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Professional Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Virginia Beach, VA

$47K - $64K/yr

Opportunity to grow professionally with a growing company If you have these qualities, we want to ... Chef supports the Chef de Cuisine in all kitchen operations. This includes food production ...

Sous Chef

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Opportunity to grow professionally with a growing company If you have these qualities, we want to ... Chef supports the Chef de Cuisine in all kitchen operations. This includes food production ...

Sous Chef

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Opportunity to grow professionally with a growing company If you have these qualities, we want to ... Chef supports the Chef de Cuisine in all kitchen operations. This includes food production ...

... professional development opportunities. What We're Looking For * Associate degree in Culinary Arts ... Hands-on chef experience with a commitment to food quality and innovation. * Knowledge of food ...

SOUS CHEF

Sterling, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key Responsibilities: * Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for ...

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

... professional development opportunities. What We're Looking For * Associate degree in Culinary Arts ... Hands-on chef experience with a commitment to food quality and innovation. * Knowledge of food ...

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key Responsibilities: * Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for ...

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA

$65K - $70K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key Responsibilities: * Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for ...

SOUS CHEF

Sterling, VA · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key Responsibilities: * Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for ...

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA · On-site

$72K - $80K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key Responsibilities: * Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for ...

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA

$65K - $70K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key Responsibilities: * Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for ...

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key Responsibilities: * Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for ...

SOUS CHEF

Sterling, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key Responsibilities: * Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for ...

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key Responsibilities: * Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for ...

SOUS CHEF

Dulles, VA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional. Key Responsibilities: * Assists the Executive Chef with managing cost controls and control expenditures for ...

Sous Chef

Washington, VA · On-site

$52K - $71K/yr

The Cafe Sous Chef is responsible for all savorystaff and activity oversight. The position requires ... Minimum of 3years professional experience cooking, preferably at a Michelin level. 3.Managementand ...

Showing results 41-60

Professional Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$28.3K

$63.4K

$94.2K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in Virginia is $63,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,600.00 and $74,400.00 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Professional Chef jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Professional Chef jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Professional Chef jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Professional Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,445 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Executive Chef

Three Notch'd Brewing Company, LLC

Arlington, VA • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Executive Chef

Direct Report: General Manager, VP of Retail Operations, President & COO

Indirectly Report: Director of Culinary Operations

Job Summary: Supervises, delegates and works hands-on in kitchen functions with kitchen and receiving personnel to ensure quality of food, timeliness of food service, proper food and kitchen labor cost and a safe and sanitary kitchen facility; interviews, hires, trains and develops kitchen management and line personnel.

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Directs kitchen staff in food handling practices, food preparation, and delivery; directs purchasing and receiving clerks in correct purchasing and receiving practices

• Program Toast POS computer for menus, seasonal food items, and limited time offerings.

• Using XtraChef inventories prepared foods and determines portion sizes and cooking “specs” for all menu items; directs and assists kitchen personnel in monthly inventories: counting, weighing, recording and extending food items in storage

• Monitors, print out computer reports daily to review and control kitchen labor costs

• Delegates food preparation assignments to kitchen staff

• Checks quality of all prepared goods by taste, temperature, portioning and appearance

• Prepares daily food specials: write prices, and proofreads daily menus

• Expedites food order “dupes” from kitchen station to dining rooms

• Conduct menu class for each meal period

• Demonstrates and teaches food preparation techniques to sous chefs and cooks

• Completes performance management process for sous chefs, cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers

• Interviews, hires, schedules and trains and develops kitchen personnel in procedures, policies and the safe operation of equipment, utensils, and machinery

• Write an agenda for and leads monthly chef and kitchen staff meetings; writes and delivers reports at weekly manager meetings and monthly corporate meetings

• Plans and prepares menu and schedules personnel for catered events and outdoor festivals

• Walks and inspects the equipment, machinery and facility in compliance with safety, health and sanitation regulations, directs and assists personnel to correct any safety or health hazards

• Consistently apply and comply with all company policies and procedures regarding safety, security, emergencies and energy

• All menu items meet the criteria of food concepts for and are priced to provide exceptional value to the customer

• Food orders delivered in a timely fashion (maximum 15 minutes for lunch, 30 minutes for dinner) and quality of food and presentation meets company standards

• Food cost percentage goals is met monthly; labor cost goal is met weekly

• Through the application of management “Methods,” kitchen personnel are methodically developed in professional culinary and managerial skills, and all departments are integrated so that the customer receives extraordinary service and value

• Kitchen facility is an efficient, safe and sanitary work environment

• Other duties as needed

Additional Job Functions:

• Assist in other areas as needed

• Completion of any task requested by a member of 3NB management or the Executive team.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Responsible for directing all kitchen staff, monitoring their performance, and giving appropriate feedback in regards to timing and preparation of food items. Partners with Human Resources to manage employee relations issues.

Required Qualifications:

• Must be able to effectively communicate and understand directions

• Must be able to understand safety rules, 3NB Alcohol Regulations, operating and maintenance instructions and procedures

• Must be ServSafe certified

• Must have the ability to manage and support the kitchen staff

• Minimum 3 years experience working as an Executive Chef and 3-5 years of management experience

• Must have an extensive knowledge of cooking methods, cooking line, banquets, catering and pastry

• Ability to manage in a diverse environment with focus on client and customer services is essential to success in this role

• Solid supervisory, organizational and time management skills are required

• Profit & Loss accountability– managed service experience is desirable

• Experience with and knowledge of all Microsoft applications required

• Must be willing to follow all Safety Standards

• Requires experience as a working chef in a high-volume restaurant

• Strong communication skills and to work cooperatively with employees of other departments providing high levels of customer satisfaction; and to effectively communicate to employees through written and verbal instructions

• Conceptual understanding of American food and the culinary ability to deliver American food through menu, food preparation and production

• Available to work a variable schedule to include early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays

• Work productively and cooperatively in a high volume, fast paced, highly pressured environment, and able to lead and respond efficiently to unanticipated problems and crises

• To manage flexibly: disciplined and firm about standards of performance, yet fair and personable in developing employees

• Think and act creatively to provide customers with exceptional service and value

Desired Qualifications:

• Culinary or Bachelor’s degree

Work Environment:

• Back of the house

• Inside kitchen area/dish room and includes interaction with heated equipment, steam, loud noises, chemical products, and other at risk conditions.

Equipment Used:

• Oven

• Deep Fryer

• Mixer

• Grill

• Steamer

• Calculator

• Cutlery

• Dishwasher

• Chef Knives

• Other Cooking Equipment

• Computer

• Photocopier

• Other equipment as applicable

Travel Requirements:

Little or No Travel (<10%)

Lifting Requirements:

HEAVY: Frequent lifting and / or carrying objects weighing up to 130 pounds. Objects weighing more than 50 pounds require assistance through use of the buddy system.

Physical Requirements:

Bending: Constant

Keying / Fingering: Constant

Hearing: Constant

Reaching: Constant

Seeing: Constant

Speaking: Constant

Standing: Constant

Walking: Constant

Lifting: Frequent

Three Notch’d Brewing Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.