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Production Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a culinary production expert to lead kitchen operations for Home Chef's Ready to Heat brand, Tempo. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, an obsession with ...

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Production Chef information

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$29.5K

$70.9K

$114K

How much do production chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for production chef in the United States is $70,872.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $80,500.00 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.

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What cities are hiring for Production Chef jobs?

Cities with the most Production Chef job openings:

What states have the most Production Chef jobs?

States with the most job openings for Production Chef jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Production Chef jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Production Chef job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,872 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Culinary Production Chef / Lead Cook

Kennewick, WA

$25 - $30/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago


Job description

Culinary Production Chef / Lead Cook

 

Tsunami Catering is a high-volume catering company serving the Tri-Cities area, known for high-quality food, thoughtful execution, and a calm, professional kitchen culture.

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced, dependable Culinary Production Chef / Lead Cook who takes pride in consistently executing high-quality food for exceptional catered events.

This role is focused on recipe execution, food quality, organization, inventory planning, and working alongside the Production Prep Cook to ensure the kitchen operates efficiently throughout the production process.

Because catering schedules can change quickly, successful team members are flexible and prepared to support changing production priorities, including week-of and short-notice catering requests when business needs require.

This is a hands-on culinary production role centered on consistency, follow-through, teamwork, culinary execution, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

  • Execute established recipes accurately and consistently according to company standards
  • Prepare proteins, starches, vegetables, sauces, and menu items for catered events
  • Determine food ordering and ingredient quantities while accurately placing food and grocery orders
  • Work alongside the Production Prep Cook to ensure ingredients are properly prepared and production timelines are met
  • Maintain food quality, consistency, presentation, and portion standards
  • Communicate production needs, ingredient shortages, and concerns proactively with the Catering Manager
  • Assist with establishing daily production priorities and kitchen workflow
  • Maintain cleanliness, organization, and sanitation throughout the kitchen
  • Label, date, rotate, and properly store food products
  • Assist with loading and unloading deliveries and catering equipment
  • Follow food safety, sanitation, and company procedures at all times

What We're Looking For

  • Previous production cooking, catering, restaurant, or related culinary experience required
  • Strong cooking skills and the ability to consistently execute established recipes
  • Experience preparing large-volume food production while maintaining quality and consistency
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment
  • Quick to learn new procedures and consistently apply them without repeated instruction
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Able to accurately determine ingredient quantities and food ordering needs
  • Dependable, coachable, and team-oriented
  • Able to prioritize tasks and remain productive throughout the workday
  • Flexible and willing to adapt to changing production schedules and business needs
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality
  • Interested in growth within a part-time catering environment

Schedule & Pay

  • Part-time role (approximately 20 hours per week to start)
  • Hours vary based on production schedules, client demand, and event bookings.
  • Candidates should have flexible availability and be prepared to support changing production schedules, including week-of and short-notice catering requests as business needs require. Scheduling includes days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional early mornings.
  • $25-$30 per hour based on experience

To Apply

Please a cover letter and resume and with a brief message introducing yourself


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