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Executive Chef Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Vinarosa Resort and Spa

Executive Chef

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$140K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for leading our culinary team to deliver an exceptional dining experience. This role reports directly to the General Manager and involves overseeing daily kitchen ...

Elsewhere Wine Bar & Lounge

Executive Chef

Saint Helena, CA

$87K - $120K/yr

Executive Chef Elsewhere Wine Bar & Lounge St. Helena, Napa Valley, CA About Us Elsewhere Wine Bar & Lounge is a new wine-focused hospitality project in St. Helena built around discovery, generosity ...

Napa LW

Executive Chef

Napa, CA · 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 ...

Lodgeworks

Executive Chef

Napa, CA

$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 ...

Live Oaks Wellness

Executive Chef

Novato, CA · On-site

Salary: $57,000-$63,000 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 ...

Remington Hotels

Executive Chef

Yountville, CA

$125K - $150K/yr

Have a minimum 3 years' experience as Executive Chef, including record of menu design and recipe creation. * Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations as it relates to food handling ...

Remington

Executive Chef

Yountville, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Have a minimum 3 years' experience as Executive Chef, including record of menu design and recipe creation. * Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations as it relates to food handling ...

Hestan Napa

Sous Chef

Napa, CA

$70K - $80K/yr

Led by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Mark Dommen, Hestan Napa serves seasonal California cuisine built on locally sourced ingredients, paired with estate wines from Hestan Vineyards. Every dish is ...

Hestan Napa

Sous Chef

Napa, CA

$56K - $76K/yr

Led by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Mark Dommen, Hestan Napa serves seasonal California cuisine built on locally sourced ingredients, paired with estate wines from Hestan Vineyards. Every dish is ...

Silver Oak Cellars LLC

Sous Chef

Oakville, CA · On-site

$30 - $37.50/hr

In the Executive Chef's absence, the Sous Chef assumes full responsibility for kitchen operations and culinary execution. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Foster a positive, collaborative, high-performing ...

Silver Oak Cellars LLC

Sous Chef

Oakville, CA

$30 - $37.50/hr

In the Executive Chef's absence, the Sous Chef assumes full responsibility for kitchen operations and culinary execution. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Foster a positive, collaborative, high-performing ...

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Executive Chef information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$43.7K

$95K

$142.1K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Santa Rosa, CA is $94,996.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,200.00 and $107,700.00 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.

How much is the salary of an executive chef?

The salary of an executive chef typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the establishment. In high-end restaurants or large hotels, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially with additional benefits and bonuses.

What are Executive Chefs?

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 does Gordon Ramsay pay his executive chef?

Gordon Ramsay's executive chefs typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the restaurant's size. Compensation may also include bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement within his restaurant group.

Do executive chefs get paid well?

Executive chefs typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on location, experience, and the size of the establishment. In general, they are among the higher-paid roles in the culinary industry, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Their compensation reflects leadership responsibilities, culinary skills, and management duties.

What does an executive chef actually do?

An executive chef oversees the entire kitchen operation, including menu planning, managing staff, ensuring food quality, and controlling costs. They coordinate between kitchen staff and management, often handle administrative tasks, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

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 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.
More about Executive Chef jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Executive Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Executive Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Executive Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Executive Chef jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Executive Chef job openings:
Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,996 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Executive Chef

Vinarosa Resort and Spa

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$140K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for leading our culinary team to deliver an exceptional dining experience. This role reports directly to the General Manager and involves overseeing daily kitchen operations, menu development, cost control, stewarding, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and safety.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead and inspire the culinary and stewarding team to provide top-notch service and quality.
  • Manage all aspects of kitchen and stewarding operations, including hiring, training, and performance management.
  • Create and execute innovative menus with a focus on local, sustainable, and organic ingredients.
  • Represent Vinarosa Resort & Spa in media outlets for food and beverage offerings.
  • Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
  • Control food and labor costs through effective budget management.
  • Collaborate with the General Manager and Director of Food & Beverage to align with the restaurant's vision.
  • Support the Executive Committee and contribute to the overall success of the resort.

Requirements
Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years' experience as an Executive Chef or Chef du Cuisine in upscale, fine dining environments as well as banquet experience.
  • Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
  • Strong passion for food and guest experience.
  • Experience in budget development, cost control, and financial management.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Knowledge of local laws and regulations related to food safety.
  • Proven leadership and team management skills.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Manage Sous Chefs and Banquet Chef, set schedules, and ensure the overall success of the F&B Culinary outlets.
Education: BA or related culinary degree with eight or more years of industry and culinary management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Salary Description
140,000

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