ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Head Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

E&E Stakeout Grill

Head Chef

Largo, FL · On-site

HEAD CHEF / EXECUTIVE CHEF E&E Stakeout Belleair Bluffs (Tampa Bay) We are not looking for a caretaker we are looking for a builder. The Role We are hiring a Head Chef / Executive Chef to take full ...

New

LSG Sky Chefs

Head Chef

Seattle, WA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Head Chef Job Location: Seattle-USA-98188 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $90,000.00 - 105,000.00 per year About us Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a ...

Pizzeria Toro

Head Chef

Durham, NC · On-site

The Head Chef will oversee kitchen operations, manage menu development, and lead the culinary team to deliver exceptional quality dishes. Key responsibilities include ensuring proper food preparation ...

Serenite Hospitality

Head Chef

Fish Camp, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Head Chef We are seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team and oversee all aspects of kitchen operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary ...

Pizzeria Toro

Head Chef

Durham, NC · On-site

The Head Chef will oversee kitchen operations, manage menu development, and lead the culinary team to deliver exceptional quality dishes. Key responsibilities include ensuring proper food preparation ...

Royal Sushi & Izakaya

Head Chef

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

HEAD CHEF - IZAKAYA Royal Sushi & Izakaya | Philadelphia, PA Acclaimed Philadelphia destination Royal Sushi & Izakaya is seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly driven Head Chef to lead the ...

Serenite Hospitality

Head Chef

Shaver Lake, CA · On-site

Head Chef We are seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team and oversee all kitchen operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to ...

Vincenzo's Ristorante

Head Chef

Omaha, NE

Head Chef Location: Vincenzo's Ristorante, Omaha, NE About Us: Vincenzo's is a beloved Italian restaurant in Omaha and Lincoln, NE known for its authentic Italian cuisine, warm ambiance, and ...

Pizzeria Toro

Head Chef

Durham, NC · On-site

The Head Chef will oversee kitchen operations, manage menu development, and lead the culinary team to deliver exceptional quality dishes. Key responsibilities include ensuring proper food preparation ...

La ZaZa Trattoria

Head Chef

Saint Charles, IL

$68K - $75K/yr

We are seeking a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in the food industry, showcasing exceptional skills in menu planning ...

Vincenzos Ristorante

Head Chef

Omaha, NE · On-site

Head Chef Location: Vincenzo's Ristorante, Omaha, NE About Us: Vincenzo's is a beloved Italian restaurant in Omaha and Lincoln, NE known for its authentic Italian cuisine, warm ambiance, and ...

Sycamore Reserve

Head Chef

Indianapolis, IN

Head Chef/Kitchen Manager Job Summary We are seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team in delivering an exceptional dining experiences for our residents. The ideal ...

Sycamore Reserve

Head Chef

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Head Chef/Kitchen Manager Job Summary We are seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead our culinary team in delivering an exceptional dining experiences for our residents. The ideal ...

Curry-osity

Head Chef

Columbia, MO · On-site

$62K - $72K/yr

We're looking for a skilled and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team specializing in Indian culinary skills, drive culinary excellence, and take our menu to the next level. If you have a ...

Wavecrest Grill

Be Seen First

Head Chef

Lake Milton, OH · On-site

$55K - $80K/yr

Head Chef - Lake House Themed Restaurant We're looking for a passionate and creative Head Chef to lead the kitchen at our new lake house themed restaurant, Wavecrest Grill in Lake Milton. This is an ...

Hiway Harrys

Head Chef

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$20/hr

Join Us as a Highly Skilled Head Chef! Are you passionate about leading a dynamic kitchen team in a fun and loving environment? Do you thrive in fast-paced settings where your culinary creativity can ...

Hudson Manpower

Head Chef

New York, NY · On-site

About the Role The Head Chef - Modern Chinese Cuisine will lead the culinary direction of a high-end, luxury Chinese dining restaurant, responsible for delivering an elevated, contemporary ...

Lowcountry Public House

Head Chef

Summerville, SC · On-site

Join Lowcountry Public House as Head Chef and bring your culinary vision to life. We're seeking an experienced chef who thrives on creativity, organization, and mentorship to lead our kitchen ...

New

Troon

Head Chef

Brewster, WA

$80K/yr

Head Chef/ BBQ Centric focus We're looking to add experienced pit master's to our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in barbecue techniques with the fundamentals of butchering ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsHead Chef Jobs

Head Chef information

See salary details

$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 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, and why are they important?

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 are Head Chefs?

Head Chefs are the leaders of a kitchen, responsible for overseeing all culinary operations in a restaurant or food service establishment. They create menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food quality, and maintain health and safety standards. Head Chefs also handle inventory, order supplies, and may be involved in budgeting and cost control. Their role is both creative and managerial, making them essential to the success of any professional kitchen.

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.

More about Head Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities with the most Head Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs? The most popular types of Chef jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Head Chef jobs? The top employers for Head Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Head Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs? For Head Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Head Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Head Chef

E&E Stakeout Grill

Largo, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

HEAD CHEF / EXECUTIVE CHEF

E&E Stakeout Belleair Bluffs (Tampa Bay)

We are not looking for a caretaker we are looking for a builder.

The Role

We are hiring a Head Chef / Executive Chef to take full ownership of the kitchen.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who:

  • Thrives in high-volume, fast-paced environments
  • Leads from the front and sets the standard daily
  • Understands both kitchen execution and business performance
  • Can build structure, accountability, and consistency across the team

You will be expected to run a tight, efficient kitchen not just cook.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all kitchen operations (line, prep, pantry, dish)
  • Build and enforce systems for consistency, speed, and quality
  • Manage food cost, ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships
  • Hire, train, and develop a strong BOH team
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and disciplined kitchen environment
  • Collaborate with ownership on menu execution and improvements
  • Develop and execute daily/weekly features that align with food cost targets and brand direction

What We re Looking For

  • Proven experience as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef in a high-volume restaurant
  • Culinary training or equivalent high-level kitchen experience preferred
  • Strong leadership presence able to command a kitchen without chaos
  • Deep understanding of food cost, labor, and operational systems
  • Ability to balance creativity with consistency and profitability
  • Hands-on, detail-oriented, and performance-driven
  • Takes ownership and accountability for results

Compensation

  • Competitive salary (based on experience)
  • Performance-based incentives tied to food cost and operational targets
  • Growth opportunity as the business expands

Why This Role

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-revenue restaurant and help define its next phase of growth.

You will have:

  • Real influence on systems and kitchen structure
  • The ability to build and shape your team
  • Ownership that understands operations and supports execution

Apply