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Interim Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Great Western Dining

Chef

Wichita, KS · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

The Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and overseeing the preparation of high-quality ... When acting as a interim Food Service Director, you will be responsible for all activity in the ...

GREAT WESTERN DINING

Chef

Wichita, KS · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

The Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and overseeing the preparation of high-quality ... When acting as a interim Food Service Director, you will be responsible for all activity in the ...

GREAT WESTERN DINING

Chef

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Chef Great Western Dining Service, Inc at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa is ... When acting as a interim Food Service Director, you will be responsible for all activity in the ...

Great Western Dining

Chef

El Dorado, KS · On-site

Chef Great Western Dining Service, Inc at Butler Community College is seeking a talented Chef. The ... When acting as a interim Food Service Director, you will be responsible for all activity in the ...

Great Western Dining Service Inc

Chef

Wichita, KS · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

The Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and overseeing the preparation of high-quality ... When acting as a interim Food Service Director, you will be responsible for all activity in the ...

GREAT WESTERN DINING

Chef

El Dorado, KS · On-site

Chef Great Western Dining Service, Inc at Butler Community College is seeking a talented Chef. The ... When acting as a interim Food Service Director, you will be responsible for all activity in the ...

Great Western Dining Service Inc

Chef

El Dorado, KS · On-site

Chef Great Western Dining Service, Inc at Butler Community College is seeking a talented Chef. The ... When acting as a interim Food Service Director, you will be responsible for all activity in the ...

Bridge Point

Sous Chef

Jekyll Island, GA · On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

... interim and long-term support. While much of our work involves travel-based roles, we also offer ... The Sous Chef assists in overseeing food preparation and kitchen operations during on-site audit ...

Compass Group

TRAVELING EXECUTIVE CHEF

Hartford, CT · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

The Traveling Executive Chef provides shortterm and longterm support to multiple hospital locations, including new account openings, interim leadership coverage, performance improvement initiatives ...

Compass Group

TRAVELING EXECUTIVE CHEF

Hartford, CT

$72K - $99K/yr

The Traveling Executive Chef provides short‑term and long‑term support to multiple hospital locations, including new account openings, interim leadership coverage, performance improvement ...

Morrison Healthcare

TRAVELING EXECUTIVE CHEF

Hartford, CT · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

The Traveling Executive Chef provides short‑term and long‑term support to multiple hospital locations, including new account openings, interim leadership coverage, performance improvement ...

Compass Group

TRAVELING EXECUTIVE CHEF

Hartford, CT · On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

The Traveling Executive Chef provides short-term and long-term support to multiple hospital locations, including new account openings, interim leadership coverage, performance improvement initiatives ...

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Cook II (Interim)

Monticello, KY · On-site

$15.13 - $22.70/hr

Advertisement Closes 7/1/2026 (8:00 PM EDT) 26-00160 Cook II (Interim) Pay Grade10 Salary $15.13 ... Assists Food Service Operations Managers and Chefs with other tasks as needed, including but not ...

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Interim Chef information

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How much do interim chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for interim chef in the United States is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Interim Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interim Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and experience in a variety of kitchen environments, usually supported by formal culinary training or relevant certifications. Proficiency with kitchen management systems, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and a strong command of commercial kitchen equipment are necessary. Adaptability, leadership, and excellent communication are crucial soft skills for quickly integrating into new teams and maintaining high standards under pressure. These abilities ensure smooth kitchen operations, consistent food quality, and successful team collaboration during transitional periods.

What is an Interim Chef?

An Interim Chef is a culinary professional hired on a temporary basis to fill gaps in a kitchen's leadership, often due to staff turnover, leave of absence, or during the search for a permanent chef. They step in to manage kitchen operations, oversee menu planning, and ensure food quality and safety standards are maintained. Interim Chefs are expected to adapt quickly to new environments and maintain consistency in food preparation and service. Their role is crucial for maintaining business continuity in restaurants, hotels, or catering companies during transitional periods.

What is the difference between Interim Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectInterim ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degreesCooking certifications, culinary degrees
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments in various kitchensPermanent position in a specific kitchen
Employer UsageHired for short-term needs or transitionsPart of the permanent kitchen staff
Search & ComparisonInterim Chef vs Sous Chef

Interim Chefs are temporary culinary professionals brought in to fill leadership gaps or manage kitchens during transitions. Sous Chefs are permanent senior kitchen staff responsible for assisting the Head Chef and managing daily kitchen operations. While both roles require culinary credentials, the Interim Chef's role is short-term and project-based, whereas the Sous Chef is a long-term team member.

What are some common challenges an Interim Chef may face when joining a new kitchen, and how can they adapt quickly?

Interim Chefs often step into kitchens with established teams, processes, and cultures, which can make it challenging to quickly gain trust and ensure smooth operations. Adapting swiftly involves observing existing workflows, communicating openly with team members, and showing flexibility in management style. Building rapport with staff, understanding the menu and supplier relationships, and maintaining consistency in quality are key to making a positive impact during the interim period.
More about Interim Chef jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs? The most popular types of Chef jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Interim Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Interim Chef jobs are:
Interim Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interim Chef job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Chef

Great Western Dining

Wichita, KS • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Great Western Dining rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 64 rated caterers

Job description

Great Western Dining Service is a forward-thinking food service management company that recognizes the profound impact of exceptional cuisine. We believe that food fosters connection, cultivates the community, and creates enduring memories.
We are committed to cultivating a professional environment that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Our diverse team members are empowered to contribute fresh perspectives and inspired ideas, resulting in distinctive and memorable dining experiences for our guests.
Great Western Dining Service offers a comprehensive benefits package, flexible scheduling that aligns with our core value of work-life balance, and robust opportunities for ongoing training and professional development. As we continue to grow, we are proud to provide accelerated career advancement opportunities for dedicated and driven team members.
Chef
Great Western Dining Service, Inc at Newman University is seeking a talented Chef. The Chef is responsible for planning, preparing, and overseeing the preparation of high-quality, nutritious meals for college students, faculty, and staff. The role includes menu development, food preparation, supervision of kitchen staff, ensuring food safety compliance, and contributing to an inclusive dining experience that supports a diverse campus community.
Working as the Chef, you will be responsible for back of the house operations for the food service department. You will maintain a quality culinary program and process all financial reporting.
Responsibilities:
  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws
  • Menu development, inventory, purchasing, labor and food cost controls, maintaining sanitation standards
  • Participates in employee meetings and training programs
  • Conducts safety, sanitation and maintenance programs
  • Maintains food cost while ensuring quality standards
  • Maintains an active role in managing team developments
  • Personnel management to include hiring, coaching, counseling, training and developing.
  • Manages purchasing and inventory controls
  • Performs related duties and special projects as assigned
  • When acting as a interim Food Service Director, you will be responsible for all activity in the account, and staff management.

Skills and Qualifications:
  • Degree in Culinary Arts is preferred or equivalent professional experience
  • Experience in personnel management
  • Self-starter, innovative and ability to multitask
  • Maintains a positive attitude under pressure and ability to motivate a team
  • Must possess a passion for excellence
  • Must be knowledgeable on HACCP controls along with proper storage and use of food
  • Purchasing, food storage and sanitation experience
  • P&L and financial reporting experience
  • Knowledge of budgets, labor costs, inventory controls
  • Strong leadership, coaching and training skills
  • Computer skills: proficient in Microsoft Office and POS
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Exceptional business etiquette and client relations
  • Knowledge of safe and sanitary food handling principles
  • Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior
  • SERV Safe or Department of Health certification a plus

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. If you are a motivated professional looking to contribute to a dynamic team, we encourage you to apply.
Requirements
Physical requirements of the job:
  • Continuous walking/standing and other means of mobility up to 8 hours a day
  • Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push/pull and frequently lift/move up to 30 pounds

Salary Description
$50,000 - $55,000

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