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Head Chef Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Peachtree Hospitality Management

Head Chef

Sewanee, TN · On-site

A Head Chef creates and maintains a restaurant's menu and identity. From recipe development to execution, Head Chefs take the lead and ensure that food is prepared properly, safely, and tastily. A ...

Compass Group PLC

Head Chef

Mascot, TN · On-site

Head Chef Apply now Job no: 723683 Work type: Full Time Location: Mascot Categories: Chef Manager, Chef Supervisor $94,000 + 12% Super * Airline Lounge in Sydney Airport * Uniform provided

Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

We are seeking a dedicated and talented professional to support our Head Chef in managing kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. This is an excellent ...

Avion Hospitality

Sous Chef

Memphis, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

We are seeking a dedicated and talented professional to support our Head Chef in managing kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. This is an excellent ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/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

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/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 ...

Foothills Milling Company Inc

Pantry

Maryville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous experience in a similar role is preferred * ServeSafe or Food Handler's Certification or the ability to get ...

Sushi by Bou Global LLC

Head Sushi Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$1.4K - $1.7K/wk

Position Overview The Head Sushi Chef leads culinary execution at the venue and sets the tone for both the team and the guest experience. This hands-on role calls for an accomplished sushi chef who ...

Memphis RiverLine Hotel

Taskforce Chef & B

Memphis, TN · On-site

As a Chef and B, you will oversee the entire food and beverage operation including culinary and have the chance to create exceptional dining experiences for our esteemed guests, leaving a lasting ...

Memphis RiverLine Hotel

Taskforce Chef & B

Memphis, TN · On-site

As a Chef and B, you will oversee the entire food and beverage operation including culinary and have the chance to create exceptional dining experiences for our esteemed guests, leaving a lasting ...

pdrpeople

Completing deepclean tasks as directed by the Head Chef. About you... * Experience in highvolume food preparation and cooking (preferred but not essential for the right candidate). * The ability to ...

pdrpeople

Completing deepclean tasks as directed by the Head Chef. About you... * Experience in highvolume food preparation and cooking (preferred but not essential for the right candidate). * The ability to ...

SQUAREONE HOLDING COMPANY

Executive Chef

Clarksville, TN

$62K - $85K/yr

Are you the Executive Chef who can bring strong leadership and experience to Strawberry Alley Ale ... Proven success as head of kitchen operations in a high- volume restaurant * Strong passion for ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Kitchen Assistant

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$13.25 - $16.50/hr

Prepare food as directed by Head Chef and/or Sous Chef * Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen and dining room * Wash kitchen utensils, equipment and dishes. * Stock supplies, such as food or ...

New

SQUAREONE HOLDING COMPANY

Executive Chef

Clarksville, TN

$62K - $85K/yr

Executive Chef - Old Glory Distilling Co. We're seeking a visionary Executive Chef to lead our ... Proven success as head of kitchen operations in a high- volume restaurant * Strong passion for ...

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All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Tennessee

Head Chef information

See Tennessee salary details

$25.9K

$58.1K

$86.2K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Tennessee is $58,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,400.00 and $68,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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.

How much do head chefs get paid?

Head chefs typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $80,000, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Salaries can be higher in upscale establishments or in regions with a higher cost of living, and many head chefs also receive tips and bonuses.

What other jobs can a head chef do?

A head chef can transition into roles such as culinary director, food service manager, restaurant owner, or food consultant, leveraging skills in kitchen management, menu development, and leadership. They may also pursue positions in catering, hospitality management, or culinary education, often requiring certifications or experience in business and operations.
More about Head Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Tennessee?

For Head Chef jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Head Chef job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in TN?

For Head Chef jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,082 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Head Chef

Peachtree Hospitality Management

Sewanee, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Nonnegotiable experience

      • At least 5 years of progressive professional kitchen experience.
      • At least 2–3 years leading a full-service, upscale, hotel, resort, club, or chef-driven restaurant kitchen.
      • Demonstrated responsibility for scheduling, labor management, food cost, purchasing, inventory, sanitation, and kitchen profitability.
      • Experience supervising, coaching, documenting, and—when necessary—disciplining underperforming employees.
      • Proven ability to build systems: prep lists, station standards, recipe specifications, cleaning schedules, pars, ordering procedures, and opening/closing checklists.
      • Strong knowledge of health-code compliance, food safety, allergen protocols, and ServSafe standards.
      • Experience executing both restaurant service and banquet or special-event production.
      • Availability for nights, weekends, holidays, and peak university/event periods.

Leadership qualities

      • Leads visibly from the kitchen, especially during difficult services.
      • Sets clear expectations and consistently follows through.
      • Can hold people accountable without humiliating them.
      • Develops reliable cooks instead of hoarding knowledge.
      • Addresses poor performance promptly and documents it appropriately.
      • Does not confuse aggression with authority.
      • Can inherit a complacent team, identify who can be developed, and make sound recommendations about who cannot.
      • Communicates professionally with front-of-house leadership, sales, accounting, HR, and the GM.
      • Accepts feedback without becoming territorial or defensive.

    Preferred credentials

      • Culinary degree or equivalent experience.
      • Current ServSafe Manager certification.
      • Hotel, resort, university, or conference-center experience.
      • Banquet and high-volume production experience.
      • Experience opening or repositioning a restaurant.
      • Familiarity with recipe-costing, inventory, scheduling, and POS systems.
      • Existing relationships with regional farms, producers, or culinary organizations.

    Peachtree Group provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. We also offer a generous 401(k) retirement match. To support work-life balance, we provide Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off. Additional perks include access to our Employee Assistance Program and Fund.

    Apply