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Interim Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Taskforce Sous Chef

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$57K - $77K/yr

... Chef to support culinary operations across La Bahia's restaurant outlets. This role provides ... Step into interim leadership roles during vacancies, leaves of absence, or peak business periods

Taskforce Sous Chef

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$1.5K - $2.0K/wk

... Chef to support culinary operations across La Bahia's restaurant outlets. This role provides ... Step into interim leadership roles during vacancies, leaves of absence, or peak business periods

Taskforce Sous Chef

Santa Cruz, CA

$57K - $77K/yr

... Chef to support culinary operations across La Bahia's restaurant outlets. This role provides ... Step into interim leadership roles during vacancies, leaves of absence, or peak business periods

Taskforce Sous Chef

Santa Cruz, CA

$57K - $77K/yr

... Chef to support culinary operations across La Bahia's restaurant outlets. This role provides ... Step into interim leadership roles during vacancies, leaves of absence, or peak business periods

Executive Chef

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

... interim and long-term support. While much of our work involves travel-based roles, we also offer ... The Executive Chef oversees culinary operations for the Travel Task Force team, ensuring the ...

New

Executive Chef

Houston, TX · On-site

$42/hr

... interim and long-term support. While much of our work involves travel-based roles, we also offer ... The Executive Chef oversees culinary operations for the Travel Task Force team, ensuring the ...

Executive Chef

Houston, TX

$68K - $94K/yr

... interim and long-term support. While much of our work involves travel-based roles, we also offer ... The Executive Chef oversees culinary operations for the Travel Task Force team, ensuring the ...

Quality Technician

Fordyce, AR · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

This position will be the interim backfill responsible for working to maintain quality of products ... Hiring Philosophy All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes ...

Interim Cook

Windsor, CA · On-site

$20 - $25.24/hr

Our Cooks have the option to explore exciting opportunities for advancement in positions such as Lead Cooks, Sous Chefs and Managers of Dining Services. Make Lives Better Including Your Own. If you ...

Hourly Sous Chef - Mercer Atlanta

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

Assists in annual employee reviews and supervises interim performance issues. * Supervisor accurate adherence to Aramark's time and attendance procedures. * Ensure staffing level consistent with ...

Assists in annual employee reviews and supervises interim performance issues. * Supervisor accurate adherence to Aramark's time and attendance procedures. * Ensure staffing level consistent with ...

Showing results 21-40

Interim Chef information

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$10

$24

$44

How much do interim chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 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 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 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.

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.

More about Interim Chef jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs?

The most popular types of Chef jobs are:

Infographic showing various Interim Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,225 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

TRAVELING EXECUTIVE CHEF - Massachusetts, Connecti

Compass Group

Hartford, CT • On-site

$72K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Compass Group rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,092 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

348th of 495 rated business services


Job description

 Salary: 75,000 - 90,000 / year based on experience

Other Forms of Compensation: Flexible Paid Time off, Travel Reimbursed, Benefits 

Pay Grade: [[payGrade_obj]] 

Morrison Healthcare, a Compass Healthcare company, is a leader in healthcare food and nutrition services company, serving more than 1,000 hospitals and healthcare systems across the country. With more than 31,000 associates nationwide, Morrison uses the Power of Food to create personalized dining experiences for patients and in their cafes to advance the healing and healthful missions of its clients. Morrison has been serving some of the nation's largest health systems for more than 70 years, and it leverages culinary, nutritional, and operational expertise to provide consistency and transform the healthcare experience. Since 2012, Morrison has been recognized as one of Modern Healthcare's Best Places to Work and Training Magazine has named it a Top 125/APEX Award Training Organization. Morrison has more than 1,600 registered dietitians and 1,200 executive chefs, and serves more than 600M meals annually.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Traveling Executive Chef to deliver culinary leadership and operational expertise across acute care healthcare facilities throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, and New York. This role requires both day and overnight travel, with a preference for candidates based in Massachusetts, New York or Connecticut. The ideal candidate will have a high degree of flexibility to support varying facility needs, including weekends and holidays, as required.

The Traveling Executive Chef provides shortterm and longterm support to multiple hospital locations, including new account openings, interim leadership coverage, performance improvement initiatives, and operational stabilization. This role ensures the consistent execution of culinary standards, regulatory compliance, and bestinclass healthcare foodservice practices across the region.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide handson culinary leadership and operational support across multiple acute care facilities as business needs arise
  • Plan, develop, and execute regular and modified menus in alignment with physician orders, nutritional requirements, and established corporate and facility guidelines
  • Ensure consistent execution of standardized recipes, portion controls, and presentation standards to maintain quality, consistency, and fiscal accountability
  • Complete and oversee daily production documentation, including production sheets, temperature logs, and waste tracking tools; evaluate finished products to ensure quality and patient satisfaction
  • Train, mentor, and coach culinary teams on food preparation techniques, safe food handling, equipment operation, and sanitation standards in accordance with company policy and healthcare regulations
  • Establish, implement, and reinforce cleaning and preventive maintenance programs for kitchen equipment, storage areas, and workspaces, ensuring compliance and proper documentation
  • Manage food and nonfood inventory processes, ensuring product availability while maintaining cost controls and adherence to budgetary guidelines
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local health regulations, including Joint Commission requirements, through successful health inspections and thirdparty audits
  • Adhere to all facility, departmental, and company safety protocols, including incident and occurrence reporting
  • Collaborate with onsite leadership teams and regional management to support operational goals, patient satisfaction initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts
  • Participate in departmental meetings, staff training, and professional development programs across supported locations


Preferred Qualifications

  • Associate degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional experience
  • Three to five years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience, preferably in healthcare or institutional foodservice environments
  • Demonstrated experience supporting multiple locations or performing in a temporary, interim, or turnaround capacity strongly preferred
  • Strong handson culinary leadership skills with the ability to quickly assess operations and implement best practices
  • Experience managing highvolume, complex foodservice operations required
  • Institutional, batch cooking, and healthcare catering experience highly desirable
  • Comprehensive knowledge of foodservice trends with a strong focus on quality, production efficiency, sanitation, food cost control, and presentation
  • Proficiency with computer applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and webbased systems
  • ServSafe certification highly desirable

Apply to Morrison Healthcare today!

Morrison Healthcare is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Morrison Healthcare are offered many fantastic benefits. 

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Personal Leave
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_MorrisonHealthcare.pdf

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. We encourage applicants with a criminal history (and driving history) to apply.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Morrison Healthcare maintains a drug-free workplace.

Req ID:  1561308

Morrison Healthcare 

AMY S MILLER 

[[req_classification]] 


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