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Head Chef Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

SSA Group

Jr Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Sous Chef Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring ...

MOSU Asian BBQ & Hot Pot

Executive Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year Ready to trade the typical chef gig for something with real upward momentum? We're looking for a Culinary Partner to helm the kitchen at our newest location--a ...

MOSU Asian BBQ & Hot Pot

Executive Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year Ready to trade the typical chef gig for something with real upward momentum? We're looking for a Culinary Partner to helm the kitchen at our newest location--a ...

Wegmans Food Markets

Sous Chef Trainee

Rochester, NY · On-site

$24.25 - $25.75/hr

Learn and work under the mentorship of Wegmans and Next Door chefs * Create excitement and educate others about specialty restaurants at Wegmans on topics such as cooking techniques, food and human ...

SSA Group

Food Service - Jr Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Sous Chef Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Jr Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous Chef Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring ...

ssagroup

Food Service - Jr Sous Chef

Rochester, NY

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous Chef Who are we : For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring ...

Delaware North

Sous Chef, KeyBank Center

Rochester, NY

$62K - $66K/yr

In this role, you will support the Executive Chef in overseeing high-volume kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, and leading and developing the culinary team. If you bring strong ...

Delaware North

Sous Chef, KeyBank Center

Rochester, NY

$62K - $66K/yr

In this role, you will support the Executive Chef in overseeing high-volume kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, and leading and developing the culinary team. If you bring strong ...

Delaware North

Sous Chef, KeyBank Center

Rochester, NY

$62K - $66K/yr

In this role, you will support the Executive Chef in overseeing high-volume kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, and leading and developing the culinary team. If you bring strong ...

Delaware North

Executive Chef, Patina 250

Batavia, NY

$92K - $116K/yr

As Executive Chef, you will oversee all back-of-house operations, driving culinary excellence through exceptional food quality, innovative menu development, financial accountability, and strong team ...

Delaware North

Executive Chef, Patina 250

Batavia, NY

$92K - $116K/yr

As Executive Chef, you will oversee all back-of-house operations, driving culinary excellence through exceptional food quality, innovative menu development, financial accountability, and strong team ...

Delaware North

Executive Chef, Patina 250

Batavia, NY

$92K - $116K/yr

As Executive Chef, you will oversee all back-of-house operations, driving culinary excellence through exceptional food quality, innovative menu development, financial accountability, and strong team ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Rochester, NY

Head Chef information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$28.1K

$63.2K

$93.8K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Rochester, NY is $63,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $74,000.00 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 Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Rochester, NY? For Head Chef jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Rochester, NY look for? The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Head Chef job openings:
Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Rochester, NY 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 $63,170 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Jr Sous Chef

SSA Group

Rochester, NY • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

SSA Group rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

506th of 731 rated retailers

Job description

SSA Group at The Strong Museum of Play is looking for a Jr Sous Chef to join our team!
Position Title: Jr Sous Chef
Reports to: Sous Chef
Who are we:
For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused.
We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey.
Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities.
Responsibilities
  • Live out 452 Hospitality by delivering warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.
  • Ensure restaurant/location is adequately prepped and staffed (BOH) for daily operation.
  • Oversight of location kitchen duties, ensuring quickservice, food service, safety and quality, availability, merchandising, and guest service standards are all met and exceeded.
  • Oversight of safety logs, including food temperatures, rotation, and waste.
  • Ensures proper uniform, hygiene, handwashing, and glove use with staff.
  • Responsible for supporting SSAfety training with knife handling skills, ensuring all direct reports display proper use of knives and slicers.
  • Creates daily prep and item lists, delegating to employees as necessary.
  • Actively helps to support operations and fill holes as necessary to ensure smooth service.
  • Maintains a checklist of routine or daily cleaning tasks and ongoing projects or menu planning.
  • Assists the Sous Chef in assigning associates to duties, coaching through projects, daily task,s and guest interaction.
  • Actively and efficiently responds to guest and client feedback, with a report to the operations manager to ensure that any potential complaints are mitigated against further occurrence.
  • Oversees personnel duties, including but not limited to:
    • Training new employees and issuing performance reviews.
    • Actively managing and issuing progressive documentation to coach and counsel the employee on performance, with oversight from the operations manager.
    • Reports employee attendance and any hour discrepancies to the payroll department. Oversees break and rest break management for BOH employees.
    • Inspects equipment and performs routine maintenance and cleaning as necessary.
    • Assists the team to ensure all tasks are completed in a timely manner by helping complete daily tasks as necessary.
  • Communicates with the Sous Chef and Food Service Operations Manager(s) in regard to any issues seen with daily service or quality.
  • Works directly with restaurant supervisor(s) to ensure respective locations are operating to standard.
  • Remains knowledgeable of and supervises in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
  • Perform other tasks as deemed necessary.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.
  • Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.

Job Requirements
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our General Manager and personnel.
  • Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships with other branch managers.
  • Exceptional problem-solving/decision-making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
  • Demonstrates multi-tasking, detail, analytical, planning and leadership skills.
  • Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
  • An ideal candidate is a team player, personable, professional, upbeat and energetic, takes initiative, uses tact and diplomacy.
  • Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (10-35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above.
  • Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed.

IDEA + Belonging
  • Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units.
  • Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels.
  • Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary.
  • Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back.

Previous Experience
  • 1-2 years experience in culinary

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments)
Compensation and Benefits
  • Eligible for overtime pay.
  • On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
  • Meal Plan & Employee Discounts at applicable locations.
  • Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods).
  • Tuition Discount through Partnership College.
  • Up to 8 hours of Bereavement Leave.
  • Holiday pay of 1.5x the regular rate is provided for hours worked on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day
  • Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location.

Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.. Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time.
SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact.
All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice").
San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document.
We accept applications for this position on a rolling basis. Apply anytime at thessagroup.com. Applications are reviewed as received, and the position remains open until filled.

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