1

Performance Chef Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef

Grosse Pointe, MI ยท On-site

$90K/yr

Drive continuous improvement in kitchen culture, systems, and financial performance Qualifications * 5+ years as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Sous Chef * Experience in fine dining ...

Executive Chef

Grosse Pointe, MI

$67K - $92K/yr

Drive continuous improvement in kitchen culture, systems, and financial performance Qualifications * 5+ years as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Sous Chef * Experience in fine dining ...

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$65K - $69K/yr

We are seeking a Chef de Cuisine to join our team, leading one of America's most authentic and ... FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE & COST CONTROL * Monitor labor usage and staffing levels to support labor ...

Sous Chef

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

RH is seeking an experienced and dynamic Sous Chef to play a key leadership role in our culinary ... Document key updates and insights to ensure alignment, enhance team performance and support ongoing ...

Sous Chef

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

RH is seeking an experienced and dynamic Sous Chef to play a key leadership role in our culinary ... Document key updates and insights to ensure alignment, enhance team performance and support ongoing ...

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$65K - $69K/yr

We are seeking a Chef de Cuisine to join our team, leading one of America's most authentic and ... FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE & COST CONTROL * Monitor labor usage and staffing levels to support labor ...

Sous Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$65K - $69K/yr

Description We are seeking a Chef de Cuisine to join our team, leading one of America's most ... FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE & COST CONTROL * Monitor labor usage and staffing levels to support labor ...

Sous Chef

Detroit, MI

$49K - $66K/yr

Sous Chef - Fine Dining Restaurant Javier's Downtown is seeking a talented and driven Sous Chef to ... Performance-based bonus opportunities * Career advancement within a growing restaurant group

Description We are seeking a Chef de Cuisine to join our team, leading one of America's most ... FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE & COST CONTROL * Monitor labor usage and staffing levels to support labor ...

Sous Chef

Detroit, MI ยท On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

RH is seeking an experienced and dynamic Sous Chef to play a key leadership role in our culinary ... Document key updates and insights to ensure alignment, enhance team performance and support ongoing ...

Analyze P&L performance and implement corrective strategies when needed. Team Development & Culture ... Mentor sous chefs and key culinary leaders to build long-term bench strength. * Lead by example ...

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Oversee ordering, inventory, food cost management, labor performance, and operational systems ... chef-driven restaurant environments * Proven experience managing kitchen operations, food cost ...

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Oversee ordering, inventory, food cost management, labor performance, and operational systems ... chef-driven restaurant environments * Proven experience managing kitchen operations, food cost ...

Oversee ordering, inventory, food cost management, labor performance, and operational systems ... chef-driven restaurant environments * Proven experience managing kitchen operations, food cost ...

Executive Chef

Ann Arbor, MI ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Oversee ordering, inventory, food cost management, labor performance, and operational systems ... chef-driven restaurant environments * Proven experience managing kitchen operations, food cost ...

Sous Chef

Macomb, MI ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Must demonstrate proven leadership abilities, strong organization, and time management skills Primary Responsibilities * Assist Executive Chef in hiring, coaching, and performance management for ...

Sous Chef

Macomb, MI

$46K - $62K/yr

Must demonstrate proven leadership abilities, strong organization, and time management skills Primary Responsibilities * Assist Executive Chef in hiring, coaching, and performance management for ...

Sous Chef

Macomb, MI ยท On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Must demonstrate proven leadership abilities, strong organization, and time management skills Primary Responsibilities * Assist Executive Chef in hiring, coaching, and performance management for ...

Executive Chef

Grosse Pointe, MI ยท On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Performance-based bonus program * Comprehensive benefits package * Paid time off * Opportunity to ... Qualifications * 5+ years of Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience leading high-volume ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Performance Chef information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$39.6K

$98.5K

$152K

How much do performance chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for performance chef in Detroit, MI is $98,529.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,800.00 and $124,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the performance chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Performance Chef, you need a deep understanding of nutrition, advanced culinary techniques, and experience in meal planning tailored to athletic or high-performance clients, often supported by culinary or nutrition certifications. Familiarity with specialized kitchen equipment, dietary management software, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe or nutrition-focused credentials add value. Strong communication, adaptability, and organizational skills help you succeed in high-pressure, team-centric environments. These abilities are vital for delivering precise, nutritious meals that align with performance goals and client needs while working efficiently with multidisciplinary teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a performance chef?

As a Performance Chef, your daily responsibilities often include designing menus that meet the specific nutritional requirements of athletes or high-performance clients, preparing balanced meals, and managing ingredient sourcing to ensure freshness and quality. You'll collaborate closely with nutritionists, trainers, and sometimes medical staff to adapt recipes and meal schedules to individual or team goals. In addition to cooking, tasks may involve monitoring food safety, maintaining kitchen cleanliness, and keeping detailed records for dietary tracking. The pace can be fast and routines may change based on training or competition schedules, making flexibility and attention to detail especially important. Working as a Performance Chef is both challenging and rewarding, as you directly contribute to the health and success of your clients.

What is a performance chef?

A Performance Chef specializes in creating meals that optimize athletic performance, recovery, and overall health. They work closely with sports teams, individual athletes, or organizations to design nutritionally balanced menus tailored to specific training and competition needs. Their role involves sourcing quality ingredients, meal planning, and adjusting recipes based on dietary goals. They collaborate with nutritionists, coaches, and medical staff to ensure meals align with performance objectives.

What are the most commonly searched types of Performance Chef jobs in Detroit, MI? The most popular types of Performance Chef jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What are popular job titles related to Performance Chef jobs in Detroit, MI? For Performance Chef jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Performance Chef jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Performance Chef jobs in Detroit, MI are:
Infographic showing various Performance Chef job openings in Detroit, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,529 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Executive Chef

Harper Associates

Grosse Pointe, MI โ€ข On-site

$90K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Scratch Kitchen | Detroit, MI
Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe
Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, one of Metro Detroit's premier fine dining restaurants, cocktail lounges, and live music venues.
Founded by the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade, a passionate supporter of the arts and jazz, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe was created to provide an intimate atmosphere where exceptional hospitality, chef-driven cuisine, and world-class jazz come together. With strong ties to the Detroit Jazz Festival, the restaurant has become one of Michigan's most respected dining destinations.
This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader to oversee a high-performing scratch kitchen while preserving the standards that have made Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe an institution.
What You'll Do
  • Lead all culinary and back-of-house operations
  • Recruit, train, coach, and develop a talented kitchen team
  • Create seasonal menus, features, and chef-driven specials
  • Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation
  • Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships
  • Partner with the General Manager to deliver an outstanding guest experience
  • Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization
  • Drive continuous improvement in kitchen culture, systems, and financial performance

Qualifications
  • 5+ years as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Sous Chef
  • Experience in fine dining, upscale casual, luxury hospitality, chef-driven restaurants, or private clubs
  • Strong scratch kitchen background
  • Expertise in menu development, food cost control, labor management, inventory, purchasing, budgeting, and P&L management
  • Proven leader with a passion for mentoring teams and creating exceptional guest experiences
  • Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and health department compliance

Why Join Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe?
  • Lead the kitchen at one of Metro Detroit's premier dining and jazz destinations
  • Work alongside an experienced hospitality leadership team
  • Showcase your creativity in a chef-driven, scratch kitchen
  • Competitive compensation and benefits
  • Paid holidays, 15 days PTO, and paid restaurant shutdowns in July and January

About Harper Associates
For over 60 years, Harper Associates has specialized in recruiting executive hospitality professionals for many of Michigan's leading restaurants, hotels, clubs, and hospitality organizations.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply or contact kevin@harperjobs.com for a confidential conversation.
Kevin Swanquist
Executive Recruiter
Harper Associates
kevin@harperjobs.com
www.harperjobs.com
248-737-0222