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Production Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef Compensation Management Training Program (First 30 Days) All Executive Chef ... Food production and quality control * Inventory management * Vendor ordering * Labor management

Exec. Sous chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Understands menu and product specifications and insure menu employee training is completed. * Insures waste is minimizes through oversight of proper portion and production management with all chefs ...

Sous Chef

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

We are a collection of eclectic, chef-driven restaurants renowned for our soulful food, engaging ... Identify and address product cost challenges, ensuring the maintenance of high-quality standards ...

Production Cutter

Union City, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand ... Select products from pick tickets and stage for production * Cut product to meet customer ...

Production Cutter

Richmond, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand ... Select products from pick tickets and stage for production * Cut product to meet customer ...

Head Chef

Temecula, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

HEAD CHEF Temecula, California About the Opportunity A well regarded winery destination in Temecula ... product rotation * Maintain cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards throughout the ...

Production Cutter

Richmond, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand ... Select products from pick tickets and stage for production * Cut product to meet customer ...

Production Cutter

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About The Chefs' Warehouse The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. ( combines exceptional quality and brand ... Select products from pick tickets and stage for production * Cut product to meet customer ...

Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K/yr

The Sous Chef makes sure the kitchen can execute it -- every shift, across every station, with the ... Place orders for all necessary products including food items and cleaning supplies under the ...

The Sous Chef - Pastry Focus assists the Executive Chef in the overall supervision of kitchen ... This role emphasizes hands-on pastry execution, dessert production for daily service and special ...

As a Kitchen Chef at IPOT.FOOD, you will play a vital role in food preparation, kitchen leadership ... Ensure proper handling and storage of all food products * Collaborate with the kitchen and service ...

Chef

Long Beach, CA · On-site

The Chef is responsible for developing meal plans, preparing and cooking meals for the sorority ... Takes inventory of all equipment, dishes and food products. Monitors and immediately notifies the ...

Executive Chef

Groveland, CA · On-site

$85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Chef also oversees the Production Sous Chef, who supervises daily staff meals, general store deli and other food production functions. The staff dining program serves over one hundred staff ...

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

Maintain accurate and reasonable production schedules and labor flow for the BOH team * Step into ... Partner with Chefs to manage food costs and maintain inventory aligned with Quince COGS goals ...

Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$53K - $72K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... grade products for home cooks. About Momofuku Los Angeles Locations Majordomo Majordomo is a ... Our space features a chef's counter, bar, private dining room, and a heated patio. We embrace the ...

Executive Chef

Groveland, CA

$85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Chef also oversees the Production Sous Chef, who supervises daily staff meals, general store deli and other food production functions. The staff dining program serves over one hundred staff ...

Showing results 41-60

Production Chef information

See California salary details

$29.1K

$69.9K

$112.5K

How much do production chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for production chef in California is $69,944.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $79,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production chef?

A Production Chef is a culinary professional responsible for preparing large quantities of food, often for institutions like schools, hospitals, or catering companies. Their role involves planning menus, supervising kitchen staff, ensuring food safety standards, and efficiently producing meals in bulk. Production Chefs focus on consistency, quality control, and meeting production deadlines while managing kitchen operations and resources. They may also be involved in ordering supplies and maintaining equipment to ensure smooth kitchen workflow.

How does a production chef typically collaborate with other kitchen staff to manage high-volume meal preparation?

A Production Chef plays a key leadership role in coordinating with line cooks, prep staff, and kitchen assistants to ensure smooth, efficient meal production, especially in high-volume settings like catering or institutional kitchens. They often delegate specific tasks, oversee quality control, and maintain clear communication to meet tight deadlines and consistency standards. Collaboration is essential, as the Production Chef must integrate input from front-of-house managers and adapt to last-minute changes or dietary requests while maintaining a positive team environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a production chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Production Chef, you need strong culinary expertise, time management, and a solid understanding of food safety standards, often supported by a culinary degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with large-scale kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and HACCP protocols is typically required. Leadership, teamwork, and clear communication are vital soft skills for efficiently coordinating kitchen staff and maintaining high production standards. These skills ensure consistent food quality, operational efficiency, and adherence to safety regulations in high-volume food service environments.

What is the difference between Production Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectProduction ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceHigh school diploma or culinary training
Work EnvironmentKitchen, overseeing multiple stations and staffKitchen station, preparing specific dishes
Industry UsageRestaurants, catering, food production facilitiesRestaurants, hotels, catering services
ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, staff management, quality controlFood preparation, cooking, station setup

The main difference between a Production Chef and a Line Cook lies in their responsibilities and scope of work. A Production Chef typically oversees multiple stations, manages staff, and handles menu planning, while a Line Cook focuses on preparing specific dishes at their station. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Production Chef has a broader managerial and planning role within the kitchen environment.

What are popular job titles related to Production Chef jobs in California?

For Production Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Production Chef jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Production Chef jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Production Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Production Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,944 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Chef de Cuisine - Mexican - Fine Dining Restaurant - San Diego, CA

the Chef Agency

San Diego, CA

$90K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Location: San Diego, CA.
Salary: $90,000-$130,000.
Benefits: M/D/V, PTO, 401(k) match, complimentary meals, dining/hotel perks, employee discounts, relocation assistance.
Fine Dining Restaurant seeks a Chef de Cuisine to lead elevated Mexican culinary execution.
Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of fine-dining culinary leadership as Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or similar.
  • Mexican cuisine experience strongly preferred; Latin or Latin American cuisine experience acceptable.
  • 1-2 Michelin Star experience strongly preferred.
  • Strong leadership, communication, organization, and quality-first hospitality mindset.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead daily kitchen operations, execution, consistency, sanitation, and food safety standards.
  • Partner with the Executive Chef on menu development, technique refinement, and culinary direction.
  • Manage scheduling, training, coaching, performance, hiring, payroll, and kitchen culture.
  • Oversee ordering, production, station readiness, cost controls, and service standards.

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

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