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Professional Chef Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Chef Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$59 - $76/hr

Sodexo is seeking a Chef Manager at UnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospital located in Cedar Rapids ... Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.

Sodexo is seeking a Chef Manager for UPH Allen Hospital located in Waterloo, IA About the job Take ... Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.

Sodexo is seeking a Chef Manager at UnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospital located in Cedar Rapids ... Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.

Chef Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$43K - $70K/yr

Sodexo is seeking a Chef Manager for UPH Allen Hospital located in Waterloo, IA About the job Take ... Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.

Chef Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$58K - $76K/yr

Sodexo is seeking a Chef Manager at UnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospital located in Cedar Rapids ... Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.

Chef Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$58K - $76K/yr

Sodexo is seeking a Chef Manager at UnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospital located in Cedar Rapids ... Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.

Chef Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$43K - $70K/yr

Sodexo is seeking a Chef Manager for UPH Allen Hospital located in Waterloo, IA About the job Take ... Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.

Sous Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$26.54 - $30.77/hr

... related professional area. OR • 2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts ... Chef with all kitchen operations. • Recognizes superior quality products, presentations and ...

Sous Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$26.54 - $30.77/hr

... related professional area. OR • 2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts ... Chef with all kitchen operations. • Recognizes superior quality products, presentations and ...

Sous Chef

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

... professional area. OR 2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts, Hotel and ... Assists Executive Chef with all kitchen operations. Recognizes superior quality products ...

Sous Chef

Sioux City, IA

$49K - $66K/yr

Work with Restaurant Chef to analyze food costs and forecast business trends to make ... Always conduct oneself in a manner that reflects a positive professional image. All qualified ...

Sous Chef

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Work with Restaurant Chef to analyze food costs and forecast business trends to make ... Always conduct oneself in a manner that reflects a positive professional image. All qualified ...

Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels and restaurants TRAVELING CHEFS needed to travel ... Employees must also maintain a professional image and report to work as scheduled. SUPERVISORY ...

Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels and restaurants TRAVELING CHEFS needed to travel ... Employees must also maintain a professional image and report to work as scheduled. SUPERVISORY ...

Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels and restaurants TRAVELING CHEFS needed to travel ... Employees must also maintain a professional image and report to work as scheduled. SUPERVISORY ...

Discounts at all Kinseth Hotel Corporation hotels and restaurants TRAVELING CHEFS needed to travel ... Employees must also maintain a professional image and report to work as scheduled. SUPERVISORY ...

The Culinary R&D/Production Chef will report to the Vice President of Culinary. The position is on ... Bachelor's degree in food science, culinary arts or equivalent professional training required.

Sous Chef

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$49K - $66K/yr

Work with Restaurant Chef to analyze food costs and forecast business trends to make ... Always conduct oneself in a manner that reflects a positive professional image. All qualified ...

Chef

Ames, IA · On-site

Professional appearance in a clean uniform Prior to employment, you will be required to complete safety training and certification. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time and/or Part-Time Shift Rotating Days ...

Showing results 41-60

Professional Chef information

See Iowa salary details

$26.8K

$60.1K

$89.2K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in Iowa is $60,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $70,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional chef?

Professional chefs are trained culinary experts who prepare, cook, and present food in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They are responsible for menu planning, ingredient selection, and ensuring the quality and consistency of dishes. Chefs often manage kitchen staff, maintain food safety standards, and stay updated with culinary trends. Their skills are developed through formal education, apprenticeships, and hands-on experience in the kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional chef?

To thrive as a Professional Chef, you need comprehensive culinary expertise, formal culinary training or certification, and strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen operations. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and specialized culinary tools is essential. Creativity, leadership, time management, and effective communication distinguish outstanding chefs in high-pressure environments. These skills ensure consistent food quality, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are some common challenges professional chefs face in a busy kitchen, and how can they effectively manage them?

Professional Chefs often encounter challenges such as high-pressure environments, time management issues during peak hours, and coordinating with a diverse kitchen staff. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to delegate tasks are crucial for maintaining smooth operations. Additionally, staying adaptable and calm under pressure helps chefs ensure quality and consistency in dishes, even during the busiest service periods.

What is the difference between Professional Chef vs Cook?

AspectProfessional ChefCook
CredentialsFormal culinary training or certifications often requiredMinimal formal training, on-the-job learning common
Work EnvironmentCommercial kitchens, restaurants, hotelsRestaurants, catering, institutional kitchens
Job ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, supervising kitchen staff, creating dishesPreparing ingredients, cooking dishes as instructed
Industry UsageHigh-level culinary roles, often with leadership dutiesEntry-level or supporting roles in food preparation

The main difference between a Professional Chef and a Cook lies in their responsibilities, training, and roles within the culinary industry. Professional Chefs typically have formal training and oversee kitchen operations, while Cooks focus on food preparation and cooking under supervision. Both roles are essential, but the Chef usually holds a higher level of expertise and leadership.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Professional Chef jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Professional Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,108 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Chef Manager

Sodexo

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$59 - $76/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 1,153 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 500 rated business services


Job description

Sodexo is seeking a Chef Manager at UnityPoint Health St. Luke's Hospital located in Cedar Rapids, IA.

About the job

Take on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You’ll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and crafting innovative menus that meet diverse client needs, all while building strong partnerships that elevate the dining experience.

Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.

Pay Range: $58735 - $76010

What’s in it for you
  • Lead the implementation of streamlined culinary systems that boost consistency and operational success.
  • Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.
  • Oversee procurement and purchasing to ensure top-quality ingredients and cost- effective sourcing.
  • Design menus that balance creativity with client preferences and nutritional standards.
  • Champion fresh, innovative culinary ideas that keep dining experiences exciting and relevant.
  • Cultivate meaningful relationships with clients through exceptional service and collaboration.
  • Play a key role in shaping culinary strategy and driving continuous improvement across your area.
What you’ll bring
  • Extensive culinary expertise with a proven track record in high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environments.
  • Leadership and management skills, with experience mentoring teams and driving professional development.
  • Advanced menu planning abilities combined with a deep understanding of current culinary trends and client preferences.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proficiency in computer systems to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to implement processes independently that improve productivity and consistency.
  • ServSafe certification and solid working knowledge of HACCP principles to ensure food safety and compliance.
Requirements
  • Education Requirement: High School Diploma, GED or equivalent experience
  • Management Experience: 1 year
What we offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

Who we are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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