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Lead Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Chef

Highland, IL · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

We are looking for a lead chef at an upscale dining restaurant with table service. Current menu includes steaks, pasta, veal and seafood. The lead chef must be able to manage the kitchen staff ...

Lead Chef

Tontogany, OH · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We are looking to hire a lead chef in our kitchen. Someone who can run a kitchen line, proper food safety and handling, prepare several different dishes. Fast pace. We are flexible on hours but ...

Lead Chef

Avon, NY · On-site

$64K - $65K/yr

TEP Charter School is looking for a talented Lead Chef to join our dedicated kitchen team, where you'll prepare fresh, nutritious meals for over 1000 students every day. This position offers the ...

Lead Chef

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Lead Chef Buffalo, NY $19.00-$20.00 per hour Monday through Wednesday: 10AM-6PM, Friday & Saturday: 530AM-130PM Buffalo City Mission is seeking a Lead chef. This position is full-time, working at our ...

Lead Chef

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$19 - $20/hr

Lead Chef Buffalo, NY $19.00-$20.00 per hour Monday through Wednesday: 10AM-6PM, Friday & Saturday: 530AM-130PM Buffalo City Mission is seeking a Lead chef. This position is full-time, working at our ...

Lead Chef

Tontogany, OH · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

We are looking to hire a lead chef in our kitchen. Someone who can run a kitchen line, proper food safety and handling, prepare several different dishes. Fast pace. We are flexible on hours but ...

Lead Chef

Capitola, CA · On-site

$74K - $80K/yr

We are seeking an exceptional Lead Chef to work with the Executive Chef to direct and lead the culinary operations of a historic Santa Cruz establishment with a proud legacy, loyal following, and ...

Lead Chef

Capitola, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

We are seeking an exceptional Lead Chef to work with the Executive Chef to direct and lead the culinary operations of a historic Santa Cruz establishment with a proud legacy, loyal following, and ...

Lead Chef

Capitola, CA

$74K - $80K/yr

We are seeking an exceptional Lead Chef to work with the Executive Chef to direct and lead the culinary operations of a historic Santa Cruz establishment with a proud legacy, loyal following, and ...

Description Lead Chef Buffalo, NY $19.00-$20.00 per hour Monday through Wednesday: 10AM-6PM, Friday & Saturday: 530AM-130PM Buffalo City Mission is seeking a Lead chef. This position is full-time, ...

Lead Chef (Hospital)

Snoqualmie, WA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

The Lead Chef leads and coordinates kitchen operations to ensure the timely preparation and service of nutritious, safe, and high-quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors. This position ...

Lead Chef

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Sandstone Care is hiring for a Full-Time Lead Chef for our Chantilly Detox facility! Our kitchen team works collaboratively to make amazing nutritious meals for clients at our Medical Detox ...

Lead Chef (Hospital)

Snoqualmie, WA · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

The Lead Chef leads and coordinates kitchen operations to ensure the timely preparation and service of nutritious, safe, and high-quality meals for patients, staff, and visitors. This position ...

Sandstone Care is hiring for a Full-Time Lead Chef for our Chantilly Detox facility! Our kitchen team works collaboratively to make amazing nutritious meals for clients at our Medical Detox ...

Lead Chef

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$22 - $26/hr

Sandstone Care is hiring for a Full-Time Lead Chef for our Chantilly Detox facility! Our kitchen team works collaboratively to make amazing nutritious meals for clients at our Medical Detox ...

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Lead Chef information

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$67

How much do lead chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead chef in the United States is $28.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead chef?

Lead Chefs, also known as Head Chefs or Executive Chefs, are responsible for overseeing the kitchen operations in a restaurant or food establishment. Their duties include developing menus, managing kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and safety, and handling inventory and budgeting. Lead Chefs play a crucial role in maintaining the overall culinary direction of the restaurant and often collaborate closely with management to achieve business goals. They must possess strong leadership, creativity, and organizational skills to succeed in this role.

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

To thrive as a Lead Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and a background in culinary arts—often demonstrated through a degree or relevant certifications. Proficiency with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety standards, and inventory management systems is crucial. Leadership, creativity, and strong communication are standout soft skills for managing kitchen staff and ensuring a cohesive team environment. These abilities ensure high-quality dishes, smooth kitchen operations, and consistent customer satisfaction in a competitive hospitality industry.

What are some common challenges a lead chef may face when managing a diverse kitchen team?

A Lead Chef often manages a team with varying levels of experience, cultural backgrounds, and working styles, which can present communication and coordination challenges. Maintaining high standards during busy service periods while fostering a collaborative environment requires strong leadership and conflict-resolution skills. Additionally, balancing creative menu development with food cost controls and operational efficiency can be demanding. Successful Lead Chefs prioritize clear communication, regular team training, and adaptability to ensure smooth kitchen operations.

What is the difference between Lead Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectLead ChefSous Chef
Credentials Culinary degree or equivalent, certifications often preferred Culinary degree or equivalent, certifications often preferred
Work Environment Oversees kitchen operations, manages staff, plans menus Assists Lead Chef, manages kitchen stations, supervises cooks
Employer & Industry Usage Restaurants, hotels, catering services Restaurants, hotels, catering services
Common Search & Comparison Yes Yes

The Lead Chef is responsible for overall kitchen management, menu planning, and supervising staff, while the Sous Chef assists the Lead Chef in daily operations and manages kitchen stations. Both roles require culinary credentials and are vital in restaurant settings, but the Lead Chef holds a higher leadership position.

What does a lead chef do?

A lead chef, also known as an executive or head chef, oversees kitchen operations, manages staff, plans menus, ensures food quality and safety, and maintains inventory. They often coordinate with other kitchen staff and may be responsible for training and scheduling, requiring strong leadership and culinary skills.

What cities are hiring for Lead Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Chef job openings:

What states have the most Lead Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Chef jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Lead Chef jobs?

For Lead Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lead Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,575 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Lead Chef

Michaels

Highland, IL • On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Michaels rating

4.8

Company rating: 4.8 out of 10

Based on 955 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

654th of 740 rated retailers


Job description

We are looking for a lead chef at an upscale dining restaurant with table service. Current menu includes steaks, pasta, veal and seafood. The lead chef must be able to manage the kitchen staff, scheduling, purchasing and work multiple shifts.

Also, this person must have knowledge of both dining room service as well as banquet service. We want someone who brings a knowledge of creating food and not just cooking it.

This is a salaried job with some benefits to fit the experience.

Company Description

This is a full service restaurant with a busy bar and a complete banquet area for 200 guests.


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