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Head Kitchen Chef Jobs in Encinitas, CA (NOW HIRING)

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Line Cook

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Line Cook

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Supervises approximately 10-14 prep cooks Lead the Kitchen. Develop the Team. Set the Standard. We are looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef to take ownership of our kitchen and lead a ...

Head Chef- San Diego

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

Head Chef- San Diego

Coronado, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

Head Chef- San Diego

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

Head Chef- San Diego

Coronado, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

Head Chef- San Diego

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

Head Chef- San Diego

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

Head Chef- San Diego

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

Head Chef- San Diego

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

Head Chef- San Diego

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

Head Chef- San Diego

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

... Head Chef to lead our kitchen with heart, precision, and creativity. Who You Are: You're a proven ... Ensure all kitchen operations meet Buona Forchetta's high standards of quality, hygiene, and ...

Head Chef - JOEY La Jolla

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

As a Head Chef, you will directly contribute to the overall success of a multi-million-dollar ... Impact the delivery of Iconic Hospitality and coach the kitchen team as needed to fulfill ...

Sous Chef

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Assisting the Head Chef in planning and preparing menus. * Overseeing food preparation to ensure quality, consistency, and presentation. * Supervising and mentoring kitchen staff to maintain a smooth ...

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Head Kitchen Chef information

See Encinitas, CA salary details

$30.6K

$68.7K

$102K

How much do head kitchen chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for head kitchen chef in Encinitas, CA is $68,736.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,700.00 and $80,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a head kitchen chef do?

A Head Kitchen Chef, also known as an Executive Chef, is responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations in a restaurant or food establishment. Their duties include creating menus, managing kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and safety standards, and controlling inventory and costs. They also train and supervise cooks, coordinate food preparation, and often work closely with restaurant management to provide an excellent dining experience. In addition, the Head Kitchen Chef is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and ensuring that the kitchen complies with health regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head kitchen chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Kitchen Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, strong food safety knowledge, and several years of kitchen management experience, often supported by formal culinary training. Expertise in menu planning, inventory management systems, and certifications such as ServSafe are typically required. Leadership, creativity, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for leading teams and delivering exceptional dining experiences. These skills ensure efficient kitchen operations, high food quality, and the ability to inspire and manage a culinary team in a demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a head kitchen chef, and how can they be managed effectively?

As a Head Kitchen Chef, balancing the demands of managing a diverse team, maintaining consistency in food quality, and ensuring efficient kitchen operations are common challenges. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to adapt quickly during busy service hours are essential for overcoming these hurdles. Additionally, fostering a positive work environment and investing in training can help minimize turnover and keep the kitchen running smoothly.

What is the difference between Head Kitchen Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectHead Kitchen ChefSous Chef
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire kitchen operations, menu planning, staff managementAssists head chef, supervises kitchen staff, prepares dishes
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experience, leadership skillsCulinary training, experience in kitchen roles
Work EnvironmentKitchen management, high-pressure, leadership roleKitchen floor, hands-on cooking, supervisory duties

The Head Kitchen Chef is responsible for overall kitchen management and menu creation, while the Sous Chef supports the head chef and handles daily kitchen operations. Both roles require culinary skills, but the head chef focuses more on leadership and planning, whereas the sous chef is more involved in hands-on cooking and supervision.

How much do head kitchen chefs get paid?

Head kitchen chefs typically earn between $45,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of the establishment and additional responsibilities such as menu planning and staff management.

What cities near Encinitas, CA are hiring for Head Kitchen Chef jobs?

Cities near Encinitas, CA with the most Head Kitchen Chef job openings:

$17 - $21.25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Benihana rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 88 rated restaurants


Job description

At Benihana, your hard work is more than just a job, it's a career opportunity. It's a building block to a successful future in the world of business and hospitality.

Ourpeople are our secret sauceto our success and mission of Creating Great Guest Memories.We are always looking for individuals who have what it takes to grow with us and share in our success.

Position Summary:

Responsible for all grilled, broiled, fried, and sauteed items prepared in the kitchen. Preparation and portioning of food items prior to cooking, such as tempura items, sauces, and grilled items. Other duties include plating and garnishing cooked items. Responsible for maintaining a sanitary kitchen workstation.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

In accordance with restaurant service and cooking procedures:

  • Prepares or directs preparations of all recipes in compliance with portions sizes, quality standards, department rules, policies and procedures in the Benihana Kitchen Guide and the Employee Handbook.
  • Prepares an extensive variety of cold and hot food items utilizing standardized recipes.
  • Prepares specially requested items.
  • Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving hours so that excellence, quality, temperature, and appearance of food is preserved.
  • Selects/utilizes knives, hand tools, utensils and equipment to portion, cut, slice, broil, roast, carve, skewer, garnish, maintain holding temperature, grill or otherwise produce food on the kitchen line.
  • Comply with established sanitation standards, personal hygiene, and health standards, observe proper food preparation and handling techniques as outlined in the Benihana Kitchen Guide and Employee Handbook.
  • Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories.
  • Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager.
  • Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the Head Kitchen Chef.
  • Communicates with Lead Line Cook to facilitate customer orders efficiently and within required ticket times.
  • Follows all federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations outlined by the General Manager and the Employee Handbook.
  • Keep work area neat, organized, and clean at all times; clean and maintain equipment used in food preparation.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by a supervisor.

Job Requirements:

  • Previous experience in food preparation required.
  • Experience in the restaurant industry is a plus.
  • Bilingual preferred.
  • A high school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Must be 18 years of age.

Here are some of the sizzling benefits of working for us:

  • Fun working environment:You will work in a caring environment where you are highly valued and will have the opportunity to continue to develop and grow.
  • Free shift meals:We believe in coming together as a family and want you to be able to enjoy a great meal. We provide all of our employees a free shift meal, every day.
  • Benefits are important:We know how important it is to take care of yourself and your family. We offer a full benefits suite that includes 401K, and Medical, Vision and Dental for you and your family.
  • Competitive Pay:Along with a competitive paycheck, you will have an opportunity to be well rewarded.

What Benihana employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Benihana logo

About Benihana

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Benihana, your hard work is more than just a job, it's a career opportunity. It's a building block to a successful future in the world of business and hospitality. Our people are our secret sauce to our success and mission of Creating Great Guest Memories. We are always looking for individuals who have what it takes to grow with us and share in our success.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Aventura, FL, US