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Head Chef Jobs in Moline, IL (NOW HIRING)

Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels and restaurants TRAVELING CHEFS needed to travel among our 130 hotels in 18 states (and growing!) to provide customer service to guests of our hotels ...

Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels and restaurants TRAVELING CHEFS needed to travel among our 130 hotels in 18 states (and growing!) to provide customer service to guests of our hotels ...

Sous Chef

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef As Sous Chef, you'll be a key leader in our culinary team, supporting the Culinary Director in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and beautifully presented meals. You'll help oversee ...

Sous Chef

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Sous Chef As Sous Chef, you'll be a key leader in our culinary team, supporting the Culinary Director in delivering high-quality, nutritious, and beautifully presented meals. You'll help oversee ...

Sous Chef

Davenport, IA · On-site

$51K - $56K/yr

Job Summary Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful food service operation of the hospital's large-scale kitchen, serving patients, retail customers in the cafeteria and ...

SOUS CHEF

East Moline, IL · On-site

$21/hr

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : John Deere - 1800 158th Street N, East Moline, IL 61244 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time ...

Sous Chef

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

The Sous Chef is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food service in both restaurants. This position must be able to lead and train other staff members, as well as possess extensive knowledge ...

Working as the Sous Chef, you will be responsible for the successful operation of the Culinary Department for a facility. You will assist in the supervision, preparation, and cooking of various food ...

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : John Deere - 1800 158th Street N, East Moline, IL 61244 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time ...

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : John Deere - 1800 158th Street N, East Moline, IL 61244 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time ...

* We are hiring immediately for a full time SOUS CHEF position. * Location : John Deere - 1800 158th Street N, East Moline, IL 61244 Note: online applications accepted only. * Schedule : Full time ...

CHEF MANAGER - EAST MOLINE, IL Salary: $65,000 - $70,000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless ...

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Head Chef information

See Moline, IL salary details

$25.7K

$57.8K

$85.8K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Moline, IL is $57,809.00, 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Moline, IL?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Moline, IL are:

What cities near Moline, IL are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Moline, IL with the most Head Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Moline, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,809 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Traveling Chef

Kinseth Hospitality

Rock Island, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Kinseth Hospitality rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

What we offer:

  • Health, Dental, Vision and other benefits available after 60 days
  • DailyPay
  • 401k
  • Paid Training
  • Paid PTO
  • Referral program
  • Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels and restaurants 


TRAVELING CHEFS needed to travel among our 130 hotels in 18 states (and growing!) to provide customer service to guests of our hotels by performing the below duties.

Candidates must have:

-    Valid Driver License

-    Insurance driving record

-    Proof of vehicle insurance

-    Reliable transportation

Candidates will receive food/mileage reimbursements and hotel accommodations

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Hires, schedules, orients, trains and develops workers including but not limited to: specific job duties, food production, sanitation, safety, guest satisfaction and KHC/franchise policies/procedures.
  • Cooks and carves meats, and prepares dishes, such as sauces, during rush periods and for banquets and other social functions.
  • Plans or participates in planning menus, preparing and portioning foods and utilizing food surpluses and leftovers to prevent spoilage and waste.
  • Specifies number of servings to be made from any vegetable, meat, beverage and dessert to control portion costs.
  • Supervises kitchen personnel to ensure cleanliness of kitchen and equipment is within required sanitation guidelines.
  • Cooks and tastes, smells, and observes food to ensure conformance with recipes, appearance standards and guest satisfaction.
  • Supervises workers engaged in inventory, storage, and distribution of foodstuffs and supplies.
  • Inventories and purchases foodstuffs, kitchen supplies, and equipment per KHC purchasing guidelines.
  • Assists in developing and maintains budget for kitchen area.
  • Assists in setting prices to be charged for food items.
  • Meets with sales staff, customers, or client groups to resolve menu inconsistencies or to plan menus for special occasions.

KHC POLICIES: Responsible for following all KHC policies and procedures as set forth in the KHC handbook and property specific guidelines/standards. These policies include dress code, safety, and performance standards. Employees must also maintain a professional image and report to work as scheduled.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises 1-25 employees in the Kitchen Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree (BA) from four-year college or university; or one to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

 CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

May require franchise specific certification. ServSafe certification a plus. Valid driver's license and proof of insurability required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. All employees must follow proper safety precautions at all times to avoid injuries. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; and use hands to handle, grasp or type. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend or twist; talk or hear; and to push, pull or lift over 10 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to sit and smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.



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About Kinseth Hospitality

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kinseth Hospitality, located in North Liberty, IA, US, is a leading hotel management company in the hospitality industry. The company, with its wide assortment of services, manages over 90 hotels and restaurants across 13 states, focusing on key brands like Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn, and Country Inn and Suites, among others. Founded in the late 70s by Bruce and Ken Kinseth, the company has progressively built a reputation for excellent service, having established a corporate mission to provide unmatched service to guests, compelling results to owners and investors, and a rewarding work environment for its employees. With more than four decades in the industry, Kinseth Hospitality also stands out for receiving multiple awards and recognitions, including the Marriott Partnership Circle Award, proving their sustained excellence in the industry.

Industry

Traveler accommodation

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

North Liberty, IA, US

Year founded

1963

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