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Opening Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Needham, MA

$90K - $125K/yr

Executive Chef New Restaurant Opening | Mediterranean Concept Needham, MA Build Something Extraordinary from the Ground Up We are seeking an innovative and entrepreneurial Executive Chef to lead the ...

Kinora Group

Executive Chef

Naples, FL · On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

Executive Chef We are hiring for an Executive Chef on behalf of a rapidly expanding, venture-backed ... Be present and hands-on during key services, openings, and critical moments * Partner with senior ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Waco, TX · On-site

$63K - $87K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Hillsdale, MI · On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Rockville, MD · On-site

$72K - $100K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Goodwin Recruiting

Executive Chef

Blairsville, GA · On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager who is passionate about culinary ... Open to Seasonal Relocation - No assistance * Professional growth and advancement opportunities

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Henderson, TN · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Ave Maria, FL · On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Amityville, NY · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

Experience in healthcare or senior living dining is a plus Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and ...

Noble's Restaurants - NC

Executive Chef

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$69K - $96K/yr

This is a unique opportunity to join the opening leadership team and help build a restaurant from ... The Executive Chef will play a critical role in the opening process, including hiring, training ...

Crawford's | Bar & Grill

Executive Chef

Sioux Falls, SD

$71K - $98K/yr

Executive Chef - New Concept Opening Location: Sioux Falls, SD Compensation: Competitive salary + performance incentives Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role We are launching an exciting new ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Sellersville, PA · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Goodwin Recruiting

Executive Chef

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $104K/yr

Executive Chef -New Restaurant Opening We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Chef to lead the culinary direction of an exciting new restaurant opening within a newly developed San Diego ...

Big Fish

Executive Chef

Myrtle Beach, SC · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

This is a pre-opening role you'll help build the kitchen, the menu, and the BOH team from scratch. The Role The Executive Chef owns everything that comes out of our kitchen menu development, food ...

Altura Concepts

Executive Chef

Mcallen, TX

$67K - $93K/yr

Executive Chef Company: Altura Concepts Location: McAllen, Tx Employment Type: Full-Time At Altura ... Experience opening or stabilizing restaurant concepts Why Altura Concepts * Competitive salary ...

Altura Concepts

Executive Chef

Mcallen, TX

$67K - $93K/yr

Executive Chef Company: Altura Concepts Location: McAllen, Tx Employment Type: Full-Time At Altura ... Experience opening or stabilizing restaurant concepts Why Altura Concepts * Competitive salary ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Allentown, PA · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

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All JobsOpening Executive Chef Jobs

Opening Executive Chef information

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$40K

$86.9K

$130K

How much do opening executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for opening executive chef in the United States is $86,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does an executive chef get paid?

An executive chef's average salary varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. In larger establishments or high-cost areas, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially for those with advanced culinary skills and management experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Opening Executive Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opening Executive Chef, you need expertise in culinary arts, menu development, kitchen management, and typically a degree in culinary studies or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory software, and food safety certifications (like ServSafe) is essential. Leadership, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and establishing kitchen culture. These competencies enable successful restaurant launches, consistent food quality, and efficient operations from day one.

What is the difference between Opening Executive Chef vs Executive Chef?

AspectOpening Executive ChefExecutive Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experience, leadership skillsCulinary degree, experience, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentPre-opening planning, menu development, team hiringOverseeing daily kitchen operations, staff management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed during restaurant or hotel openingsUsed for ongoing kitchen management
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles during restaurant launchesManaging existing kitchen operations

The Opening Executive Chef focuses on preparing a new restaurant or kitchen for launch, including menu creation and team setup. The Executive Chef manages daily kitchen operations once the establishment is open. Both roles require culinary expertise and leadership, but their focus differs based on the stage of the restaurant's lifecycle.

What is the highest paying chef job?

The highest paying chef job is typically that of an Executive Chef or Head Chef in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private clubs, with salaries often exceeding six figures. Executive Chefs oversee kitchen operations, menu development, and staff management, and their compensation reflects experience, location, and the establishment's prestige.

What is the path to becoming an executive chef?

To become an executive chef, individuals typically start as line cooks or kitchen staff, gain experience and culinary skills, and often pursue formal culinary education or certifications. Progression involves advancing to roles like sous chef before reaching the executive chef position, which requires leadership, management skills, and knowledge of kitchen operations.

What is an Opening Executive Chef?

An Opening Executive Chef is a culinary professional responsible for launching the kitchen operations of a new restaurant, hotel, or food establishment. They develop menus, hire and train kitchen staff, set up kitchen workflows, and ensure that all culinary standards are met before and during the opening. Their goal is to establish high-quality food service from day one and set the foundation for long-term success. This role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by an Opening Executive Chef during the launch of a new restaurant?

An Opening Executive Chef often faces challenges such as creating and standardizing a new menu, training a brand-new kitchen staff, and establishing efficient kitchen workflows under tight deadlines. Additionally, they must collaborate closely with management, suppliers, and front-of-house teams to ensure seamless coordination for a successful opening. Balancing high-quality food preparation with cost control and adapting quickly to unforeseen issues are also key aspects of this dynamic role.

What does Gordon Ramsay pay his executive chef?

Gordon Ramsay's executive chefs typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the restaurant's size. Compensation may also include bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement within his restaurant group.
More about Opening Executive Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Opening Executive Chef jobs? Cities with the most Opening Executive Chef job openings:
What states have the most Opening Executive Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Opening Executive Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Opening Executive Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Opening Executive Chef jobs are:
Opening Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opening Executive Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Metz Culinary Management

Cranberry Township, PA • On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

Metz Culinary Management rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 66 rated caterers

Job description

Position Title: Executive Chef
Location: Cranberry Place Senior Living, Cranberry Twp, Pa
Now seeking a talented and experienced Executive Chef to lead our AMAZING Culinary Team in a busy and multi-outlet senior living setting. We are seeking a culinary pro with a mentoring leadership style. Healthcare Dining experience is a solid plus. Experience in a contract dining setting or institutional setting is required.
Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion for Food, Service and AMAZING Presentations.
Our Executive Chef must have a mentoring management style creating a culture of fun, creativity and growth. If you have the CULINARY CHOPS and passion for current, trending and diverse menus, and are ready to hit the ground running in a fast paced, high volume setting, we would like to hear from you! Must have Executive and/or Sous Chef experience in preferably an institution style, multi-outlet setting such as Hospital, School, College, Senior Living or Corporate Dining setting.
Requirements:
  • 3-5+Plus Years in a Supervisory Experience as Sous Chef or Executive Chef
  • High Volume background
  • Institutional facility or multi-outlet experience preferred
  • Impeccable communication Skills
  • Strong Restaurant Management knowledge
  • Thorough knowledge of Menu implementation with STUNNING presentation ideas
  • Strong Catering Experience
  • Culinary Degree strongly preferred

Metz Culinary Management Values are what separates us from the competition. Our Leaders share our Values, Attributes, and Strategic Focus reinforcing our culture and values every day to our Team Members creating an environment for personal growth, enrichment and career success.
As one of the fastest growing companies in the industry, we continually seek talented and dedicated individuals who share our commitment to excellence. Join our team of over 7,000 team members who share a passion for Onsite Dining and Support Services, working together toward one common goal, excellence, in quality and service. We are committed to providing the atmosphere, opportunity, and benefits that enable us to be an employer of choice in the industry.
We are a family-driven company that delivers restaurant-inspired hospitality to everyone we serve.

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