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Lead Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sandstone Care

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 ...

Davidlloyd

Lead Chef

Fontana, CA

We are on the look out for a passionate Chef to join our team! You'll learn new skills, work with great people and be an integral part of our food development journey. We use quality ingredients from ...

MINNESOTA MARSHMALLOW LLC

Dessert Chef

Duluth, MN · On-site

$21/hr

In this role, you will be our lead Chef in the kitchen in charge of making marshmallows. The ideal candidate has previous bakery or kitchen experience. If you are creative, hardworking, can multitask ...

MINNESOTA MARSHMALLOW LLC

Dessert Chef

Duluth, MN · On-site

$21/hr

In this role, you will be our lead Chef in the kitchen in charge of making marshmallows. The ideal candidate has previous bakery or kitchen experience. If you are creative, hardworking, can multitask ...

MINNESOTA MARSHMALLOW LLC

Dessert Chef

Duluth, MN · On-site

$21/hr

In this role, you will be our lead Chef in the kitchen in charge of making marshmallows. The ideal candidate has previous bakery or kitchen experience. If you are creative, hardworking, can multitask ...

Occasions Denver Inc

Event Lead Chef

Englewood, CO · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Event Lead Chef Department: Culinary Supervisor: Executive Chef Job Type: Hourly $22-$26, Part Time or Full Time Apply online by completing an application at Occasionsdenver.com OVERVIEW Occasions ...

C PARKS CATERING & EVENTS

Be Seen First

Culinary Lead Chef/ Kitchen Manager

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

We are seeking a talented and driven Culinary Lead Chef to join our team. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen and is passionate about delivering exceptional ...

Main Event Caterers

Catering Event Sous Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

If promoted to Lead Chef, you will be required to obtain a food handling or food management certification to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. When serving in the capacity of a ...

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Lead Chef information

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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:

Lead Chef jobs near you
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

Chantilly, VA • On-site

Sandstone Care
Health Care and Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Sandstone Careexternal

$22 - $26/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Sandstone Care rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

 
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 & Residential Treatment Center in Chantilly, VA. We need someone who is passionate, reliable, and service oriented. As a member of the team, you are an integral part of treatment for clients and help create a safe environment for them to get the support they need. 
 
 
Your primary responsibilities will be: 
  • Menu Planning, Meal Prep, and Cooking for 24 adult clients who are detoxing from substances and entering into the first stages of treatment and support. 
  • Kitchen and Inventory Management
  • Supervision, Training, and Development of Kitchen Staff
 
 
COMPENSATION RANGE: $22 - $26 Per Hour
  • This position includes comprehensive, whole person benefits including but not limited to: high quality / low cost insurance, flexible PTO and Floating Holidays, 401k with Company Match, Mental Health and Wellness care, and continued learning opportunities. 

Experience & Qualifications: 

  • Candidates must be Serve Safe Manager Certified 
  • Ideal candidate has a minimum of 3 years of experience in food preparation / cooking
  • Candidates must have a valid driver's license and meet requirements to be covered by company insurance
  • Prior experience or education in Mental Health is preferred 

This is an opportunity to join a team of passionate, caring, and diverse group of individuals who have a shared goal of making an impact on a generation growing up in the midst of this country's mental health crisis. We are looking for someone who operates with high integrity, and ultimately wants to be a part of our mission to Inspire and Empower Change! 

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