Salaried: $85,000 - $100,000 DOE We're currently looking for an Executive Chef to lead the back-of-house team at Cecilia. This role is ideal ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant culinary team and restaurant food service operations to ensure high operating standards in the kitchen. This includes ...

The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant culinary team and restaurant food service operations to ensure high operating standards in the kitchen. This includes ...

Executive Chef

Tigard, OR ยท On-site

$89K - $109K/yr

The Executive Chef or Kitchen Manager is responsible for managing the restaurant culinary team and restaurant food service operations to ensure high operating standards in the kitchen. This includes ...

Executive Chef

Lake Oswego, OR ยท On-site

$71K - $75K/yr

Apply today to be our Executive Chef in Lake Oswego, OR **Under consideration for an Executive Chef position, a culinary skills interview tasting will be required as part of the interview process and ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$71K - $75K/yr

Apply today to be our Executive Chef in NE Portland, Located at 1409 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211 **Under consideration for an Executive Chef position, a culinary skills interview tasting will ...

Executive Chef

Lake Oswego, OR ยท On-site

$71K - $75K/yr

Apply today to be our Executive Chef in Lake Oswego, OR **Under consideration for an Executive Chef position, a culinary skills interview tasting will be required as part of the interview process and ...

Executive Chef

Lake Oswego, OR ยท On-site

$71K - $75K/yr

Apply today to be our Executive Chef in Lake Oswego, OR **Under consideration for an Executive Chef position, a culinary skills interview tasting will be required as part of the interview process and ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$71K - $75K/yr

Apply today to be our Executive Chef in NE Portland, Located at 1409 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211 **Under consideration for an Executive Chef position, a culinary skills interview tasting will ...

Executive Chef

Newberg, OR ยท On-site

$130K/yr

Duties and Responsibilities The Executive Chef is responsible for all culinary activities for the restaurant, banquets, room service, spa food and off-site events. This position will oversee all ...

Executive Chef

Newberg, OR ยท On-site

$130K/yr

Duties and Responsibilities The Executive Chef is responsible for all culinary activities for the restaurant, banquets, room service, spa food and off-site events. This position will oversee all ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Overview Holladay Park Plaza, Portland's premier upscale senior living community, is seeking an experienced Executive Chef with a minimum of 5 years of experience in culinary leadership or equivalent ...

Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess strength in training and team building programs. Ability to multi-task and oversee multiple property ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Qualifications Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess strength in training and team building programs. Ability to multi-task and oversee ...

Executive Chef

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

Qualifications Prior experience as an Executive Chef. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Possess strength in training and team building programs. Ability to multi-task and oversee ...

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Executive Chef information

See Portland, OR salary details

$42.4K

$92.1K

$137.9K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Portland, OR is $92,144.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $104,500.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Portland, OR?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,144 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Executive Chef

Cecilia

Vancouver, WA โ€ข On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee discounts
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Executive Chef - Cecilia, Vancouver WA
Salaried: $85,000 - $100,000 DOE
We're currently looking for an Executive Chef to lead the back-of-house team at Cecilia. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a high-volume environment, understands the demands of all-day service, and brings strong leadership, clean systems, and steady execution to the kitchen.
About NW Hospitality Group
We're a locally owned restaurant group based in Southwest Washington with three core concepts: Amaro's Table, Gustav's, and Cecilia Across 6 locations, we've built a reputation for consistent quality, scratch cooking, and hands-on leadership. Our teams value respect, accountability, and hospitality, both for our guests and each other.
Whether you're an experienced Executive Chef or a strong Sous Chef ready for the next step, this is a great opportunity to take the reins of a fast-paced, high-performing restaurant with room to grow.
Why Work With Us?
At NW Hospitality Group, we're building restaurants that last-by investing in good people and doing things the right way. We're not corporate, and we're not trying to be flashy. We're hands-on, honest, and committed to running kitchens that are consistent, professional, and proud of the food they put out.
Benefits:
  • Excellent medical, dental and vision insurance.
  • Paid time off
  • Closed on major holidays: 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
  • Leadership development through trainings, meetings and one on ones.

All management-level hires will complete a standard background check as part of our hiring process.
Compensation: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Cecilia is a beautiful breakfast restaurant that offers delicious morning meals and captivating cocktails from the bar! Our company specializes in genuine hospitality and warm, comfortable experiences. We are looking for industry professionals who share our passion for exceptional service and quality in all areas of the restaurant. *OPENING FOR DINNER THIS SPRING!*