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Lead Chef Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Suites Food Expeditor - Raymond James Stadium

Tampa, FL · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

... lead chef to ensure meals are executed and delivered to proper suits • Acts as main lead and contact to all pantry coordinators • Ensure event timeline is met while overseeing hot pushes and cold ...

Suites Food Expeditor - Raymond James Stadium

Tampa, FL · On-site

$12.75 - $17/hr

... lead chef to ensure meals are executed and delivered to proper suits • Acts as main lead and contact to all pantry coordinators • Ensure event timeline is met while overseeing hot pushes and cold ...

Commis Chef - BankUnited

Miami Lakes, FL · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

The Lead Chef may be responsible for oversight or delegation of responsibilities within the culinary operation. Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by Aramark location ...

Commis Chef - BankUnited

Miami Lakes, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

The Lead Chef may be responsible for oversight or delegation of responsibilities within the culinary operation. Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by Aramark location ...

Commis Chef - BankUnited

Miami Lakes, FL

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

The Lead Chef may be responsible for oversight or delegation of responsibilities within the culinary operation. Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by Aramark location ...

Commis Chef - BankUnited

Miami Lakes, FL · On-site

$17.50 - $22/hr

The Lead Chef may be responsible for oversight or delegation of responsibilities within the culinary operation. Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by Aramark location ...

Commis Chef - BankUnited

Miami Lakes, FL · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

The Lead Chef may be responsible for oversight or delegation of responsibilities within the culinary operation. Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by Aramark location ...

Commis Chef - BankUnited

Miami Lakes, FL · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

The Lead Chef may be responsible for oversight or delegation of responsibilities within the culinary operation. Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by Aramark location ...

Head Chef

Miami, FL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Yes, TBD Relocation: locals only A premium grocery market in Miami is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the daily culinary operations of its innovative, wellness-focused concept. This hands-on ...

Executive Chef

Naples, FL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Yes, within Florida A premium organic grocery market in Naples, FL is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead its culinary operations. Qualifications * 5-10+ years of Executive Chef or ...

Pastry Chef

Naples, FL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Yes,within Florida An upscale organic grocery market in Naples, FL is seeking a creative and experienced Pastry Chef to lead its bakery and pastry program. This role will oversee the production of ...

Executive Banquet Chef

Miami Beach, FL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full Benefits Package A luxury hotel is looking for an Executive Banquet Chef to lead its high-volume banquet and catering culinary operations! Requirements: * Minimum of 3 years of current Banquet ...

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LEAD PASTRY CHEF The expectations of the Lead Pastry Chef include scaling, production, and execution of pastry mixes, fillings, individual desserts, frozen desserts, cookies ...

Lead Pastry Cook

Bonita Springs, FL · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A LEAD PASTRY COOK: The expectations of the Lead Pastry Cook include scaling, production, and execution of pastry mixes, fillings, individual desserts, frozen desserts, cookies ...

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Lead Chef information

See Florida salary details

$10

$21

$50

How much do lead chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead chef in Florida is $21.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.65 and $25.87 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 Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,520 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Lead Chef Instructor - Hospitality Employees Advancement and Training (HEAT)

Miami, FL • On-site

$70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Lead Chef Instuctor

Job Type: Full Time

Organization: Hospitality Employees Advancement and Training (HEAT), Inc.

Location: Miami, FL

Salary: USD $70,000 / year

Primary Responsibility: Lead culinary classes for the HEAT program

Secondary Responsibilities: Depending on your skills, assisting with outreach efforts on HEAT's behalf

Remote/In office: Majority of time at center teaching classes and building relationships with executive chef in various union properties

Education: Certified Executive Chef/Sous Chef, and/or B.S. in Culinary Education, Food & Beverage Management, or higher

Experience: Not-for-profit or workforce development experience, and/or experience in union hotel kitchens

Hospitality Employees Advancement and Training (HEAT), Inc. is a small non-profit organization providing training for quality jobs in South Florida's vibrant and growing hospitality sector.

We are in Historic Overtown, Miami, and work closely with local community leaders, the Community Redevelopment Agency, UNITE HERE Local 355 and major hospitality employers.

HEAT is seeking an energetic, effective coordinator who is committed to helping people change their lives and achieve their economic goals.  Many of our participants are people of color and/or immigrants from diverse communities.

The UNITE HERE Education and Support Fund, which exists to support workers in the hospitality industry, is assisting HEAT, Inc. with this posting.

Job Description

The Lead Chef Instructor's primary responsibilities include:                                                                                

  • Providing direct culinary instruction to diverse group of program participants, and many speak Spanish and/or French (Haitian French), the Lead Chef may be asked to conduct lessons bilingually or translate key terms and instructions
  • Designing and implementing an evaluation system for program participants in upskilling and job entry culinary classes
  • Working closely with Executive Director and Employer partners, modify existing curricula, and build additional formal curricula and lesson plans for culinary and related instruction
  • Overseeing and providing support to other culinary instructors, including feedback on instructional approaches and assessments of assignments
  • Liaising with employer partner chefs to explain the program and to seek input on new needs, changing food trends that employers are embracing
  • Evaluating information to determine compliance with industry standards and will directly observing and evaluating students' work to determine progress, provide feedback, and make suggestions for improvement
  • Designing supplementary lesson plans and materials to help participants pass industry recognized food safety credentials and line cook certifications
  • Providing direct instruction in food safety and culinary credential classes
  • Work closely with the employment team to suggest appropriate levels of placement for graduates, write letters of recommendation for participants
  • Provide occasional catering services for gatherings of up to 100 as part of the training work with classes
  • Managing inventory and purchasing orders based on HEAT's approved processes

Requirements

  • Familiarity with and have experience using multiple training methods
  • Ability to provide training in a positive manner that centers student experience and learning
  • Understanding of, and ability to manage differentiated classes for adult learner
  • B.S. in Culinary Arts or related field and culinary teaching experience of at least 3 years in formal classroom/lab settings (please note that this does not include teaching that consists primarily of demonstrations, or teaching on the line)
  • Experience in creating formal curricula and designing lesson plans
  • Work with team on creating original teaching materials
  • Excellent verbal and written English communication skills
  • ServSafe Manager certified and approved to proctor ServSafe Manager
  • Have certifications or equivalent experience (6 months practical) in at least two of the following:
    • Vegan and vegetarian cuisine
    • Cuisine for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health conditions that disproportionately impacts low wage workers
    • Global cuisine (outside Europe): Asian, Southeast Asian, Indian, Latin American, Mexican
    • Pastry
  • Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, PowerPoint, Excel), data management software systems
  • Prefer someone who is able to use social media platforms to share information about the program
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Willing to work evenings and Saturdays as needed
  • Willing to travel to (if needed) at partner sites
  • Ability to work under pressure, manage concurrent responsibilities, and prioritize according to dynamic and shifting needs

Bonus if you

  • Are bilingual (English / Spanish)
  • Have experience in the hospitality industry and/or workforce development
  • Have experience working with those who have barriers to employment and/or are English language learners
  • Have experience using databases.

Additional Requirements

  • Occasional travel required
  • Authorized to work in the United States
  • Availability to work evenings and weekends (primarily Saturdays) for events and to assist with registration
  • Valid driver's license required
  • This position may be subject to background check

Benefits

100% employer paid (health, dental and optical insurance), paid vacation and personal days, 401K