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Executive Working Chef Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Patrice and Associates - Recruiting Specialists

$65K - $75K/yr

Currently working as an Executive Chef in a casual-dining restaurant or gastropub * At least two years of Executive Chef experience * At least two years of Executive Chef experience within casual ...

Highwater Management

Executive Chef

Rehoboth Beach, DE · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Chef Managers are an exempt position generally working five days, 50 hours per week. Essential Job Functions: On a day-to-day basis, Chef Managers are responsible for assisting in the unit ...

Rehoboth Beach Country Club

Sous Chef

Rehoboth Beach, DE · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

Working closely with the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef plays an important role in overseeing daily kitchen operations and delivering consistently high-quality dining experiences for our members and ...

Rehoboth Beach Country Club

Sous Chef

Rehoboth Beach, DE · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

Working closely with the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef plays an important role in overseeing daily kitchen operations and delivering consistently high-quality dining experiences for our members and ...

Rehoboth Beach Country Club

Sous Chef

Rehoboth Beach, DE · On-site

$68K - $72K/yr

Working closely with the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef plays an important role in overseeing daily kitchen operations and delivering consistently high-quality dining experiences for our members and ...

Dupont Country Club

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

A Sous Chef is responsible for providing supportive leadership to kitchen staff throughout food service as well as working a station in operations The duties include assisting our Executive Chef in ...

DuPont Country Club

Sous Chef - Dining

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

A Sous Chef is responsible for providing supportive leadership to kitchen staff throughout food service as well as working a station in operations The duties include assisting our Executive Chef in ...

DuPont Country Club

Sous Chef - Dining

Wilmington, DE

$48K - $65K/yr

A Sous Chef is responsible for providing supportive leadership to kitchen staff throughout food service as well as working a station in operations The duties include assisting our Executive Chef in ...

DuPont Country Club

Sous Chef - Dining

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

A Sous Chef is responsible for providing supportive leadership to kitchen staff throughout food service as well as working a station in operations The duties include assisting our Executive Chef in ...

DuPont Country Club

Sous Chef - Dining

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

A Sous Chef is responsible for providing supportive leadership to kitchen staff throughout food service as well as working a station in operations The duties include assisting our Executive Chef in ...

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Executive Working Chef information

What is an Executive Working Chef?

An Executive Working Chef is a culinary professional who not only oversees kitchen operations but also actively participates in food preparation and cooking. Unlike traditional executive chefs who may focus primarily on management, an Executive Working Chef leads by example, directly engaging with kitchen staff and ensuring quality and consistency in every dish. They are responsible for menu planning, inventory, staff training, and maintaining health and safety standards. This hands-on role requires strong leadership, creativity, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Executive Working Chef?

To thrive as an Executive Working Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu development expertise, leadership experience, and typically a degree or certification from a culinary institute. Familiarity with kitchen management software, food safety certification, and inventory systems is commonly required. Strong communication, creativity, and the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team are essential soft skills. These skills are critical for maintaining high food quality, ensuring efficient kitchen operations, and delivering exceptional dining experiences.

What are some common challenges Executive Working Chefs face in balancing kitchen management with hands-on cooking responsibilities?

Executive Working Chefs often juggle both high-level management tasks and hands-on culinary duties. A key challenge is effectively delegating while maintaining quality and consistency across all dishes, especially during busy service periods. They must also manage staff training, inventory, and menu development, all while actively participating in daily kitchen operations. This balance requires excellent organizational and leadership skills, as well as the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Executive Working Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectExecutive Working ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experience, leadership skillsCulinary degree or equivalent, culinary skills, experience in kitchen
Work EnvironmentOversees kitchen operations, manages staff, plans menusAssists head chef, manages kitchen stations, supervises line cooks
Employer & IndustryHotels, restaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, culinary establishments

The Executive Working Chef typically holds a leadership role, overseeing entire kitchen operations and managing staff, while the Sous Chef focuses on assisting the head chef and managing kitchen stations. Both roles require culinary expertise, but the Executive Working Chef has broader responsibilities and strategic oversight.

What does an executive working chef get paid?

An executive working chef typically earns between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on the size of the establishment, location, and level of experience. They often oversee kitchen operations, manage staff, and ensure food quality, which can influence compensation levels.

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Executive Working Chef jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Executive Working Chef job openings:

Executive Working Chef jobs near you

Executive Chef

Wilmington, DE • On-site

Patrice and Associates - Recruiting Specialists
See more jobs at Patrice and Associates - Recruiting Specialistsexternal

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

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

Job description

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Wilmington, DE

$65,000–$75,000 

Our client, a well-established, independently owned gastropub, is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead all back-of-house operations at its Wilmington, DE location.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who thrives in a high-volume, scratch-kitchen environment. The Executive Chef will have ownership of menu development, weekly specials, kitchen culture, team development, cost controls, and overall culinary execution.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

  • Base salary of $65,000–$75,000, based on experience
  • Medical insurance with 60% employer contribution
  • Simple IRA with 3% company match
  • 12 days of paid vacation
  • Creative involvement in menu development and weekly specials
  • Stable position with an established independent restaurant group
  • Collaborative, non-corporate work environment

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Currently working as an Executive Chef in a casual-dining restaurant or gastropub
  • At least two years of Executive Chef experience
  • At least two years of Executive Chef experience within casual dining
  • Experience leading a casual-dining kitchen generating at least $2MM in annual sales
  • Experience with an independently owned restaurant or gastropub
  • At least 10 years of progressive kitchen experience across multiple stations
  • Hands-on mastery of food preparation, sauté, grill, salad, fryer, dessert, line cooking, and expediting
  • Proven experience managing food costs, labor costs, scheduling, inventory, waste, and product usage
  • Demonstrated success hiring, training, coaching, and developing kitchen employees
  • Strong knowledge of food-safety, sanitation, and health-code requirements
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and regularly lift up to 50 pounds
  • Must live within a reasonable commuting distance of Wilmington, DE, or be willing to self-relocate

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead all daily back-of-house operations and maintain consistent standards for food quality, preparation, portioning, and presentation
  • Create a seven-day rotating selection of featured specials with detailed descriptions, preparation instructions, and plating specifications
  • Collaborate with restaurant management on menu development, pricing, portion sizes, and standardized recipe cards
  • Manage food costs through accurate ordering, proper storage, recipe adherence, inventory controls, and waste reduction
  • Manage labor costs through effective forecasting, scheduling, staffing, and productivity management
  • Interview, hire, onboard, train, coach, evaluate, and develop kitchen employees
  • Train team members on equipment operation, knife handling, food safety, sanitation, and kitchen procedures
  • Manage vendor relationships and product ordering to maintain quality, availability, and cost standards
  • Maintain kitchen equipment, storage areas, workstations, and overall cleanliness according to company and health-code standards
  • Build a positive and accountable kitchen culture focused on teamwork, consistency, and guest satisfaction

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

Candidates may come from independently owned gastropubs, upscale casual restaurants, high-volume neighborhood restaurants, scratch-kitchen concepts, or chef-driven casual-dining establishments.

This position is ideal for an experienced Executive Chef who enjoys working alongside the kitchen team, creating new menu offerings, developing employees, and taking ownership of both culinary quality and financial performance.

Apply today for immediate consideration.

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer


Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 10 - 15 years
Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No