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Head Chef Jobs in Exeter, RI (NOW HIRING)

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Sous Chef

North Providence, RI · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

  • Retirement

Reporting directly to the Head Chef and Restaurant Owner, the Sous Chef leads a small kitchen team, coordinating staff and contributing to menu and recipe development. This position offers growth ...

Be Seen First

Sous Chef

North Providence, RI · On-site

$52K - $70K/yr

  • Retirement

Reporting directly to the Head Chef and Restaurant Owner, the Sous Chef leads a small kitchen team, coordinating staff and contributing to menu and recipe development. This position offers growth ...

Sous Chef

Saunderstown, RI · On-site

$75K/yr

Step in when the head chef is absent. Locanda is one of South County's most beloved Italian restaurants, specializing in fresh-made pastas, hand-made focaccias, and authentic regional Italian cuisine.

Head Dinner Chef

Providence, RI · On-site

$1.0K - $1.5K/wk

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Chef to join our team. In this role, you'll be responsible for creating innovative menus and preparing delicious meals for our ...

Sous Chef

Kingston, RI · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Kitchen Assistant

Kingston, RI · On-site

$13.75 - $17/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Line Cook

West Greenwich, RI · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager Job Summary You will be asked to prepare ingredients and cook menu items according to the our recipes and quality standards. You should maintain a clean ...

PM Line Cook

Providence, RI · On-site

$18 - $25/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 * Advanced knowledge ...

Line Cook

Johnston, RI · On-site

$18 - $25/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 * Advanced knowledge ...

Line Cook

Johnston, RI · On-site

$18 - $25/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 * Advanced knowledge ...

Line Cook

Johnston, RI · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

  • Retirement

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 * Advanced knowledge ...

Your Growth Path Lead Cook - Sous Chef - Assistant to the Head Chef Your Focus * Prepare food of consistent quality following recipe cards and production and portion standards. * Begin food items ...

Sous Chef

Mystic, CT · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Previous Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef experience * Comfortable working in a busy, high-volume restaurant * Experience with scratch cooking and fresh ingredient preparation * Strong culinary ...

Line Cook

Groton, CT · On-site

$22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Growth Path Lead Cook - Sous Chef - Assistant to the Head Chef Your Focus * Prepare food of consistent quality following recipe cards and production and portion standards. * Begin food items ...

Line Cook

Groton, CT

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Growth Path Lead Cook - Sous Chef - Assistant to the Head Chef Your Focus * Prepare food of consistent quality following recipe cards and production and portion standards. * Begin food items ...

Line Cook

Groton, CT · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Growth Path Lead Cook - Sous Chef - Assistant to the Head Chef Your Focus * Prepare food of consistent quality following recipe cards and production and portion standards. * Begin food items ...

Chef

Providence, RI · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Career Advancement Opportunities Job Summary We are seeking a talented Chef to join our team. In this role, you'll be responsible for creating innovative menus and preparing delicious meals for our ...

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Head Chef information

See Exeter, RI salary details

$27.9K

$62.7K

$93.1K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Exeter, RI is $62,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $73,500.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Exeter, RI?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Exeter, RI are:

What cities near Exeter, RI are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Exeter, RI with the most Head Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Exeter, RI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,746 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

HEAD CHEF

Costantino's Venda Ristorante

Providence, RI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Costantino’s Venda Bar and Ristorante


Job title: Head Chef

Work Location: SAC Costantino’s Venda Ristorante. 265 Atwells Ave. Providence R.I. 02920

Division/Department: Kitchen

Reports to: Owner

Full-time

Exempt



Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Head Chef is responsible for overall kitchen management. The chef is involved in all aspects of the kitchen including the food, the employees, the kitchen equipment, and overall cleanliness. Those responsibilities include:

  • Menu planning and cost controls
  • Hiring, scheduling, firing of cooks, dishwashers and maintenance employees
  • Coordinate daily work responsibilities for the kitchen staff
  • Maintain equipment and keep it in good working order
  • Follow and create recipes
  • Maintain inventories and do ordering for food, chemicals and paper goods
  • Oversee overall kitchen and basement cleanliness and sanitation
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

A Chef’s past experience and education should combine to show dedication to culinary arts. Although a culinary degree is a great addition to a resume, it is not the most important. Great past experience and dedication to continual learning goes a long way. Some examples of great chef traits include :

  • At least 5 years experience as Head Chef in a comparable restaurant
  • A refined palate
  • Knowledge of the culinary classics. Preferably Italian classic dishes
  • Excellent verbal and non verbal communication skills.
  • Dedication to one’s craft. Continuously striving to be better
  • Must be able to work under pressure, while maintaining a positive attitude and provide leadership
  • Associate degree in culinary arts preferred but not necessary