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Executive Chef Jobs in San Rafael, CA (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful operation and administration of the culinary department to include stewarding. The Executive Chef must ensure that the culinary department is ...

Executive Chef

Walnut Creek, CA ยท On-site

$79K - $89K/yr

Executive Chef for Full Scratch Kitchen Needed Pay Range: $79,310 - 89,077 (DOE) Annually Our Chefs are the creative force of our growth, the heart of our strength, and the key to our success. We are ...

New

Executive Chef

Vallejo, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef for Full Scratch Kitchen Needed Pay Range: $80,000 to $85,000 Our Chefs are the creative force of our growth, the heart of our strength, and the key to our success. We are not looking ...

The Role The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the Verjus kitchen, including menu development, culinary execution, team development, food cost, purchasing ...

The Role The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership and performance of the Verjus kitchen, including menu development, culinary execution, team development, food cost, purchasing ...

New

Executive Chef

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Join Archer Hotel Napa as our Executive Chef and lead a dynamic culinary team dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences, elevated hospitality, and innovative cuisine. This leadership ...

Executive Chef

Novato, CA ยท On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

Executive Chef - Detox & Residential SUD Facility (6 Beds) Location: Novato, CA Employment Type: Full-Time Reports To: Director of Operations About Us We are a small, high-touch detox and residential ...

Executive Chef

San Francisco, CA

$84K - $116K/yr

Overview The Executive Chef will lead the culinary vision and daily operations of the new restaurant. As a member of the opening leadership team, this role will help establish the standards, systems ...

Executive Chef

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Join Archer Hotel Napa as our Executive Chef and lead a dynamic culinary team dedicated to delivering exceptional dining experiences, elevated hospitality, and innovative cuisine. This leadership ...

Executive Chef - Adobe

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $123K/yr

Executive Chef - Adobe Salary: $120,000-123,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you ...

Overview The Executive Chef will lead the culinary vision and daily operations of the new restaurant. As a member of the opening leadership team, this role will help establish the standards, systems ...

Executive Chef - Adobe

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $123K/yr

Executive Chef - Adobe Salary: $120,000-123,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you ...

Executive Chef - Adobe Salary: $120,000-123,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you ...

Executive Chef - Adobe

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $123K/yr

Executive Chef - Adobe Salary: $120,000-123,000 / year Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you ...

Executive Chef

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Position Summary The Executive Chef provides strategic and administrative leadership for all culinary operations at the Metropolitan Club. This role focuses on menu direction, financial oversight ...

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The Executive Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef in the responsibility for the daily monitoring of the preparation of the pre-designed meals for multi-customer accounts with culinary expertise ...

Exec. Sous chef

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

The Executive Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef in the responsibility for the daily monitoring of the preparation of the pre-designed meals for multi-customer accounts with culinary expertise ...

Executive Chef

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

Executive Chef Location: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), United Polaris Lounge Salary Range: $110,000 - $120,000 per year Benefits: 2 weeks PTO, 10-14 holidays (rotating), health/dental ...

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Executive Chef information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$44.6K

$96.9K

$144.9K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in San Rafael, CA is $96,853.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,700.00 and $109,800.00 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 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 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. In high-end restaurants or large hotels, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially with experience and leadership skills in kitchen management and menu development.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in San Rafael, CA?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in San Rafael, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in San Rafael, CA?

For Executive Chef jobs in San Rafael, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Executive Chef jobs in San Rafael, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Executive Chef jobs in San Rafael, CA are:

What cities near San Rafael, CA are hiring for Executive Chef jobs?

Cities near San Rafael, CA with the most Executive Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,853 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Executive Chef

Hotel Spero

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago


Job description

Overview:
The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful operation and administration of the culinary department to include stewarding. The Executive Chef must ensure that the culinary department is continually balanced by focusing on both providing an exceptional culinary experience to every guest and maximizing department profitability. The Executive Chef is responsible for ensuring that all kitchen operations are carried out professionally, to standards and at the highest level of service. The Executive Chef will achieve desired outcomes by planning, implementing, and controlling effective departmental strategies that drive results and through the creation, development, and maintenance of a competent, motivated, and empowered culinary staff. The Executive Chef will effectively lead, train, coach, motivate, engage, and provide feedback to the culinary staff, supervisors, and managers daily. The Executive Chef will always maintain a hands-on approach to all culinary operations.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Create and execute innovative culinary strategies that will drive the hotel to exceed guest satisfaction and revenues.
  • Maintain a hands-on approach to all culinary operations.
  • Work collaboratively with all members of the food and beverage team in menu planning, development, and execution.
  • Ensure all kitchen and stewarding staff and management are properly trained to standards and able to carry out the operations of each department.
  • Work closely with department managers to develop them both personally and professionally.
  • Drive outlet revenues through strategic marketing, promotion and up selling efforts.
  • Calculates accurate, theoretical, and weighted food costs. Coordinates with accounting for food costs.
  • Estimates production needs on a daily and weekly basis. Communicates production needs to "key" kitchen associates daily.
  • May schedule and receive food and beverage deliveries, checking delivery contents to verify product quality and quantity.
  • Work with culinary staff to ensure portion sizes, garnishing, presentation, and preparation of food exceed standards.
  • Monitor budgets and payroll records and review financial transactions to ensure that expenditures are authorized and budgeted.
  • Monitor compliance with health and fire regulations regarding food preparation and serving and building maintenance in lodging and dining facilities.
  • Keep records required by government agencies regarding sanitation, and food subsidies when appropriate.
  • Establish standards for personnel performance and customer service.
  • Review work procedures and operational problems to determine ways to improve service, performance, or safety.
  • Organize and direct worker training programs, resolve personnel problems, hire new staff, and evaluate employee performance.
  • Record and analyze the number, type, and cost of items sold to determine which items may be unpopular or less profitable.
  • Arrange for equipment maintenance and repairs and coordinate a variety of services such as waste removal and pest control.
  • Train workers in food preparation, and in service, sanitation, and safety procedures.
  • Coordinates with the Front Office for VIP lists, VIP fruit and cheese orders, forecast rooms sales, and any group information.
  • Coordinates with Catering, Conference Services and Banquet Departments for catering procedures, Banquet Event Orders (BEO's), and weekly forecast meetings.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree (Four Year College or University) preferred: or 6 Years Work Equivalent
  • Experience with hotel restaurant systems such as MICROS is required. Certificates & Licenses: Serve Safe, TIPS or Care Certified Other Requirements: Previous experience in hotel restaurants required. Management experience required.
  • Excellent computer skills needed including familiarity with Microsoft Office.

Crestline Hotels & Resorts is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, identity, or disability status.