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Executive Chef Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Nbutexas

Executive Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115 - $120/hr

Executive Chef | Upscale Dining | Regional Growth Opportunity Salary: $115,000-$120,000 + Bonus Are you a polished culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-expectation restaurant environment ...

New

Air-Culinaire-Worldwide

Executive Chef

Burien, WA · On-site

$85 - $90/hr

Executive Chef Full Time US ACW Management SeaTac, WA, US 12 days ago Requisition ID: 3960 Salary Range: $85,000.00 To $90,000.00 Annually SUMMARY The Executive Chef is responsible for managing the ...

New

Air Culinaire Worldwide

Executive Chef

Seatac, WA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

SUMMARY The Executive Chef is responsible for managing the culinary and kitchen operations staff, and the overall compliance with HACCP, Food Safety and ACES specifications associated with Air ...

King's Seafood Company

Executive Chef/Chef

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

As the Executive Chef, you will be partnered with the General Manager and serve as an integral member of our leadership team. You will be the expert on kitchen operations from ordering, to ...

Bamboo Group Operations LLC

Executive Chef

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

Under consideration for an Executive Chef position, a culinary skills interview tasting will be required as part of the interview process and before any hiring decisions are made. Health, Wealth, and ...

Sustainable Restaurant Group

Executive Chef

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

Under consideration for an Executive Chef position, a culinary skills interview tasting will be required as part of the interview process and before any hiring decisions are made. Health, Wealth, and ...

Sustainable Restaurant Group

Executive Chef

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$81K - $112K/yr

Under consideration for an Executive Chef position, a culinary skills interview tasting will be required as part of the interview process and before any hiring decisions are made. Health, Wealth, and ...

Garage

Executive Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$65 - $85/hr

Overview The Role As Executive Chef at Lucky Strike Entertainment, you will work the line five days a week, develop your Kitchen Managers and BOH team, and ensure every plate that leaves the kitchen ...

Garage

Executive Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Overview The Role As Executive Chef at Lucky Strike Entertainment, you will work the line five days a week, develop your Kitchen Managers and BOH team, and ensure every plate that leaves the kitchen ...

Lucky Strike Entertainment

Executive Chef

Seattle, WA

$85K - $95K/yr

The Role As Executive Chef at Lucky Strike Entertainment, you will work the line five days a week, develop your Kitchen Managers and BOH team, and ensure every plate that leaves the kitchen reflects ...

Garage

Executive Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Overview The Role As Executive Chef at Lucky Strike Entertainment, you will work the line five days a week, develop your Kitchen Managers and BOH team, and ensure every plate that leaves the kitchen ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Executive Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$35 - $37/hr

Upper Crust Food Service isn't just looking for an Executive Chef; we're looking for a culinary architect to lead a premier, multi-unit dining program. This role is designed for a visionary leader ...

Uw

Executive Chef, Athletics Performance

Seattle, WA

$81K - $112K/yr

Providing nutrition to power performance, this executive level chef position has responsibility for ensuring menus and programming meet the needs of UW Athletes and teams through creating ...

Alder & Ash

Executive Chef - Alder & Ash

Seattle, WA

$100K - $110K/yr

The Executive Chef is a key leadership role in the culinary operations of the restaurant and is responsible for overseeing the kitchen staff, menu development, and ensuring the highest standards of ...

CCL Hospitality Group

Executive Chef

Issaquah, WA · On-site

$91K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef will showcase culinary talents through the delivery of show quality food through personal involvement in task performance while developing and empowering the onsite staff. Works to ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Issaquah, WA · On-site

$91K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef will showcase culinary talents through the delivery of show quality food through personal involvement in task performance while developing and empowering the onsite staff. Works to ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Issaquah, WA · On-site

$91K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef will showcase culinary talents through the delivery of show quality food through personal involvement in task performance while developing and empowering the onsite staff. Works to ...

Compass Group

Executive Chef

Issaquah, WA

$91K - $95K/yr

The Executive Chef will showcase culinary talents through the delivery of show quality food through personal involvement in task performance while developing and empowering the onsite staff. Works to ...

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All JobsChef JobsExecutive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs in Seattle, WA

Executive Chef information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$45.5K

$98.9K

$147.9K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Seattle, WA is $98,879.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,400.00 and $112,100.00 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.
More about Executive Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Executive Chef jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Executive Chef jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Executive Chef jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Executive Chef jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Executive Chef job openings:

Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,879 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Executive Chef

Nbutexas

Seattle, WA • On-site

$115 - $120/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Executive Chef | Upscale Dining | Regional Growth Opportunity

Salary: $115,000–$120,000 + Bonus

Are you a polished culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-expectation restaurant environment? We're seeking an experienced Executive Chef with a true passion for hospitality, exceptional food quality, and creating unforgettable guest experiences.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a growing hospitality organization that values leadership, collaboration, and operational excellence. In addition to leading one flagship restaurant, this role may require occasional regional travel to provide culinary leadership and operational support at two additional nearby restaurant locations, making it an ideal opportunity for a chef who enjoys mentoring teams and driving consistency across multiple operations.

Executive Chef Responsibilities
  • Lead all daily back-of-house operations with a focus on exceptional execution, profitability, and an outstanding guest experience.
  • Foster a culture of teaching, coaching, and continuous development.
  • Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and overall kitchen financial performance.
  • Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, sanitation, and execution.
  • Partner effectively with management, vendors, and culinary teams while leading with integrity and professionalism.
  • Inspire and motivate kitchen staff to achieve operational and financial goals.
  • Support regional culinary initiatives and provide leadership assistance at two additional restaurant locations as needed.
Executive Chef Requirements
  • Minimum of 2–3 years of progressive Executive Chef experience.
  • Proven leadership abilities with excellent communication and follow-through.
  • Experience in high-volume, upscale restaurant environments.
  • Strong knowledge of food specifications, costing, inventory, and kitchen operations.
  • Passion for mentoring teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally within the region to support additional restaurant locations.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base Salary: $115,000–$120,000
  • Performance-based bonus.
  • Comprehensive healthcare package.
  • Paid Time Off and vacation.
  • Excellent career growth opportunities with an expanding hospitality organization.
  • Join a company committed to developing its leaders and promoting from within.
JOB ID: 179095#post

Robert Goebel

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