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Executive Working Chef Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

MI ยท On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

... Executive Chef to join our team of dedicated and passionate food professionals. Qualified ... Need to be a "working" chef, not a clipboard manager. Will be touching food 85% of the time.

Executive Chef

Birmingham, MI ยท On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Executive Chef's will be working a full-time position, with pay anticipated to be between $100,000-$120,000 plus opportunity for excellent bonuses. Starting pay will be based on each candidate ...

Executive Sous Chef

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$70K - $78K/yr

... an Executive Sous Chef for a four star / four diamond property in Detroit The Executive Sous Chef ... experience working in food and beverage operations with annual revenues of at least $10 million ...

Executive Chef

Hillsdale, MI ยท On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

POSITION: Executive Chef LOCATION: Hillsdale College, Hillsdale MI DIVISION: Higher Education ... Services, working together toward one common goal, excellence, in quality and service. We are ...

Executive Chef

Birmingham, MI ยท On-site

$1.2K - $1.4K/wk

The Executive Chef oversees the Back of House team members, takes care of the inventory and ... Experience working as a Head Chef * Culinary degree (preferred) * Excellent culinary skills

Executive Chef

Oxford, MI ยท On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Waterstone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Function as Manager on Duty as scheduled with site leadership team General Working Conditions: This ...

Executive Chef

Oxford, MI ยท On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Waterstone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Function as Manager on Duty as scheduled with site leadership team General Working Conditions: This ...

Executive Chef

Grand Blanc, MI ยท On-site

$61K - $84K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Grand Blanc Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Function as Manager on Duty as scheduled with site leadership team General Working Conditions: This ...

Executive Chef

Oxford, MI ยท On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Waterstone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Function as Manager on Duty as scheduled with site leadership team General Working Conditions: This ...

Executive Chef

Grand Blanc, MI ยท On-site

$61K - $84K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Grand Blanc Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Function as Manager on Duty as scheduled with site leadership team General Working Conditions: This ...

Executive Chef

New Hudson, MI ยท On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village New Hudson Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Function as Manager on Duty as scheduled with site leadership team General Working Conditions: This ...

Executive Chef

New Hudson, MI ยท On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village New Hudson Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Function as Manager on Duty as scheduled with site leadership team General Working Conditions: This ...

Executive Chef

Hudson, MI ยท On-site

$66K - $91K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village New Hudson Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Function as Manager on Duty as scheduled with site leadership team General Working Conditions: This ...

Executive Chef

Grand Ledge, MI ยท On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Grand Ledge Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Function as Manager on Duty as scheduled with site leadership team General Working Conditions: This ...

Executive Chef

Grand Ledge, MI ยท On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Grand Ledge Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible ... Function as Manager on Duty as scheduled with site leadership team General Working Conditions: This ...

Executive Chef

New Hudson, MI ยท On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and ... Function as Manager on Duty as scheduled with site leadership team General Working Conditions: This ...

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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 Michigan are hiring for Executive Working Chef jobs?

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

Executive Chef - Premiere Restaurant Group

Detroit, MI โ€ข On-site

Gecko Hospitality
1 - 10 employees

$90K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Executive Chef – Fine Dining Steakhouse | Downtown Detroit


About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and talented Executive Chef to lead the kitchen at a high-profile, upscale steakhouse concept located in the heart of downtown Detroit. This is a confidential search on behalf of an established, premier fine dining operation — additional details, including the restaurant name, will be shared directly with candidates who are a strong fit once initial conversations take place.

This is an excellent opportunity for a culinary leader with strong steakhouse or premium fine dining experience who is ready to take full ownership of a kitchen at a well-respected, high-volume establishment in one of Detroit's most vibrant dining markets.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee all kitchen operations including menu development, recipe execution, and food quality standards
  • Lead, train, and develop a high-performing back-of-house team
  • Manage food cost, labor cost, and inventory to meet financial targets
  • Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness throughout all kitchen areas
  • Collaborate closely with front-of-house leadership to ensure cohesive, seamless operations
  • Build strong vendor relationships to source premium ingredients at optimal pricing
  • Forecast, schedule, and manage kitchen labor to align with business demand
  • Uphold brand standards and consistently deliver an exceptional dining experience
  • Be a hands-on, working chef who leads by example on the line

Qualifications

  • Proven Executive Chef experience in a fine dining or upscale full-service restaurant environment
  • Steakhouse or premium dining experience strongly preferred
  • Strong understanding of food cost management, P&L performance, and inventory control
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and retain high-performing kitchen teams
  • Deep commitment to quality, attention to detail, and culinary excellence
  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Working knowledge of health department standards and food safety protocols

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base Salary: $90,000–$100,000
  • Additional compensation: up to $24,000 annually, paid quarterly
  • Additional bonus opportunities based on corporate-awarded performance metrics
  • Comprehensive benefits package

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply, and additional details will be shared directly during the interview process.