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Head Chef Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Private Listing

Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

Working directly alongside the Head Chef, this role requires an inspiring leader who thrives under pressure, leads by example on the pass, and maintains high standards across all prep, plating, and ...

OASES NYC

Chef de Cuisine

New York, NY

$72K - $99K/yr

Head Chef - Full-Time We are seeking a working Head Chef to lead the daily operations of the kitchen and BOH personnel. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: menu planning, inventory ...

OASES NYC

Chef de Cuisine

New York, NY

$75K - $83K/yr

Head Chef - Full-Time We are seeking a working Head Chef to lead the daily operations of the kitchen and BOH personnel. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: menu planning, inventory ...

OASES NYC

Chef de Cuisine

New York, NY · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Head Chef - Full-Time We are seeking a working Head Chef to lead the daily operations of the kitchen and BOH personnel. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: menu planning, inventory ...

The h.wood Group

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

ROLE SUMMARY Works alongside head chef to manage daily kitchen activities, including overseeing staff, aiding with menu preparation, ensuring food quality and freshness, and monitoring ordering and ...

The h.wood Group

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70 - $95/hr

ROLE SUMMARY Works alongside head chef to manage daily kitchen activities, including overseeing staff, aiding with menu preparation, ensuring food quality and freshness, and monitoring ordering and ...

The h.wood Group

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

ROLE SUMMARY Works alongside head chef to manage daily kitchen activities, including overseeing staff, aiding with menu preparation, ensuring food quality and freshness, and monitoring ordering and ...

Proper Hospitality

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Support the Executive Chef or Head Chef in overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring food is prepared and presented to the highest quality standards. * Supervise kitchen staff, including ...

New

Lady Delilah

Sous Chef

New York, NY · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

ROLE SUMMARY Works alongside head chef to manage daily kitchen activities, including overseeing staff, aiding with menu preparation, ensuring food quality and freshness, and monitoring ordering and ...

José Andrés Group

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Head Chef Department: Back of House - Culinary Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 per year About José Andrés Group José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company ...

Jose Andres Group

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Head Chef Department: Back of House - Culinary Employment Type: Salaried, Exempt Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 per year About José Andrés Group José Andrés Group (JAG) is a hospitality company ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsHead Chef JobsHead Chef Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Head Chef information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$29.1K

$65.2K

$96.8K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Rutherford, NJ is $65,238.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

How much do head chefs get paid?

Head chefs typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $80,000, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Salaries can be higher in upscale establishments or in regions with a higher cost of living, and many head chefs also receive tips and bonuses.

What other jobs can a head chef do?

A head chef can transition into roles such as culinary director, food service manager, restaurant owner, or food consultant, leveraging skills in kitchen management, menu development, and leadership. They may also pursue positions in catering, hospitality management, or culinary education, often requiring certifications or experience in business and operations.
More about Head Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Rutherford, NJ?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Rutherford, NJ?

For Head Chef jobs in Rutherford, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:

What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Head Chef jobs?

Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Head Chef job openings:

Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,238 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

Assistant Head Chef, In School (No Nights/Weekends/Holidays) - Queens, NY

Red Rabbit

New York, NY • On-site

$22.50 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

About the Role
The Assistant Head Chef position is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef looking to transition to meaningful and impactful work. The role offers stable hours, a teacher's schedule, and weekends and holidays off.
The Assistant Head Chef is second in command to the Head Chef and executes the day-to-day operations. Preparing meals for hundreds of kids, providing support to the kitchen team, and stepping in to lead aspects of daily production, this role serves as a great training ground for candidates interested in leading a kitchen. The ideal candidate has strong culinary skills, thrives on the excitement and changing needs of a small kitchen, and enjoys interacting with customers and students.
If you're passionate about cooking for kids and excited by the opportunity to join a dynamic, entrepreneurial team, this may be the perfect role for you.
Job Functions
  • Culinary Execution: Plan and execute the daily preparation of breakfast, lunch, and snacks for 300-500 students. Maintain a food-safe kitchen at all times, performing quality control on all menu items to ensure recipe consistency and integrity.
  • Administration: In conjunction with the Head Chef, adhere to production schedules, perform inventory, and track consumption numbers while working with the kitchen team to execute efficiently.
  • Food Safety: Ensure the kitchen is always DOH-ready by following proper food handling procedures and maintaining cleanliness standards. Monitor temperatures and storage conditions to ensure food safety compliance.

Skills & Requirements
  • 1+ years of professional culinary experience in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen.
  • Associate degree in culinary arts is a plus.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of proper food safety and sanitation practices.
  • Food Handler's Certification required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire (reimbursement available).
  • Must have excellent communication skills and be extremely well organized.
  • Familiarity with NSLP compliance requirements is a plus.
  • Must share our passion for improving nutrition and health in schools.
  • Bilingual (English and Spanish) is a plus.

Job Type
  • Job Type: Full-Time
  • Typical Hours: Monday - Friday, approx. 6:30 am - 2:30 pm
  • Location: Queens, NY
  • Reports to: Head Chef
  • Compensation: $22.50 -$27.50/hr (plus benefits)

Benefits
  • Generous PTO (most major holidays off)
  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401k Option
  • Paid Professional Development
  • Education Reimbursement Opportunities
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance Coverage
  • Worker's Compensation Insurance Coverage

About Red Rabbit
Founded in 2005, Red Rabbit is an MWBE-certified K-12 school food management company on a mission to transform school dining. We believe that serving diverse, high-quality meals to children in urban communities is about more than food, it's about dignity, representation, and opportunity.
Our professionally trained chefs work in commissaries and onsite in school cafeterias, preparing scratch-made, culturally relevant meals that reflect the heritage and lived experiences of the students we serve. We don't just deliver food...we become part of the school community.
Today, Red Rabbit prepares and serves millions of meals each year across the Greater New York region, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
If you're passionate about food, community, and making an impact every day, we'd love to meet you.
Red Rabbit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Pro Tip: When applying to this job, note that we value creativity in thinking and real problem-solving skills. Tell us how you've added value to a team in the past and why you want to join Red Rabbit.

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