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Head Chef Jobs in Hackensack, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Hudson Manpower

Head Chef

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

About the Role The Head Chef - Modern Chinese Cuisine will lead the culinary direction of a high-end, luxury Chinese dining restaurant, responsible for delivering an elevated, contemporary ...

the Chef Agency

Head Chef - Mediterranean

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

PTO Head Chef needed for a Mediterranean Restaurant Opening in Midtown NYC! Requirements: * -4+ years of Exec Chef/CDC experience at Mediterranean restaurants -Previous experience managing 400 ...

The Chef Agency

Head Chef - Mediterranean

New York, NY · On-site

$90 - $120K/hr

PTO Head Chef needed for a Mediterranean Restaurant Opening in Midtown NYC! Requirements: * -4+ years of Exec Chef/CDC experience at Mediterranean restaurants -Previous experience managing 400 ...

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House

Head Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K/yr

Reporting to the Executive Chef & Director of Culinary Programs, the Head Chef will oversee the daily operations of the Food Services Department, providing hands-on leadership to a dynamic culinary ...

the Chef Agency

Head Chef- Wall Street

New York, NY

$90K - $95K/yr

Qualifications: * 3-4 years of similar Kitchen Manager of Head Chef experience. * Needs to have great experience with ordering, inventory, managing kitchen spaces. * Strong communication ...

The Chef Agency

Head Chef- Wall Street

New York, NY · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Qualifications: * 3-4 years of similar Kitchen Manager of Head Chef experience. * Needs to have great experience with ordering, inventory, managing kitchen spaces. * Strong communication ...

MERCADO INVESTOR LLC

Head Chef

Manhattan, NY

Head Chef Reports To: Director of Operations Department: Back of House - Culinary Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt Salary: $95-105k Plus bonus and benefits About Jose Andres Group Jose Andres Group ...

Boca Recovery Center

Head Chef

Englewood, NJ · On-site

Head Chef - Englewood, NJ Location: On-Site - Englewood, NJ Department: Operations / Dietary Services Reports to: Facility Director Status: Salary, Full-Time Compensation: Competitive salary, based ...

Jose Andres Group

Head Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Head Chef Reports To: Director of Operations Department: Back of House - Culinary Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt Salary: $95-105k Plus bonus and benefits About José Andrés Group José Andrés ...

José Andrés Group

Head Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Head Chef Reports To: Director of Operations Department: Back of House - Culinary Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt Salary: $95-105k Plus bonus and benefits About José Andrés Group José Andrés ...

Boca Recovery Center

Head Chef

Englewood, NJ

Head Chef - Englewood, NJ Location: On-Site - Englewood, NJ Department: Operations / Dietary Services Reports to: Facility Director Status: Salary, Full-Time Compensation: Competitive salary, based ...

Boca Recovery Center

Head Chef

Englewood, NJ · On-site

Head Chef - Englewood, NJ Location: On-Site - Englewood, NJ Department: Operations / Dietary Services Reports to: Facility Director Status: Salary, Full-Time Compensation: Competitive salary, based ...

Prime Goup

Head Chef

New York, NY · On-site

The Head Chef is responsible for leading the kitchen team in preparing and cooking a diverse range of authentic and modern Asian dishes. This role involves menu development, ensuring food quality and ...

Prime Goup

Head Chef

New York, NY · On-site

The Head Chef is responsible for leading the kitchen team in preparing and cooking a diverse range of authentic and modern Asian dishes. This role involves menu development, ensuring food quality and ...

Endless Hospitality Group

Head Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Endless Hospitality Group is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the back-of-house team and oversee day-to-day kitchen operations at one of our NYC concepts. We're looking for a hands-on leader ...

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Head Chef information

See Hackensack, NJ salary details

$31.1K

$69.8K

$103.6K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Hackensack, NJ is $69,795.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $81,800.00 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 Hackensack, NJ?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Hackensack, NJ are:

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

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The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Hackensack, NJ are:

What cities near Hackensack, NJ are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Hackensack, NJ with the most Head Chef job openings:

Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Hackensack, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,795 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Head Chef

Jersey City, NJ • On-site

Hudson Manpower
See more jobs at Hudson Manpowerexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 18 hours ago

Job description

About the Role
The Head Chef - Modern Chinese Cuisine will lead the culinary direction of a high-end, luxury Chinese dining restaurant, responsible for delivering an elevated, contemporary interpretation of traditional Chinese cuisine.
This role demands a chef with deep technical mastery of classic Chinese cooking methods and the vision to translate them into refined, modern fine-dining experiences. The Head Chef will be accountable for menu creation, food quality, consistency, presentation, and overall kitchen excellence, ensuring every dish meets premium dining standards.
The position requires strong leadership within a fast-paced luxury environment, overseeing a multicultural brigade, maintaining strict food safety and operational controls, and driving continuous improvement in culinary execution. The Head Chef will also play a key role in innovation, seasonal menu development, cost control, and supplier management, balancing creativity with commercial performance.
This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who thrives in high-pressure, high-expectation environments, understands the nuances of premium Chinese cuisine, and consistently delivers memorable dining experiences for a discerning clientele.
Cuisine & Technical Mastery
  • Extensive experience in Beijing-style and Hong Kong-influenced modern Chinese cuisine
  • Advanced wok mastery with precise seasoning and high-heat execution
  • Expertise in dim sum, dumplings, bao, and handmade noodles at fine-dining standards
  • Execution of roasted specialties such as Beijing duck and lacquered meats
  • Development of complex, balanced sauces suitable for luxury dining
  • Strong command of modern Chinese fine-dining plating and presentation

Creativity & Brand Alignment
  • Ability to reinterpret classic Chinese dishes for modern fine dining
  • Creation of signature dishes aligned with luxury restaurant positioning
  • Collaboration with culinary leadership, brand teams, and operations
  • Strong balance between creativity, consistency, and profitability

Preferred Restaurant Background
  • Experience in high-end, luxury, or fine-dining Chinese restaurants
  • Exposure to premium Asian or modern Chinese culinary concepts
  • Background in restaurants known for refined service, premium ingredients, and elevated guest experiences

Career Highlights (Desired)
  • Led openings, relaunches, or concept upgrades for luxury dining restaurants
  • Designed menus combining traditional Chinese foundations with modern techniques
  • Mastery of high-profile dishes such as Beijing Duck, premium dim sum, satay-style skewers, and XO-inspired seafood
  • Built and mentored elite culinary brigades
  • Managed sourcing of specialty and premium Chinese ingredients
  • Delivered strong results while maintaining luxury standards and commercial discipline

Requirements
  • Minimum 10-15 years of professional culinary experience in high-end or luxury dining environments, with a strong focus on modern Chinese cuisine
  • 5-7 years in senior kitchen leadership roles such as Head Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Senior Sous Chef
  • Proven background in premium or fine-dining Chinese restaurants, delivering elevated guest experiences
  • Advanced expertise in traditional Chinese cooking techniques with a modern, contemporary execution style
  • Exceptional wok mastery, including high-heat control, seasoning balance, and speed of execution
  • Strong command of dim sum, dumplings, bao, handmade noodles, and roasted specialties
  • Demonstrated ability in menu development, seasonal innovation, and creation of signature dishes
  • High-level understanding of luxury plating, presentation, and dish consistency
  • Experience managing large, multicultural kitchen teams in high-pressure environments
  • Strong leadership skills with a focus on training, discipline, and performance management
  • Thorough knowledge of HACCP, food safety standards, and kitchen compliance
  • Proven ability to manage food costing, inventory, waste control, and supplier relationships
  • Commercial awareness to balance creativity with profitability
  • Ability to work closely with senior management and stakeholders to align culinary output with business objectives
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality excellence

Apply