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Hotel Executive Chef Jobs in Normal, IL (NOW HIRING)

CHEF

East Peoria, IL

$45K - $48K/yr

You may assist the Executive Chef and/or Sous Chef in developing new menus, recipes, and ordering ... Experience in restaurants, hotels, corporate dining, education, military, health care, and/or ...

Hotel Executive Chef information

See Normal, IL salary details

$39.1K

$84.9K

$127.1K

How much do hotel executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for hotel executive chef in Normal, IL is $84,943.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $96,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hotel executive chef?

Hotel Executive Chefs are culinary professionals responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operations in a hotel. They manage kitchen staff, design menus, ensure food quality and safety, control inventory and costs, and often collaborate with other hotel departments to provide exceptional dining experiences for guests. Their role combines creative culinary skills with leadership and management, making them essential to a hotel's food and beverage success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hotel executive chef?

To thrive as a Hotel Executive Chef, you need advanced culinary expertise, menu development skills, and significant experience in kitchen management, often supported by a culinary degree and relevant certifications. Familiarity with kitchen management software, food safety systems, and inventory control tools is typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication are vital soft skills for managing staff and delivering exceptional guest experiences. These skills are essential to maintain high culinary standards, ensure operational efficiency, and uphold the hotel's reputation for quality and service.

What are some common challenges faced by a hotel executive chef, and how can they be addressed?

Hotel Executive Chefs often navigate challenges such as managing large, diverse kitchen teams, maintaining consistent food quality across multiple outlets, and adapting menus for varying guest preferences and dietary needs. Balancing creativity with cost control and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations are also key aspects of the role. Success in this position often relies on strong leadership, effective communication, and ongoing collaboration with hotel management, suppliers, and front-of-house staff to deliver an exceptional dining experience.

What is the difference between Hotel Executive Chef vs Hotel Sous Chef?

AspectHotel Executive ChefHotel Sous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experience, leadership skillsCulinary training, experience in kitchen operations
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen, manages staff, plans menusAssists Executive Chef, manages daily kitchen tasks
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, resorts, large hospitality establishmentsHotels, resorts, smaller hospitality venues

The Hotel Executive Chef is responsible for the overall culinary operations, menu creation, and staff management, while the Hotel Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef by handling daily kitchen activities and supervising kitchen staff. Both roles require culinary expertise, but the Executive Chef holds a higher leadership and strategic position within the hotel’s culinary team.

What are popular job titles related to Hotel Executive Chef jobs in Normal, IL?

For Hotel Executive Chef jobs in Normal, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Hotel Executive Chef jobs?

Cities near Normal, IL with the most Hotel Executive Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Hotel Executive Chef job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,943 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Senior Living Executive Chef - Relocation Assistance Available

HHS

Normal, IL • On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

  • Build a well-trained and motivated team that produces high-quality food while adhering to safety, sanitation, and service principles

  • Provide leadership that supports a team environment that fosters morale, passion, quality, and respect

  • Develop creative menus that are in sync with current market trends

  • Demonstrate continuous ability to maintain and/or improve customer and patient satisfaction

  • Lead and manage team member recruiting, training, development, scheduling, and assignments

  • Execute, maintain, and monitor quality control systems to protect food integrity

  • Drive compliance with health, safety, and industry regulatory agencies

  • Manage forecasting, recipe costing, inventory, ordering, production, planning, schedules, payroll, and supplies to ensure budget compliance

Skills

  • Kitchen Skills: Knife skills, cutting techniques, recipe preparation, live-action cooking

  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the organization

  • Communication: Effective written, spoken, and non-verbal communication as well as presentation skills

  • Customer Service: Service-oriented mentality with a focus on exceeding expectations

  • Professionalism: Maintain a positive and professional demeanor

  • Decision Making: Ability to quickly make sound decisions and judgments

  • Proactivity: Self-motivated with the ability to effectively prioritize projects and needs

  • Team Player: Willingness to collaborate and provide support where needed to achieve outcomes

  • Business Ethics: Demonstrate integrity, respect, and discretion in all business dealings

  • Organization: Attention to detail and ability to effectively manage tasks in a fast-paced environment

Requirements

  • Associate’s or bachelor’s degree from an accredited culinary program plus 5+ years experience as a sous or executive chef in fine dining, hotels/resorts, country clubs, or healthcare/senior living

  • Computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, email, and ordering platforms

  • A passion for food, a desire to grow, and a work ethic that supports both

  • Must be willing to relocate for promotion opportunities

Not Required But a Big Plus

  • Proficiency in languages other than English, especially Spanish

  • Familiarity with OSHA, The Joint Commission, and other regulatory requirements

  • Familiarity with HACCP procedures

What We Offer

  • Paid time off (vacation and sick)

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) with employer match

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

  • Career development and ongoing training

Important to Know

  • Many healthcare facilities require employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption in place.

  • Veterans and candidates with military experience are encouraged to apply.

  • HHS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to workplace diversity and inclusion.

Who is HHS

HHS is a private, family-owned business dedicated to caring for its team members and providing honest, quality-driven customer service. Founded in 1975 as Hospital Housekeeping Systems, today HHS provides services including housekeeping, food, and facility management to nearly 1,000 customers across six industries.

We are growing rapidly and seeking motivated leaders to join us for the next stage of our journey. We support and encourage growth from within and believe that we have countless future leaders in our organization who are waiting for their next opportunity. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Team supports a work environment where individuals of all backgrounds are heard, respected, and encouraged to grow.

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