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Head Chef Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Position Summary: Oversees the day-to-day cooking/production operations of the kitchen. Serves as the leader for a group of culinary professionals and works closely with senior leadership to maintain ...

Position Summary: Oversees the day-to-day cooking/production operations of the kitchen. Serves as the leader for a group of culinary professionals and works closely with senior leadership to maintain ...

Sous Chef

Rochester, NY

$19.65 - $23.05/hr

Essential Duties & Responsibilities * Washes produce, cuts ingredients, and prepares hot and cold foods * Ensures all food is of satisfactory quality and quantity, and is prepared, served, and stored ...

Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.65 - $23.05/hr

Essential Duties & Responsibilities * Washes produce, cuts ingredients, and prepares hot and cold foods * Ensures all food is of satisfactory quality and quantity, and is prepared, served, and stored ...

Sous Chef

Rochester, NY · On-site

$19.65 - $23.05/hr

Essential Duties & Responsibilities * Washes produce, cuts ingredients, and prepares hot and cold foods * Ensures all food is of satisfactory quality and quantity, and is prepared, served, and stored ...

Executive Chef - Woodcliff Hotel and Spa

Fairport, NY · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

Woodcliff Hotel / Schulte Hospitality Group is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Executive Chef to join our team! Schulte Hospitality Group is an organization whose success is rooted in its service ...

Line Cook

Victor, NY · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

A Line Cook, Wok Cook, Cook, Chef De Partie, or Station Chef accommodates guest's needs by preparing food according to established recipes and procedures as well as following safety and sanitation ...

Showing results 41-60

Head Chef information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$28.1K

$63.1K

$93.7K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Rochester, NY is $63,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 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.

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 cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Head Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,141 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Food Service - Sous Chef at Seneca Park Zoo

ssagroup

Rochester, NY

$49K - $66K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Sous Chef

Reports to: Executive 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.          

  • Create Competitive quality products.             
  • Supervise and participate in creating high-quality products for events and food service locations.       
  • Assist in menu pricing and preparation.         
  • Estimate food consumption for events and request necessary products.        
  • Demonstrate new cooking techniques.         
  • Train, coach, counsel, and resolve problems.              
  • Comply with all food safety regulations and practices.            
  • Implement and enforce sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness, and maintenance of kitchen and/or dining areas.               
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.                
  • Monitor and track proper cooking and holding temperatures.            
  • Support the management of payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines.
  • Oversee quality, product levels, and inventory of products.    
  • Manage employees in accordance with state and federal laws.           
  • Incorporate sustainable resources into the culinary selections.           
  • Perform specialty projects as assigned by the Executive Chef.             
  • Respond to guest requests and take action to ensure client satisfaction.         
  • 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 client, General Manager and HQ personnel.
  • Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships.
  • Exceptional problem-solving/decision-making skills combined with the ability to be organized.
  • Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning, and leadership skills.
  • Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment.
  • Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions.
  • Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operate, 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

  • Three years of food preparation experience.
  • ServSafe or Food Handling Certified.
  • Knowledge of HAACP
  • Culinary training, must be 18 or older.

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 be performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments) 

Compensation and Benefits

  • Full-Time, non-exempt, eligible for overtime pay.
  • Paid Time Off plan: up to 144 hours based on tenure.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee premiums applicable.
  • 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).
  • SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours of Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Leave and your or your family’s serious medical conditions.
  • Up to 40 hours Paid Bereavement.
  • On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday.
  • Meal Plan & Employee Discounts where applicable
  • Tuition Discount through Partnership College
  • Holiday pay of 1.5× 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" documentfor 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.