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Lead Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Backwoods Bar

Food Truck Lead Chef

Coeur D Alene, ID · On-site

$15 - $30/hr

Food Truck Chef - Backwoods Bar (Coeur d'Alene, ID) Backwoods Bar is looking for a talented chef to bring our food vision to life. We are expanding from a liquor-only bar by launching a permanent ...

Ellis Medicine

Chef

Schenectady, NY · On-site

The chef/cook is responsible for the following: * Possess skills in cooking techniques, food ... Position will lead and direct other staff in absence of supervisor and role model behaviors that ...

Ellis Medicine

Chef

Schenectady, NY · On-site

The chef/cook is responsible for the following: * Possess skills in cooking techniques, food ... Position will lead and direct other staff in absence of supervisor and role model behaviors that ...

Ellis Medicine

Chef

Schenectady, NY · On-site

The chef/cook is responsible for the following: * Possess skills in cooking techniques, food ... Position will lead and direct other staff in absence of supervisor and role model behaviors that ...

Ellis Medicine

Chef

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$16.24 - $24.11/hr

The chef/cook is responsible for the following: * Possess skills in cooking techniques, food ... Position will lead and direct other staff in absence of supervisor and role model behaviors that ...

Ellis Medicine

Chef

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$16.24 - $24.11/hr

The chef/cook is responsible for the following: * Possess skills in cooking techniques, food ... Position will lead and direct other staff in absence of supervisor and role model behaviors that ...

Ellis Medicine

Chef

Schenectady, NY · On-site

$16.24 - $24.11/hr

The chef/cook is responsible for the following: * Possess skills in cooking techniques, food ... Position will lead and direct other staff in absence of supervisor and role model behaviors that ...

La Palme D'or

Pastry Chef

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$20/hr

Preform any additional tasks reported by lead chef * Willingness to deal with customer complaints and problems * Preform tasks on time Requirements: * 4+ years of experience in pastry cooking and/or ...

La Palme D'or

Pastry Chef

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$20/hr

Preform any additional tasks reported by lead chef * Willingness to deal with customer complaints and problems * Preform tasks on time Requirements: * 4+ years of experience in pastry cooking and/or ...

Just A Breeze Inc

Brixx Craft House (Sous Chef)

Boise, ID · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

DESCRIPTION Brixx Craft House is looking for an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen operations. This role is responsible for menu development, kitchen leadership, food ...

Just A Breeze Inc

Brixx Craft House (Sous Chef)

Boise, ID · On-site

$43K - $58K/yr

Brixx Craft House is looking for an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to help lead our kitchen operations. This role is responsible for menu development, kitchen leadership, food quality, cost ...

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Lead Chef information

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How much do lead chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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.

School District Chef

Plainfield, NJ • On-site

Maschio's Food Services, Inc.
Food Services and Drinking Places • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Maschio's Food Services, Inc.external

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Maschio's Food Services rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 68 rated caterers

Job description

We are seeking a School District Chef in the North Plainfield, NJ area. To provide culinary leadership and support across K-12 school foodservice operations. This role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, safe, appealing meals while supporting menu execution, recipe development, food cost control, and operational excellence.

The School District Chef will train and mentor foodservice teams, lead Chef Days and culinary promotions, support USDA-compliant menu development, monitor food quality and safety, and introduce innovative, student-focused menu concepts. The ideal candidate is a hands-on culinary professional who enjoys developing people, creating great food, and making a positive impact on the student dining experience.

Qualifications:

  • 3-5 years of culinary/foodservice experience.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
  • Culinary training or professional culinary experience.
  • K-12 or institutional foodservice experience preferred.
  • ServSafe® certification preferred.
  • Knowledge of USDA school meal programs and nutrition standards preferred.

Join our team and bring your culinary expertise to a role where you can inspire students, develop teams, and elevate the school dining experience.

What Maschio's Food Services employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Maschio’s Food Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Maschio’s Food Services is an industry leader in food service management specializing in K-12 nutrition. We provide the highest level of service for all school district food service programs with our experienced personnel. Our entire team of food service workers, school nutrition specialists, registered dietitians, and corporate chefs, have contributed to making lunch the best part of the day for students. We have partnered with local farms to have dedicated farmland that grows produce solely for Maschio’s Food Services. Our Farm to School Program allows our students to enjoy fresh and local farm to school meals. Maschio’s Food Allergy Management Program is unmatched. Our team of registered dietitians will create a safe menu for students who have life-threatening food allergies or medical conditions. We are involved in various green committees and recycling committees. Our Sustainable Maschio’s Program can assist your school district to bring greater sustainability to your food service program.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Chester, NJ, US

Year founded

1992

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