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Executive Chef Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Minimum 5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a luxury, multi-venue hotel, resort, or high-volume culinary operation. * Proven leadership experience overseeing multiple ...

Executive Chef

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$74K - $103K/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

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$76K - $105K/yr

Vision insurance Now hiring an Executive Chef - Amaro's Table East Vancouver Salaried: $85,000 - $100,000 DOE About NW Hospitality Group We're a locally owned restaurant group based in Southwest ...

Executive Chef

Vancouver, WA · 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

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$74K - $102K/yr

Vision insurance Now hiring an Executive Chef - Amaro's Table Hazel Dell Salaried: $85,000 - $100,000 DOE About NW Hospitality Group We're a locally owned restaurant group based in Southwest ...

Executive Chef

Tigard, OR · 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

Portland, OR · 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 · 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 · 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

Portland, OR · 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 · 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

Newberg, OR · On-site

$75K - $103K/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 · On-site

$75K - $103K/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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 28, 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 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,144 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Executive Chef

Portland, OR

the Chef Agency
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Location: Portland, OR Metro Area
Salary: $130,000-$160,000 base + 25% annual bonus
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401(k), relocation assistance. Benefits begin after 60 days. 100% medical coverage for the individual.
Property Description:
Luxury wine-country resort featuring multiple culinary outlets, banquets, room service, spa dining, and off-site events.
Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a luxury, multi-venue hotel, resort, or high-volume culinary operation.
  • Proven leadership experience overseeing multiple culinary outlets, banquets, events, and kitchen teams, with strong menu development, purchasing, budgeting, and cost-control skills.
  • Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, communication, presentation, and team-development skills, with a passion for exceptional food quality and guest service.
Requirements:
  • Michelin or James Beard experience recommended.
  • Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment while maintaining exceptional culinary and sanitation standards.
  • Valid U.S. work visa; no sponsorship available.

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About Chef Agency

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

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