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

Sous Chef

Healdsburg, CA ยท On-site

$80K/yr

Purpose (Why the Role Exists) The Sous Chef plays a critical role in executing Marela's culinary vision by supporting the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, maintaining quality and ...

Sous Chef

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$65K - $87K/yr

A Sous Chef supervises kitchen operations in conjunction with, and in the absence of, the Executive Chef, and ensures that all food production workers are performing their duties as prescribed by the ...

Report directly to Executive Chef & Culinary Director * Properly monitor all cooks' working hours, ensuring all staff is punctual and working scheduled hours * Maintain a clean and orderly cooking ...

Sous Chef

Saint Helena, CA

$36.06 - $40.87/hr

Report directly to Executive Chef & Culinary Director * Properly monitor all cooks' working hours, ensuring all staff is punctual and working scheduled hours * Maintain a clean and orderly cooking ...

Commis Chef

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Executive Chef Join Our Culinary Team Do you have a passion for food and a desire to learn from talented chefs? At Far Niente Wine Estates, you'll be part of a collaborative culinary team creating ...

Sous Chef - BOA Steakhouse

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$65K - $87K/yr

A Sous Chef supervises kitchen operations in conjunction with, and in the absence of, the Executive Chef or CDC, and ensures that all food production workers performing their duties as prescribed by ...

Sous Chef - BOA Steakhouse

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$65K - $87K/yr

A Sous Chef supervises kitchen operations in conjunction with, and in the absence of, the Executive Chef or CDC, and ensures that all food production workers performing their duties as prescribed by ...

Sous Chef - BOA Steakhouse

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$65K - $87K/yr

A Sous Chef supervises kitchen operations in conjunction with, and in the absence of, the Executive Chef or CDC, and ensures that all food production workers performing their duties as prescribed by ...

Sous Chef - BOA Steakhouse

Napa, CA ยท On-site

$65K - $87K/yr

A Sous Chef supervises kitchen operations in conjunction with, and in the absence of, the Executive Chef or CDC, and ensures that all food production workers performing their duties as prescribed by ...

Creatively work with the Executive Chef on designing Oliver's Own Products and menu planning. * Oversee the production planning and quality control of the Home Meal Replacement (HMR) program.

Chef de Partie

Healdsburg, CA

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

Responsible for the efficient, consistent, accurate and organized production of mise en place requested by the Sous Chefs, Chef de Cuisine, and Executive Chef/Owner. Assist in training and mentoring ...

Chef de Partie

Healdsburg, CA ยท On-site

$21.75 - $27.50/hr

Responsible for the efficient, consistent, accurate and organized production of mise en place requested by the Sous Chefs, Chef de Cuisine, and Executive Chef/Owner. Assist in training and mentoring ...

Chef de Partie

Healdsburg, CA ยท On-site

$17/hr

Responsible for the efficient, consistent, accurate and organized production of mise en place requested by the Sous Chefs, Chef de Cuisine, and Executive Chef/Owner. Assist in training and mentoring ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 6, 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 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 Santa Rosa, CA?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

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:

Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,996 per year, or $45.7 per hour.

Sous Chef

Liora Estate LLC

Healdsburg, CA โ€ข On-site

$80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the execution of Marela's menu with precision, consistency, and attention to detail

  • Assist in managing daily kitchen operations, including prep, service, and closing procedures

  • Supervise and mentor line cooks and prep cooks, fostering a culture of accountability and growth


Job description

Description

Introduction ย 

Marela is a coastal European-inspired restaurant rooted in the traditions of Southern European wine and seafood cuisine. Located within the iconic Hotel Californian, Marela celebrates the simplicity and elegance of coastal cooking-where exceptional ingredients, thoughtful technique, and seasonality take center stage.

As part of Foley Hospitality Group, we are committed to delivering unforgettable culinary experiences through innovation, collaboration, and a deep respect for hospitality.

We are seeking a passionate and driven Sous Chef to support the culinary leadership team in delivering a refined, high-quality dining experience. This role is ideal for a culinary professional who thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment and is committed to excellence.

Purpose (Why the Role Exists)

The Sous Chef plays a critical role in executing Marela's culinary vision by supporting the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, maintaining quality and consistency, and developing a high-performing culinary team. This role ensures that every dish reflects the restaurant's standards of excellence, creativity, and guest satisfaction.ย 


Core Responsibilities (What You Will Do)

Culinary Execution & Quality

  • Support the execution of Marela's menu with precision, consistency, and attention to detailย 
  • Ensure all dishes meet presentation, portioning, and quality standardsย 
  • Uphold proper food handling, sanitation, and safety procedures (HACCP compliance)ย 
  • Monitor line performance during service and provide real-time coachingย 

Kitchen Operations

  • Assist in managing daily kitchen operations, including prep, service, and closing proceduresย 
  • Support inventory management, ordering, and cost control initiativesย 
  • Maintain cleanliness, organization, and efficiency of all kitchen areasย 
  • Assist with scheduling and labor management in alignment with business needsย 

Leadership & Team Development

  • Supervise and mentor line cooks and prep cooks, fostering a culture of accountability and growthย 
  • Lead by example with professionalism, urgency, and respectย 
  • Assist in training, onboarding, and performance development of kitchen team membersย 
  • Promote a collaborative and positive team environmentย 

Menu Development & Innovation

  • Partner with the Executive Chef on seasonal menu updates and daily featuresย 
  • Contribute ideas that align with Marela's coastal European conceptย 
  • Support recipe development, testing, and documentationย 

Collaboration

  • Work closely with front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless guest experiencesย 
  • Communicate effectively during service to ensure timing, quality, and flowย 
  • Participate in daily lineups, tastings, and team meetingsย 

Qualifications (What You Bring)

  • 3+ years of culinary experience in a high-volume or upscale dining environmentย 
  • Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a kitchen preferredย 
  • Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, seafood preparation, and seasonal cookingย 
  • Understanding of food cost, labor management, and kitchen operationsย 
  • Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced environment
  • ย Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidaysย 

Preferred Attributes

  • Passion for coastal European cuisine and wine-driven dining experiencesย 
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and develop othersย 
  • Detail-oriented with a commitment to consistency and excellenceย 
  • Creative mindset with a desire to contribute to menu innovationย 
  • High standards for cleanliness, organization, and food safetyย 

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand and work on your feet for extended periodsย 
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbsย 
  • Comfortable working in a high-temperature kitchen environmentย 

Why Join Us

At Marela, we believe in People. Purpose. Performance. You'll join a team dedicated to culinary excellence, inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean and the spirit of gathering around exceptional food and wine.ย ย