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Head Chef Jobs in Racine, WI (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

The Executive Chef will oversee kitchen operations, create an innovative menu, and prepare or coordinate the preparation of food ordered by patrons. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Trains and/or ...

We know that a Chef's job isn't only about the food. It takes skills, dedication, patience, and the right opportunities. We're looking for Chef Manager who can help us deliver the best customer ...

Are you a highly skilled and motivated Sous Chef seeking a new opportunity? Do you have a passion for creating delicious culinary masterpieces? If so, we have the perfect job for you! Benefits

SOUS CHEF (BILINGUAL) - KENOSHA WI

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

SOUS CHEF (BILINGUAL) - KENOSHA WI Salary: 60000 - 65000 Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you ...

Sous Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous Chef The Sous Chef has a vital role with a high degree of responsibility for all aspects of the food and food safety. Oversees all kitchen operations and monitors inventory and controls food ...

Executive Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Executive Chef American Cruise Lines is the largest U.S. cruise line, dedicated to providing immersive travel, exceptional service, and world-class cuisine while sharing America's story on the finest ...

SOUS CHEF (BILINGUAL) - KENOSHA WI

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$49K - $67K/yr

SOUS CHEF (BILINGUAL) - KENOSHA WI Salary: 60000 - 65000 Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you ...

Executive Sous Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$64K - $81K/yr

As an Executive Sous Chef, you will lead by identifying and assigning work to Food and Beverage Back of House team members for assigned venues, demonstrate top notch leadership skills, and ensure ...

Sous Chef

Milwaukee, WI

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous Chef The Sous Chef has a vital role with a high degree of responsibility for all aspects of the food and food safety. Oversees all kitchen operations and monitors inventory and controls food ...

SOUS CHEF (BILINGUAL) - KENOSHA WI

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

SOUS CHEF (BILINGUAL) - KENOSHA WI Salary: 60000 - 65000 Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit Management Company we are committed to two things, great food and outstanding service! At Bon Appetit you ...

Executive Sous Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

A National Hospitality Group seeks an accomplished Executive Sous Chef to assist the Executive Chef in leading the culinary team. The ideal candidate will possess experience as an Executive Sous Chef ...

Executive Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$48K - $60K/yr

THE CITY MARKET 2205 E Capital Drive Shorewood, WI 53211 We are seeking and NOW HIRING a skilled Executive Chef The Ideal applicant has Experience and Training in both Culinary and Bakery Operations ...

Task Force Sous Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Looking for a Task Force Chef experience? With a longstanding legacy in the restaurant business, Marcus Hotels & Resorts aims to provide its guests a memorable experience, and believes that some of ...

Task Force Sous Chef

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Looking for a Task Force Chef experience? With a longstanding legacy in the restaurant business, Marcus Hotels & Resorts aims to provide its guests a memorable experience, and believes that some of ...

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Head Chef information

See Racine, WI salary details

$26.7K

$60K

$89.1K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Racine, WI is $60,006.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,900.00 and $70,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Chef, and why are they important?

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.

What are Head Chefs?

Head Chefs are the leaders of a kitchen, responsible for overseeing all culinary operations in a restaurant or food service establishment. They create menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food quality, and maintain health and safety standards. Head Chefs also handle inventory, order supplies, and may be involved in budgeting and cost control. Their role is both creative and managerial, making them essential to the success of any professional kitchen.

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 most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Racine, WI? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Racine, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Racine, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Racine, WI are:
What cities near Racine, WI are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities near Racine, WI with the most Head Chef job openings:

Northwestern Mutual rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 260 rated insurance


Job description

About the Role

Working under the Chef Team Leader and Restaurant Manager, the Chef prepares food from scratch for cafeteria and catering services. Preparing a variety of menu items including soups, roasts, casseroles, sauces, vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and bakery items using scratch cooking/baking techniques (roasting, sauteing, grilling, steaming, proofing and baking), you will work to improve the quality/healthfulness of foods by researching and testing menu items that fit a wellness profile, Additionally, you will: put safety first, observing safe food handling techniques, safe ergonomic and personal safety techniques, and maintaining a clean, organized and safe work area, and operating and cleaning equipment following established safety guidelines. You will work as part of a team, supporting the menu planning/management process. This role calls for an effective communicator, able to interact with customers and servers as to menu, food preparation, etc.

What You'll Do in the Role

(30%) Responsible for preparing from scratch a variety of menu items for cafeteria and catering services which include, but are not limited to, soups, roasts, casseroles, sauces, vegetables, salads, sandwiches, and bakery items. Uses scratch cooking and baking techniques, which include demonstration cooking, roasting, sauteing, grilling, steaming, proofing and baking. Works to improve the quality and wellness of foods by participating in researching and testing menu items that fit a wellness profile. Prepares foods using healthy and flavor-enhancing herbs, spices and cooking techniques. Bakes fresh a variety of products using raw dough, mixes and some scratch baking. Assures proper proofing and baking methods to offer fresh breads, and other bakery as required.

(25%) Practices safe food handling techniques in all areas of the job as outlined in food safety standards. Practices safe ergonomic and personal safety techniques in all aspects of work as outlined in restaurant standards, including the proper use of personal protective equipment and observance of proper body mechanics. Maintains a clean, organized and safe work area, which includes walk-in coolers, food preparation areas, stock areas, etc. Performs a variety of tasks to assure regular sanitation standards are met including sweeping, washing and polishing. Responsible for maintaining accurate and complete labeling and date marking of products to assure freshness. Maintains time and temperature records to minimize exposure of food to unsafe temperatures and minimize the risk of bacteria growth. Operates and cleans equipment following safety guidelines including use of PPEs.

(20%) Supports the menu management process that includes: following recipes, provides feedback for recipe improvements, follows the ordering process as defined, assures correct portions, monitors adequate records including HACCP logs and usage reports, inventories food storage areas, and assesses leftovers. Projects the ordering needs and quantities of all foods on the menu to provide timely preparation and cost-effective menu management for upcoming meals and events.

(15%) Routinely delivers on Restaurant Hospitality standards. Communicates with customers and servers through routine greeting and providing information verbally regarding the menu, preparation methods and services. Responds to any questions or concerns with the approach of immediate resolution of concerns or corrective action on matters that may be impacting the customer experience. In compliance with Restaurant Division Professional Conduct Expectations and maintains professional communication with all."(10%) In the absence of the Chef Team Leader, covers responsibilities to assure customer-focused decision-making in the continuation of food preparation, ordering, and service to the restaurant division. May adjust work location, tasks or assignments routinely throughout the day to adjust to changes in business need, customer demands, or any other business reason

What You'll Bring to the Role

  • Associate degree or equivalent work experience with a minimum of three years of high-volume restaurant or corporate dining experience required.
  • Upscale culinary experience preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to interpret written instructions to assure adequate outcome of quality, volume and presentation of foods.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and performance in food safety production, receiving and storage practices.
  • High degree of personal initiative and motivation combined with a willingness to work as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated commitment to customer service through positive customer interaction and anticipation of needs to enhance the customer experience.
  • Demonstrated strong initiative and a commitment to continued culinary growth.
  • Must have the ability to perform the essential physical requirements of the job.

#IN-POST

#LI-POST

Candidates must successfully complete and pass any required testing.

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$17.93

Pay Range - End:

$26.89

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

Structure 115:

We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients' interests at the center of all we do. Get started now!

Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.


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About Northwestern Mutual

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for over 160 years through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation, and distribution. With more than $290 billion in assets, $30 billion in revenues and more than $1.9 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.6 million clients. People are the power behind Northwestern Mutual, and diversity makes us better. We are committed to reflecting and serving the marketplace. We do so by attracting and improving the engagement of those who bring their outstanding perspectives, ideas, and beliefs.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US