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Head Chef Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Rose's Luxury

Head Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$92K - $97K/yr

We are seeking a Head Chef to join our James Beard award winning team at one of our D.C Michelin starred restaurants: Rose's Luxury, Little Pearl, and Pineapple and Pearls, and Extra Fancy, our ...

Pineapple and Pearls

Head Chef

Washington, DC

$92K - $97K/yr

We are seeking a Head Chef to join our James Beard award winning team at one of our D.C Michelin starred restaurants: Rose's Luxury, Little Pearl, and Pineapple and Pearls, and Extra Fancy, our ...

Tatte Holdings, LLC

Cafe Head Chef - Maryland

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$76K - $96K/yr

The Role As a Chef at Tatte, you will oversee all kitchen operations at your café and are ultimately responsible for the success and growth of your kitchen team. Our Chefs may be responsible for ...

Call Your Mother Deli

Head of Culinary

Washington, DC · On-site

$170K/yr

HEAD OF CULINARY Washington, DC THE BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. THE BEST-ISH BAGELS IN THE WORLD ... Husband-and-wife team Andrew and Chef Dani built Call Your Mother around a simple idea: make ...

Call Your Mother Deli

Head of Culinary

Washington, DC · On-site

HEAD OF CULINARY Washington, DC THE BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. THE BEST-ISH BAGELS IN THE WORLD ... Husband-and-wife team Andrew and Chef Dani built Call Your Mother around a simple idea: make ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

College Park, MD · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

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 ...

Halal Delivery

Line Cook

Haymarket, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Cook ingredients as directed by the head chef or sous chef, plating dishes as indicated by recipes * Adhere to all health and safety standards when preparing food * Provide assistance to the head ...

the Chef Agency

Kitchen Manager/Garde Manger

Burke, VA · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Work collaboratively with the Head Chef and kitchen team to cook and prepare menu items according to established standards. * Follow recipes and plating guidelines to ensure consistency, quality, and ...

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All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Reston, VA

Head Chef information

See Reston, VA salary details

$29.7K

$66.7K

$99K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Reston, VA is $66,699.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,100.00 and $78,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

How much do head chefs get paid?

Head chefs typically earn between $45,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Salaries can be higher in upscale establishments or major cities, and many head chefs also receive benefits and bonuses based on performance.

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.

Is a head chef a stressful job?

A head chef role is often considered stressful due to high-pressure environments, long hours, and the need to manage kitchen staff and ensure food quality. The job requires strong organizational skills, resilience, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Stress levels can vary depending on the establishment's size and workload.

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.

More about Head Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Reston, VA? For Head Chef jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Head Chef job openings:
Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,699 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Head Chef

Rose's Luxury

Washington, DC • On-site

$92K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Rose’s Restaurant Group is seeking creative, passionate, and talented individuals to join our super awesome team. We are in the “making people happy” business, we just happen to serve great food and offer next-level hospitality. We work hard, make people happy, and have fun while we are doing it!

We are seeking a Head Chef to join our James Beard award winning team at one of our D.C Michelin starred restaurants: Rose’s Luxury, Little Pearl, and Pineapple and Pearls, and Extra Fancy, our international events company.

Some Things to Know About Us:

Our mission is “To make this the most enjoyable place to work in and the most enjoyable place to dine”. This is the reason we are here. This is why we do what we do.

We are big on communication and organization. We believe these are huge keys to success. The better we are able to communicate and organize ourselves, the more success we will have.

We are big on teaching and growth. We work hard to make sure everyone is constantly growing and learning. We want everyone who works with us to become a better cook, barista, chef, manager, guest liaison, and most importantly, leader.

We like having fun. While we take our jobs very seriously, we also do so lightheartedly. In other words, we love to hustle and get better everyday but we also love to do it while laughing and having fun at the same time. (And yes, that is possible).

We have awesome benefits for full-time employees

  • 100% Company-paid medical benefits
  • 100% Company-paid dental benefits
  • Average 45-50 hour work-week for salaried employees
  • Unlimited Paid Time-off Policy for salaried employees
  • Parental Leave Plan
  • 401K plan
  • Complimentary gym membership
  • Employee Assistance Program (covers mental health services, legal services, and additional support)
  • Life insurance
  • Critical illness insurance
  • Personal Financial Advisor services
  • Somm Certification Reimbursements
  • WMATA SmartBenefits program
  • Most major holidays off
  • Access to our Vision benefit program
  • Unlimited high fives!

Qualifications and skills:

Our ideal candidate is someone who, most importantly, has a real passion for making other people happy. Significant management experience is required for this position.

The Head Chef is the cultural and business leader of the culinary operations and is responsible for managing the day-to-day while serving as an ambassador and liaison with the FOH, operations, and sales teams. They must demonstrate and ensure their team embodies the RRG values. Their responsibilities are centered around the lifecycle of the employee, culinary execution, and the financial success of the business.

They are expected to always act as an advocate for the guest experience and serve as the culinary leader of the back of house working closely with the General Manager as true partners speaking in an aligned voice on culture, accountability, and being the eyes and ears for each other. They will also model and uphold our highest standards of hospitality and company policies and culture, including leading the team in a humble, professional and responsible manner. They will be expected to use their passion and knowledge of food, to develop new menus by exuding principles of holistic menu writing and thinking.

Food safety and financial acumen with staffing, purchasing, inventory, and cost control are critical components of this role. To be successful in this position, the Head Chef must have excellent attention to detail, display a sense of urgency and demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills.

Required Skills:

  • 2 Years as Exec Sous Chef or equivalent in a fine-dining operation
  • Highly effective communicator through email, phone, video, and in-person
  • Up to date and passionate about culinary trends in the United States and abroad
  • Exudes excellence in hospitality for internal and external guests
  • Possess excellent strategic planning skills, with an emphasis on delivering, executing, and assessing action plans
  • Excel in time management, organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to adapt and lead change
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
  • Self-driven, results-oriented, and possesses a solid track record of leading high-caliber, upscale restaurants at a multi-unit level.
More detail about Rose's Luxury part of Rose's Restaurant Group, please visit https://culinaryagents.com/entities/7849-Rose%2527s-Luxury