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Head Chef Jobs in Meridian, MS (NOW HIRING)

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF II - MERIDIAN, MS

Meridian, MS

$70K - $96K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for an Executive Chef position. Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself . At Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, you'll join a ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF II - MERIDIAN, MS

Meridian, MS

$70K - $96K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for an Executive Chef position. Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself . At Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, you'll join a ...

Compass Group

EXECUTIVE CHEF II - MERIDIAN, MS

Meridian, MS · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the ...

All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Meridian, MS

Head Chef information

See Meridian, MS salary details

$28K

$62.8K

$93.2K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Meridian, MS is $62,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $73,600.00 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 Meridian, MS?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Meridian, MS are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Meridian, MS?

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

What cities near Meridian, MS are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Meridian, MS with the most Head Chef job openings:

Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Meridian, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,772 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

EXECUTIVE CHEF II - MERIDIAN, MS

Compass Group

Meridian, MS

$70K - $96K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 hours ago

Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,095 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

350th of 499 rated business services

Job description

  • We are hiring immediately for an Executive Chef position.

Make a difference in the lives of people, your community, and yourself. At Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, you'll join a culture that values caring for people, fostering belonging, and creating moments that truly matter. Here, your work has purpose: to nourish patients, caregivers, and communities while upholding the highest standards of detail, quality, and excellence in every meal served.

For more than 70 years, Morrison has supported leading health systems nationwide with culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise. With more than 31,000 dedicated team members, including 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, we empower and uplift each other by working together, take responsibility for our commitments, and believe in helping one another achieve more together by realizing our unlimited potential.

Job Summary

Job Summary: 

Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the preparation of meals in accordance with corporate programs and guidelines. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
  • Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
  • Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
  • Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
  • Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
  • Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products
  • Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party audits
  • Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting
  • Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A.S. or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of three to five years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
  • Extensive catering experience a plus
  • High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
  • Institutional and batch cooking experiences
  • Hands-on chef experience a must
  • Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
  • Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet
  • ServSafe certified - highly desirable

BENEFITS FOR OUR TEAM MEMBERS

  • Full-time and part-time positions are offered the following benefits: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identify Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and other voluntary benefits including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
  • Full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. 

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf

Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group. Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
 

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/ 

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 
Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply. 

Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace. 

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