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Lead Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef- Carmel, CA

Carmel, CA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Qualifications: * 2+ years in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role in fine dining or upscale ... Lead daily prep and service alongside BOH team; ensure product quality and execution standards

Chef

San Francisco, CA

$70K - $85K/yr

Lead and coordinate sukiyaki/yaki kitchen operations during prep and service * Maintain the quality, consistency, and presentation standards Hashiri is known for * Train and mentor kitchen team ...

Chef

San Francisco, CA

$70K - $85K/yr

Lead and coordinate sukiyaki/yaki kitchen operations during prep and service * Maintain the quality, consistency, and presentation standards Hashiri is known for * Train and mentor kitchen team ...

Chef

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

What would you do as a Chef As the Chef at Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana in Burlingame, CA, you will lead food preparation and service for all meal periods, focusing on the authenticity and creativity ...

Head Chef

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Brought to life by Scratch Restaurants Group, this is a rare opportunity to lead a modern, chef-driven dining concept in one of San Diego's most sought-after coastal communities. About Otohime Tucked ...

Sous Chef

Encinitas, CA

$53K - $72K/yr

Train with the chef owner to confidently cook any item on the menu and operate all kitchen ... Train and lead line cooks -- both experienced and less experienced -- across every station.

Train with the chef owner to confidently cook any item on the menu and operate all kitchen ... Train and lead line cooks -- both experienced and less experienced -- across every station.

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $68,338.70 ... At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job - it's an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in ...

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $68,338.70 ... At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job - it's an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in ...

Sous Chef

Oakland, CA

$57K - $77K/yr

Chef de Cuisine & Corporate Executive Chef Status: Full-Time, ExemptPosition Summary The A16 ... Lead by example on the line and step into stations as needed to support successful service. Events ...

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $68,338.70 ... At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job - it's an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in ...

Sous Chef

Sausalito, CA

$56K - $76K/yr

... Lead, train, coach, and supervise kitchen staff Maintain compliance with all Health Department food safety and sanitation regulations Fill in on any kitchen station as needed Relieve chef and is ...

Sous Chef

Oakland, CA

$75K - $83K/yr

Chef de Cuisine & Corporate Executive Chef Status: Full-Time, ExemptPosition Summary The A16 ... Lead by example on the line and step into stations as needed to support successful service. Events ...

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $68,338.70 ... At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job - it's an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in ...

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $68,338.70 ... At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job - it's an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in ...

Sous Chef

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$68K - $85K/yr

Sous Chef Job Location: Santa Ana-USA-92626 Work Location Type: On-Site Salary Range: $68,338.70 ... At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job - it's an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in ...

... Lead, train, coach, and supervise kitchen staff Maintain compliance with all Health Department food safety and sanitation regulations Fill in on any kitchen station as needed Relieve chef and is ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Chef information

See California salary details

$13

$28

$66

How much do lead chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead chef in California is $28.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $34.18 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.
Infographic showing various Lead Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,794 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Sous Chef - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

the Chef Agency
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Salary: $80k-$90k
Benefits: PTO, MDV, 401k 
 
Sous Chef needed for an upscale American restaurant in Los Angeles!
 
Requirements:
  • 2+ years of Sous Chef experience at busy, American restaurants
  • Experience using locally sourced ingredients
  • Ability to lead a team of 10+
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure prep, stations, line expo is successful
  • Manage 300+ covers daily

Chef Agency logo

About Chef Agency

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

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