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Head Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Stoney Creek Hospitality Corporation

Head Chef

Moravia, IA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Head Chef Accountability The Head Chef is responsible for the daily operation of the hotel's kitchen, ensuring food is prepared safely, consistently, and in accordance with company standards. This ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Head Chef

Iowa City, IA · 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 ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Head Chef

Iowa City, IA · 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 ...

Prairie Flower Casino

Sous Chef

Carter Lake, IA · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Assists Head Chef with suggestions and information regarding the menu and improvements in service quality and efficiency. * Properly measures ingredients and follows all recipes and food portion ...

Stoney Creek Hospitality Corporation

Line Cook

Moravia, IA · On-site

$15 - $18.75/hr

Head Chef & Restaurant Manager FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt WHAT TO EXPECT Food Preparation: Prepare ingredients for cooking, including chopping, slicing, and marinating, following recipes and ...

Ascension Recovery Services

Sous Chef

Cedar Falls, IA

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef Renewal Falls Recovery Center Cedar Falls, Iowa Full-Time | Opening September 2026 Help Us Build Something Meaningful Renewal Falls Recovery Center is preparing to open a new residential ...

Ascension Recovery Services

Sous Chef

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Sous Chef Renewal Falls Recovery Center Cedar Falls, Iowa Full-Time | Opening September 2026 Help Us Build Something Meaningful Renewal Falls Recovery Center is preparing to open a new residential ...

CommonSail Investment Group

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint of Kettlestone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities ...

StoryPoint

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA

$68K - $94K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint of Kettlestone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities ...

Laurus Home Care

Executive Chef

Waukee, IA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Executive Chef StoryPoint of Kettlestone Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities ...

Independence Village

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities ...

APARIUM HOTEL GROUP

Sous Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

SOUS CHEF Position Profile Reports to: Executive Chef, position is exempt WHO WE ARE Located in the historic Hippee Building in downtown Des Moines, Surety Hotel celebrates the city's past while ...

New

CommonSail Investment Group

Executive Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Executive Chef Independence Village Des Moines Position Summary: The Executive Chef is responsible for the successful management of all aspects of the culinary and dining department. Responsibilities ...

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All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Iowa

Head Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$26.8K

$60.1K

$89.2K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Iowa is $60,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $70,400.00 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Iowa? For Head Chef jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Head Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in IA? For Head Chef jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,108 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Head Chef

Stoney Creek Hospitality Corporation

Moravia, IA • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Head ChefAccountability

The Head Chef is responsible for the daily operation of the hotel's kitchen, ensuring food is prepared safely, consistently, and in accordance with company standards. This position oversees kitchen staff, manages inventory and food costs, maintains sanitation standards, and ensures efficient kitchen operations. The Head Chef executes established menus and recipes and works closely with hotel management and Corporate Food & Beverage to maintain quality, consistency, and profitability.

Reports To
  • Hotel General Manager
  • Corporate Food & Beverage Management
What to ExpectKitchen Operations
  • Oversee daily kitchen operations and food preparation.
  • Ensure food quality, consistency, and portion standards.
  • Maintain sanitation, safety, and food handling standards.
  • Manage inventory, ordering, and food cost controls.
Leadership
  • Supervise, train, schedule, and coach kitchen staff.
  • Promote teamwork and maintain a productive work environment.
Collaboration
  • Work with hotel management and Corporate Food & Beverage to execute menus and operational standards.
  • Support banquets, catering, and special events as needed.
Held Accountable To
  • Food quality and consistency
  • Guest satisfaction
  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Food and labor cost control
  • Employee performance
  • Budget management
  • Brand standards
Qualifications
  • High School diploma or GED required; culinary education preferred.
  • Food Manager Certification required (or obtained upon hire).
  • 3–5 years of commercial kitchen or hospitality experience.
  • Previous leadership experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of food safety, inventory management, and kitchen operations.
Physical Demands
  • Lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Stand for extended periods.
  • Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Travel: Minimal, as needed.

Position: On-site at the hotel property.

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