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Head Chef Jobs in Jenison, MI (NOW HIRING)

Vitale's of Comstock Park

Head Chef

Comstock Park, MI · On-site

Join Our Team as a Head Chef! We're a passionate, family-owned Italian restaurant, and we're looking for an experienced, hardworking, and creative Head Chef to lead our kitchen! Position Highlights:

Millerknoll

Head Chef

Zeeland, MI

GENERAL PURPOSE The Head Chef is responsible for every aspect of culinary creativity and kitchen operations at our facilities across West Michigan. You'll be responsible for managing a team of Chefs ...

MillerKnoll

Head Chef

Zeeland, MI · On-site

GENERAL PURPOSE The Head Chef is responsible for every aspect of culinary creativity and kitchen operations at our facilities across West Michigan. You'll be responsible for managing a team of Chefs ...

Celebration Cinema

Sous Chef

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Our Sous Chef will work alongside our Head Chef to ensure an enjoyable and memorable dining experience at One Twenty Three Tavern. We are located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, adjacent to a ...

Palio

Server Assistant

Grand Rapids, MI

We prepare food from our all scratch kitchens and our head chef offers creative features with a focus on seasonal, local produce. Our mission is to consistently exceed our guest's expectations by ...

Mainstreet Ventures

Server Assistant

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

We prepare food from our all scratch kitchens and our head chef offers creative features with a focus on seasonal, local produce. Our mission is to consistently exceed our guest's expectations by ...

Mainstreet Ventures

Dishwasher

Grand Rapids, MI

$12.50 - $16/hr

We prepare food from our all scratch kitchens and our head chef offers creative features with a focus on seasonal, local produce. Our mission is to consistently exceed our guest's expectations by ...

Palio

Dishwasher

Grand Rapids, MI

$12.50 - $16/hr

We prepare food from our all scratch kitchens and our head chef offers creative features with a focus on seasonal, local produce. Our mission is to consistently exceed our guest's expectations by ...

Mainstreet Ventures

Dishwasher

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $16/hr

We prepare food from our all scratch kitchens and our head chef offers creative features with a focus on seasonal, local produce. Our mission is to consistently exceed our guest's expectations by ...

Lucky Strike

Sous Chef

Wyoming, MI

$46K - $62K/yr

Join us as a Sous Chef and become part of a vibrant atmosphere filled with dynamic experiences and endless possibilities. Start making your own luck today! WHAT OUR SOUS CHEFS DO Our Sous Chefs are ...

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All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Jenison, MI

Head Chef information

See Jenison, MI salary details

$25.8K

$57.8K

$85.9K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Jenison, MI is $57,838.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,200.00 and $67,800.00 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 Jenison, MI?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Jenison, MI are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Jenison, MI?

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

What cities near Jenison, MI are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Jenison, MI with the most Head Chef job openings:

Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Jenison, MI 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 $57,838 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Head Chef

Vitale's of Comstock Park

Comstock Park, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Join Our Team as a Head Chef!

We’re a passionate, family-owned

Italian restaurant, and we’re looking for an experienced, hardworking, and

creative Head Chef to lead our kitchen!

Position Highlights:

  • Work Schedule:
  • 45-50 hours per week, full-time
  • Competitive Salary:
  • Based on experience
  • Family Atmosphere:
  • Join a team that feels like family
  • Recipe Freedom:
  • Work with our beloved family recipes and create exciting new weekly
  • features (3 dishes per week!)
  • Simple, Italian Cuisine: Prepare fresh, authentic, and delicious dishes that
  • highlight our Italian heritage
  • Health Insurance:
  • Comprehensive coverage for you
  • Paid Vacation:
  • We believe in work-life balance!
  • Cost Control:
  • Oversee food and labor cost management to ensure profitability and
  • efficiency
  • Simple IRA Retirement Program:
  • Plan for the future with our retirement benefit!

If you’re a motivated chef with a

love for Italian food, creativity, and leadership, this is your chance to take

charge and make a real impact on our menu and kitchen!

Apply today and be a part of

something special!

For more than 50 years, the Vitale family has been serving West Michigan with the continued family tradition of great service and delicious food! Throughout the years, Vitale's has grown into the full service restaurants we are today. We not only want to exceed your expectations of quality food, service, and atmosphere, but our hope is to be deeply rooted in serving the community as well. We operate our restaurants with integrity and respect, and we do it in a personal way.
With an extensive menu that includes salads, burgers, seafood, subs, pasta, and of course our award winning pizza, it won't take you long to realize there is something for everyone at Vitale's! Our diverse list of comforting entrees is just one of the reasons our customers keep coming back. With a full service bar, many flat screen TVs, carry out dining, online ordering, and a long list of specials and exclusive offers, it won't take you long to realize that our customers are our top priority!