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Head Chef Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

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 ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

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 ...

Foothills Milling Company Inc

Pantry

Maryville, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/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 or the ability to get ...

TN-Big Orange Grill

Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Chef Athenian Hospitality Group -- Knoxville, TN Full-Time, Salaried | $70,000-$100,000/year Athenian Hospitality Group is hiring an experienced Chef to lead our Knoxville kitchen. This is a hands-on ...

Mellow Mushroom Farragut

Kitchen

Farragut, TN · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

... head chef or restaurant manager Requirements: - Proven experience as a Cook in a busy restaurant setting is a plus - Knowledge of food safety standards and quality - Ability to work in a fast-paced ...

Compass Group PLC

Chef

Mascot, TN · On-site

$29.46 - $50.21/hr

Chef Apply now Job no: 720037 Work type: Full Time, Part Time Location: Mascot Categories: Chef, Chef Supervisor Earn between $29.46 - $50.21 p/h + Super * Full time, part time and casual roles ...

Compass Group PLC

Chef

Mascot, TN · On-site

Chef Apply now Job no: 722971 Work type: Full Time Location: Mascot Categories: Chef Chef $78,000k Base + Supernation * Friday to Tuesday shifts 4am to 12pm * Upskill Opportunities * Working in a ...

TN-Big Orange Grill

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef Athenian Hospitality Group -- Knoxville, TN Full-Time, Salaried | $67,000-$75,000/year Athenian Hospitality Group is hiring an experienced Sous Chef for our Knoxville kitchen. This is the ...

WindRiver Properties, LLC

Sous Chef

Lenoir City, TN · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

The Sous Chef works closely with the Executive Chef to align culinary operations with overall F&B objectives and provides a warm, engaging presence to enhance the member experience. WindRiver's new ...

Marriott Knoxville Downtown

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Hilton Knoxville

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Marriott Knoxville Downtown

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Marriott Knoxville Downtown

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Hilton Knoxville

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

Hilton Knoxville

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences. This role includes supervising ...

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All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Head Chef information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$27.2K

$61.2K

$90.8K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Oak Ridge, TN is $61,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,800.00 and $71,700.00 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 Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Head Chef job openings:

Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Oak Ridge, TN 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 $61,181 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Sous Chef

Upper Crust Food Service

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Upper Crust Food Service rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Proudly serving Sororities and Fraternities, Upper Crust Food Service is known for freshness, quality, variety, and excellent customer service. Upper Crust Food Service began with a vision to solve a problem that many Fraternity and Sorority houses face. That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country.
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 sanitation. Maintain outstanding communication with management and customers. Consistently deliver outstanding products and customer service.
If you are excited to create cool from-scratch food and make people happy every day, APPLY NOW. We're currently looking for a classically trained Sous Chef who is driven by their love and passion for food.
What's in it for you?
  • Very few late nights and weekend hours
  • Time off for most holidays
  • Paid vacations
  • A competitive 401K with company match
  • Health, dental, vision, and pet insurance

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Work with the Head Chef, ensuring that food is prepared safely, efficiently, and according to specifications or requests.
  • Collaborate with the Chef to create seasonal, relevant and evolving menu concepts
  • Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen and dining room
  • Wash kitchen utensils, equipment and dishes
  • Help with unloading, inspecting, and storage of raw ingredients and supplies.
  • Enforce sanitation and food safety standards per state and local regulations.
  • Maintain a professional and positive attitude with coworkers and customers.
  • Assist in planning and executing special events as directed by management.
  • Communicate regularly with management via calls, emails, and texts.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to work well as part of a team
  • Ability to follow all sanitation procedures
  • Understand food handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.
  • Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with a variety of personalities and under pressure.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Understanding of or the ability to learn food handling techniques, preparation, and cooking procedures.
  • Be familiar with the industry's best practices

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • 2+ years of food service skills or related experience preferred
  • Have experience with bulk food prep and production in a commercial kitchen setting.
  • Ability to pass a background check
  • Have a valid food safety handler and sanitation certification in accordance with state and local regulations or obtain one within 30 days of employment
  • High school or vocational school coursework in kitchen basics such as food safety, is preferred.

Special Demands:
  • The work environment can be loud and busy. There are many kitchen hazards such as hot surfaces and liquids, sharp knives, and slippery floors.
  • Capability to work in a kitchen environment that may involve exposure to extreme heat or cold.
  • Required to stand for long periods, up to 8+ hours, as well as walk, bend and stoop.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
  • Exposure to cleaning chemicals

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