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Head Chef Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Upper Crust Food Service

Head Chef

Auburn, AL · On-site

Head Chefs are responsible for creating, planning, and executing all fresh, from scratch weekly menus with input from the client and Management team. Direct all food preparation and staff in ...

New

Upper Crust Food Service

Head Chef

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

Head Chefs are responsible for creating, planning, and executing all fresh, from scratch weekly menus with input from the client and Management team. Direct all food preparation and staff in ...

Roots & Revelry

Sous Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

A sous chef is tasked with ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly, preparing food and sauces, and assisting head chefs with service. Candidates for this role need to be comfortable working in a fast ...

10th and Piedmont / G's Midtown

Sous Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

A sous chef is tasked with ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly, preparing food and sauces, and assisting head chefs with service. Candidates for this role need to be comfortable working in a fast ...

Roots & Revelry

Sous Chef

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

A sous chef is tasked with ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly, preparing food and sauces, and assisting head chefs with service. Candidates for this role need to be comfortable working in a fast ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chefs are responsible for supporting the Head Chef in food preparation, management of additional staff, maintaining a clean kitchen/dining room, and ensuring best practices with safety and ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chefs are responsible for supporting the Head Chef in food preparation, management of additional staff, maintaining a clean kitchen/dining room, and ensuring best practices with safety and ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chefs are responsible for supporting the Head Chef in food preparation, management of additional staff, maintaining a clean kitchen/dining room, and ensuring best practices with safety and ...

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All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Alabama

Head Chef information

See Alabama salary details

$25.8K

$58K

$86.1K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Alabama is $58,004.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,300.00 and $68,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head chef?

To thrive as a Head Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and several years of professional kitchen experience, often supported by a degree or certification in culinary arts. Familiarity with kitchen management systems, inventory software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing a team and fostering a positive kitchen environment. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient operations, and a motivated staff, all critical for a successful kitchen.

What are some of the main challenges head chefs face in managing kitchen operations?

Head Chefs often face the challenge of balancing high-quality food preparation with efficient kitchen management, especially during busy service periods. They must coordinate and motivate a diverse team, ensure food safety standards are consistently met, and adapt quickly to supply chain or staffing issues. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as the Head Chef is responsible for both the culinary output and the smooth operation of the kitchen. Successfully overcoming these challenges can lead to greater leadership opportunities within the hospitality industry.

How much do head chefs get paid?

Head chefs typically earn between $45,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Salaries can be higher in upscale establishments or major cities, and many head chefs also receive benefits and bonuses based on performance.

What is the difference between Head Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectHead ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degrees often preferredSimilar credentials, often with experience in kitchens
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen, manages staffAssists Head Chef, manages specific sections
Industry UsageLeads kitchen operations in restaurants, hotelsSupports Head Chef, second-in-command
Search & ComparisonOften searched with Sous Chef for role distinctionsCommonly compared to Head Chef for hierarchy understanding

The Head Chef is responsible for the overall kitchen management, menu creation, and staff supervision, while the Sous Chef acts as the second-in-command, assisting the Head Chef and managing specific kitchen sections. Both roles require culinary expertise and certifications, but the Head Chef holds the primary leadership position.

Is a head chef a stressful job?

A head chef role is often considered stressful due to high-pressure environments, long hours, and the need to manage kitchen staff and ensure food quality. The job requires strong organizational skills, resilience, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Stress levels can vary depending on the establishment's size and workload.

What is a head chef?

A head chef oversees the kitchen of a restaurant or other dining facility. They are the top of the chef chain-of-command in most establishments; larger restaurants have an executive chef above the head chef. As head chef, you control inventory and order supplies to ensure they are replenished, develop menu items, and train and manage staff. While you may supervise the cooking and completion of dishes in the kitchen, the day-to-day operations are usually handled by someone lower down the chef hierarchy, such as the sous chef.

More about Head Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Alabama? For Head Chef jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Head Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in AL? For Head Chef jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,004 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Head Chef

Upper Crust Food Service

Auburn, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Upper Crust Food Service rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Proudly serving Sororities and Fraternities, Upper Crust Food Service is known for freshness, quality, variety, and excellent customer service. Upper Crust Food Service began with a vision to solve a problem that many Fraternity and Sorority houses face. That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country.
At Upper Crust Food Service, YOU are the crucial ingredient for providing fresh healthy Greek life food nationwide. Our Chefs enjoy a lifestyle that is unmatched in the hospitality industry with very few late nights and weekend hours.
Head Chefs are responsible for creating, planning, and executing all fresh, from scratch weekly menus with input from the client and Management team. Direct all food preparation and staff in accordance with company's core values and culture. Manage and uphold the best sanitation practices in the kitchen. Maintain outstanding communication with management and customers. Consistently deliver outstanding products and customer service
If you are excited to create cool from-scratch food and make people happy every day, APPLY NOW. We're currently looking for a classically trained Chef who is driven by their love and passion for food.
This position is highly competitive, we are accepting resumes immediately.
What's in it for you?
  • Very few late nights and weekend hours
  • Time off for most holidays
  • Paid vacations
  • A competitive 401K with company match
  • Health, dental, vision, and pet insurance

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Prepare, design, and execute menus
    • Menu meetings with the chapter will be required.
  • Create high-quality meals with excellent presentation and flavor.
  • Send photos regularly of meal presentations to management
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen and dining room
  • Wash kitchen utensils, equipment and dishes.
  • Ensure the kitchen operates in a timely manner
  • Oversee and train kitchen staff, manage schedules, and assess performance with management's approval.
  • Order supplies in accordance with budgetary requirements and stock inventory
  • Enforce sanitation and food safety standards per state and local regulations.
  • Maintain a professional and positive attitude with coworkers and customers.
  • Assist in planning and executing special events as directed by management.
  • Communicate regularly with management via calls, emails, and texts.
  • Ensure compliance with all policies among staff.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to work well as part of a team.
  • Understand, remember, and apply oral and/or written instructions
  • Deal with challenging customers in a professional manner
  • Demonstrate understanding and proficiency in various cooking methods, cuisines, ingredients, equipment, and procedures
  • Show understanding of and commit to a professional appearance and positive attitude
  • Maintain excellent record of kitchen and staff management
  • Exhibit accuracy and speed in handling emergency situations and providing solutions
  • Be familiar with the industry's best practices

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • 3+ years in professional, high-volume food production or catering, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
  • Ability to pass a background check
  • Culinary degree is a plus
  • Must hold a valid manager level sanitation certification or obtain one within 30 days of employment

Special Demands:
  • The work environment can be loud and busy. There are many kitchen hazards such as hot surfaces and liquids, sharp knives, and slippery floors.
  • Capability to work in a kitchen environment that may involve exposure to extreme heat or cold.
  • Required to stand for long periods, up to 8+ hours, as well as walk, bend and stoop.
  • Must be able to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.
  • Exposure to cleaning chemicals

Upper Crust Food Service provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

What Upper Crust Food Service employees say

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