1

Lead Chef Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Chef / Sous Chef

Santa Rosa Beach, FL · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Chef / Sous Chef Reports To: Executive Chef / General Manager Location: Gallions / Shunk Gulley ... Lead by example through professionalism, teamwork, and a hands-on management style. * Help create ...

Chef / Sous Chef

Santa Rosa Beach, FL · On-site

$45K - $61K/yr

Chef / Sous Chef Reports To: Executive Chef / General Manager Location: Gallions / Shunk Gulley ... Lead by example through professionalism, teamwork, and a hands-on management style. * Help create ...

Chef

Orlando, FL · On-site

$72K/yr

We lead with passion, authenticity, and pride in our Mexican, Steakhouse and Peruvian heritage ... As a Chef, you play an important role in bringing our culinary standards to life through skill ...

$29.46/hr

Chef Apply now Job no: 723953 Work type: Full Time, Part Time Location: Gold Coast, Townsville ... Lead daily kitchen operations while maintaining safety and quality standards * Mentor and support ...

Sous Chef

Naples, FL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

This position requires strong culinary expertise, organizational skills, and the ability to lead by example in a fast-paced environment. Job Duties * Assist the Executive Chef in daily planning ...

Chef

Tampa, FL · On-site

Annual performance evaluations/raises JOB HIGHLIGHTS--Chef We are looking for an outstanding individual to lead the culinary team as a Chef . You will make a difference in the lives of residents by ...

Sous Chef

Naples, FL · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

This position requires strong culinary expertise, organizational skills, and the ability to lead by example in a fast-paced environment. Job Duties: * Assist the Executive Chef in daily planning ...

Sous Chef

Naples, FL · On-site

$47K - $63K/yr

This position requires strong culinary expertise, organizational skills, and the ability to lead by example in a fast-paced environment. Job Duties: * Assist the Executive Chef in daily planning ...

Sous Chef

Key Biscayne, FL · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The ideal candidate will lead by example, support the development of the kitchen team, maintain ... Sous Chef - Benefits: * Weekly pay. * Free meal during each shift. * Medical, dental, and vision ...

We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the back-of-house operations of a high-volume, full-service restaurant. This is an opportunity to join an established operation where great food ...

Sous Chef

Key Biscayne, FL · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The ideal candidate will lead by example, support the development of the kitchen team, maintain ... Sous Chef - Benefits: * Weekly pay. * Free meal during each shift. * Medical, dental, and vision ...

Sous Chef

Orlando, FL

$70K - $75K/yr

Sous Chef Hamlin House | Orlando, FL | $70K-$75K Join the team at Hamlin House -- Orlando's newest ... Lead daily kitchen operations and service * Oversee food quality, prep, ordering, and inventory

Sous Chef

Key Biscayne, FL · On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

The ideal candidate will lead by example, support the development of the kitchen team, maintain ... Sous Chef - Benefits: * Weekly pay. * Free meal during each shift. * Medical, dental, and vision ...

We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the back-of-house operations of a high-volume, full-service restaurant. This is an opportunity to join an established operation where great food ...

Sous Chef

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$55K - $60K/yr

Growth path with defined timeline, not an open-ended "someday" What We're Looking for: * 2+ years as a Sous Chef (or strong Lead Line Cook ready to step up) in a scratch, upscale, or high-volume full ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Chef information

See Florida salary details

$10

$21

$50

How much do lead chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 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.

Executive Sous Chef - Miami

Miami, FL • On-site

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

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Location: Miami, FL
Salary: $90k-$100k
Benefits: PTO, MDV, 401k 
 
Executive Sous Chef needed for an upscale American restaurant in Miami!
 
Requirements:
  • 2+ years of Executive 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

Social media