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Executive Chef Jobs in Waterville, ME (NOW HIRING)

Camp Manitou

Executive Chef

Oakland, ME

$71K - $98K/yr

The executive chef for Camp Manitou is a culinary trained professional responsible for the overall management of the kitchen, including camp and crew meals, provisioning, food safety, maintaining ...

Horizon Hospitality

Senior Executive Chef

Waterville, ME · On-site

$95 - $105/hr

The Senior Executive Chef will serve as the top culinary leader, directing daily operations, driving culinary excellence, and ensuring exceptional guest satisfaction. This role partners closely with ...

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Waterville, ME · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

... Executive Chef in menu development, organization and completion of production sheets and execution of new recipe standards. * Assist Executive Chef in regular inspections of the entire unit for ...

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Waterville, ME · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

... Executive Chef in menu development, organization and completion of production sheets and execution of new recipe standards. * Assist Executive Chef in regular inspections of the entire unit for ...

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Waterville, ME · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

... Executive Chef in menu development, organization and completion of production sheets and execution of new recipe standards. * Assist Executive Chef in regular inspections of the entire unit for ...

Eatn Park Hospitality Group

Sous Chef

Waterville, ME

$49K - $67K/yr

... Executive Chef in menu development, organization and completion of production sheets and execution of new recipe standards. * Assist Executive Chef in regular inspections of the entire unit for ...

The Ridge RTC

Chef - Residential Treatment

South China, ME · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

Job Summary Paradigm Treatment Centers and Ridge RTC are seeking a skilled and dependable Chef to support our residential treatment programs. This role is responsible for planning, preparing, and ...

Compass Group

COOK (FULL TIME)

Pittsfield, ME · On-site

$22/hr

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

Compass Group

COOK

Pittsfield, ME · On-site

$22/hr

With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our ...

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All JobsChef JobsExecutive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs in Waterville, ME

Executive Chef information

See Waterville, ME salary details

$39.9K

$86.7K

$129.8K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Waterville, ME is $86,724.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,400.00 and $98,300.00 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 Waterville, ME?

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For Executive Chef jobs in Waterville, ME, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities near Waterville, ME with the most Executive Chef job openings:

Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Waterville, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,724 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Executive Chef

Oakland, ME

Camp Manitou
See more jobs at Camp Manitouexternal

$71K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Looking for a change or challenge? How about working in beautiful Maine along the lake in a gorgeous camp setting?

The executive chef for Camp Manitou is a culinary trained professional responsible for the overall management of the kitchen, including camp and crew meals, provisioning, food safety, maintaining strict hygiene standards, and covid-19 guidelines. The executive chef will work in conjunction with the Director of Culinary to provide amazing and varietal foods to campers and staff. A successful candidate for this position will have excellent references, experience provisioning in various regions of the world, and a good understanding of maintaining a budget effectively. This role requires strong communication/presentation skills, the ability to thoroughly understand camper and staff preferences, extensive food and nutrition knowledge, creative menu planning, an artistic flair, and at least five years in the capacity of Head Chef with HIGH VOLUME experience. This is not your normal camp food. Camp Manitou offers a culinary diversity that appeals to our campers and staff from all over the world.


Employment Type: Temp/Seasonal
Bonus/Commission: No