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Head Chef Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

These steps of service will act as a guide and reference point for your valued position as a Chef de cuisine at the Range Café. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES o The safety of our guests and employees ...

Culinary Leader

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

These steps of service will act as a guide and reference point for your valued position as a Chef de cuisine at the Range Cafe. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES o The safety of our guests and employees is ...

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

From the stadium to the head table, Levy leverages unbridled creativity, custom strategies ... Obtains daily production schedule and preparation requirements from the Chef. * Prepares items on ...

From the stadium to the head table, Levy leverages unbridled creativity, custom strategies ... Obtains daily production schedule and preparation requirements from the Chef. * Prepares items on ...

Prep Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

From the stadium to the head table, Levy leverages unbridled creativity, custom strategies ... Obtains daily production schedule and preparation requirements from the Chef. * Prepares items on ...

Line Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Follow direction from chefs and kitchen leadership while maintaining a sense of urgency * Support inventory management by properly labeling, rotating, and storing ingredients * Follow all company ...

Line Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Follow direction from chefs and kitchen leadership while maintaining a sense of urgency * Support inventory management by properly labeling, rotating, and storing ingredients * Follow all company ...

Line Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Follow direction from chefs and kitchen leadership while maintaining a sense of urgency * Support inventory management by properly labeling, rotating, and storing ingredients * Follow all company ...

Line Cook

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food Service prepare tens of thousands of meals weekly for students across the country. At Upper Crust Food Service, YOU are the crucial ingredient for providing fresh ...

Supervise and lead kitchen staff, including cooks, prep chefs, and dishwashers. * Ensure the kitchen operates smoothly, meeting food safety and quality standards. * Oversee food preparation ...

Minimum of 2 years as a shift lead or sous chef experience preferred * Food Safety, State Alcohol and ServSafe Manager certification required * Availability to work during holidays, nights, and ...

New

Line Cook (Santa Fe)

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Follow instructions from Chef and other kitchen management. * Clean up station and properly store leftover food. * Label and stock inventory appropriately. * Monitor product freshness and rotate out ...

Line Cook (Santa Fe)

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Follow instructions from Chef and other kitchen management. * Clean up station and properly store leftover food. * Label and stock inventory appropriately. * Monitor product freshness and rotate out ...

Line Cook (Santa Fe)

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

$14.25 - $18/hr

Follow instructions from Chef and other kitchen management. * Clean up station and properly store leftover food. * Label and stock inventory appropriately. * Monitor product freshness and rotate out ...

Showing results 41-55

Head Chef information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$25.7K

$57.7K

$85.7K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Rio Rancho, NM is $57,716.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,100.00 and $67,600.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Head Chef jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Head Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,716 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Culinary Leader

Range Cafe

Albuquerque, NM

$50K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Pay Rate -Exempt Salary 50 hour/week minimum

SUMMARY OF POSITION

As a Kitchen Leader at the Range Café, you are a crucial part of our guests’ experience. Our high standards of “Guest Amazement” are maintained through the effective teamwork of our team members who share and embody our values and the desire to do the very best for our guests. During the hands-on training you will receive, you will learn about cross team relationships and will experience other positions to expand and diversify your skill set and prepare you to lead a productive and professional culinary team. Food quality, presentation and family-friendly service are an essential part of this position. These steps of service will act as a guide and reference point for your valued position as a Chef de cuisine at the Range Café.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

o   The safety of our guests and employees is the Culinary Leader’s #1 responsibility

  • Directly responsible for all kitchen functions including food purchasing, preparation, and maintenance of quality standards; sanitation and cleanliness; training of employees in methods of cooking, preparation, plate presentation, portion, and cost control. Upholds set standards and company culture. Implements and enforces sanitation and cleanliness practices.
  • Ensure that all food and products are consistently prepared and served according to set specifications, recipes, portioning, cooking, and serving standards.
  • Make employment and termination decisions including interviewing, hiring, evaluating, and disciplining culinary personnel as appropriate using company standards, policies, guidelines, and procedures. Provide orientation of company and company culture and rules, policies and procedures and oversee and conduct ongoing training of culinary employees. 
  •  Oversee and ensure that company policies are followed, ensuring fair and consistent discipline to all team members, and ensuring accountability. Provide fair and accurate employee evaluations twice annually to all culinary team members.
  • Fill in where needed to ensure guest service standards and efficient operations. This includes working on the line if need be.
  • Monitor all food production and set and update quantities as business needs fluctuate.
  • During peak service times the expectation is to be on the expediting line ensuring consistency, proper specs are followed, and food quality is up to standard. If needed, this can be done behind the line.
  • Prepare all required paperwork, including forms, reports, and schedules in an organized and timely manner.
  • Ensure that all equipment is kept clean and kept in excellent working condition through personal inspection and by following company preventative maintenance programs.
  • Ensure that all products are ordered according to predetermined product specifications and received in correct unit count and condition and deliveries are performed in accordance with company receiving policies and procedures.
  • Control food cost and usage by following proper purchasing, product storage procedures, standardized recipes, and waste control procedures.
  • Schedule labor as required by anticipated business activity while ensuring that all positions are staffed when and as needed and labor cost objectives are met.  All vacations must be approved using a plan for coverage to not accrue any overtime. Any overtime must be communicated to the Executive Culinary Leader and be justified as to why it will occur.
  • Be knowledgeable of company policies regarding personnel and administer prompt, fair and consistent corrective action for all violations of company policies, rules, and procedures.
  • Responsible for the training of kitchen personnel in safe operation of all kitchen equipment, utensils, cleanliness, and sanitation.
  • Responsible for maintaining appropriate cleaning schedules for kitchen floors, mats, walls, hoods, other equipment, and food storage areas. Be always prepared for company and local authorities’ sanitation inspections.
  • Check and maintain proper food holding and refrigeration temperature control points and maintain record keeping of documents.
  • Perform shift line checks. Ensuring consistency, proper stock, seasoning, portioning, and sanitation.
  • Taste products regularly for proper flavor profile and encourage tasting with staff.
  • We are a team and work as a team. Provide your team assistance, guidance, support, and coverage throughout restaurants.
  • Monthly inventories are to be completed with accuracy and no later than 11PM on the last day of every month.
  • Recipes are kept current and recipe policy is enforced.
  • All training and menu or special items are stepped down to culinary staff promptly and any documents regarding training are completed and turned in by deadlines set.
  • Maintain open lines of communication between the management team.
  • Respond to all communications promptly and attend all scheduled meetings unless an excuse has been granted.

 We ALL have the same job…to provide an AMAZING experience for our guests.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Diploma or GED required. Formal culinary education preferred, not required.
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience in varied kitchen positions including food preparation, line cook, fry cook and expediter. At least 6 months experience in a similar capacity.
  • Have working knowledge of the predominant language(s) of our guests. Must be able to communicate clearly with management, team members and guests.
  • Basic computer skills, inventory management, food purchasing and developmental skills.
  • Be able to reach, bend, stoop and frequently lift up to 50 pounds. Be able to work in a standing position for long periods of time (up to 9 hours).
  • Must possess, understand, and utilize a sense of urgency. 
  • Must be able to multitask and able to withstand and environment high temperatures and pressure.

Working at Range Café is more than just a job.
It's a lifestyle!
We pride ourselves on our ability to provide exceptional hospitality. We go out of our way to ensure that every guest's experience is a positive representation of our culture. We want to provide our guests positive memorable dining experience. We believe in hiring for personality because happy employees equal happy guests. If you're the type of person who loves to make others feel special and thrive in a team environment, we want you to join our team.
At The Range Café you'll receive:
Flexible scheduling
Competitive pay
Full and part-time employment
Great food and great people
Employee discounts while working
and when dining as a guest
For those who qualify:
Pet Insurance
FSA
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
401K
The Range Café embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.
At the Range Café, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
The Range Café is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.