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Professional Chef Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Clayton Homes

Chef

Maryville, TN · On-site

$21.69 - $27.11/hr

The Chef role works in support of the Sous Chef and Executive Chef. The ideal candidate for this ... High School Diploma Years of Related Experience: 1 year in professional food service operation.

Hilton Knoxville

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in ... A warm, professional demeanor that reflects HVMG's Culture of Excellence by showing a warm smile ...

New

Hilton Knoxville

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in ... A warm, professional demeanor that reflects HVMG's Culture of Excellence by showing a warm smile ...

New

Hilton Knoxville

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN

$47K - $64K/yr

Sous Chef We are seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in ... A warm, professional demeanor that reflects HVMG's Culture of Excellence by showing a warm smile ...

New

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

Upper Crust Food Service

Sous Chef

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

That problem is a lack of consistency and professionalism in the kitchen. With a focus on great food and personal service, we've remained true to our roots. Today, the chefs of Upper Crust Food ...

The Crossings at Tellico Village

Sous Chef

Loudon, TN · On-site

$44K - $59K/yr

Sous Chef Tellico Village | Loudon, TN Are you a Sous Chef seeking an exciting new career ... Professional image in both appearance and behavior * Excellent written and oral communication ...

The Crossings at Tellico Village

Sous Chef

Loudon, TN · On-site

$21/hr

Sous Chef Tellico Village | Loudon, TN Are you a Sous Chef seeking an exciting new career ... Professional image in both appearance and behavior * Excellent written and oral communication ...

Blackberry Mountain

Sous Chef

Walland, TN

$48K - $64K/yr

The Sous Chef supports daily kitchen operations by assisting in leadership, execution, and quality ... Maintain a professional atmosphere in the kitchen at all times * Communication with other ...

Blackberry Mountain

Sous Chef

Walland, TN

$48K - $64K/yr

The Sous Chef supports daily kitchen operations by assisting in leadership, execution, and quality ... WORK ENVIRONMENT • Professional kitchen • May be asked to work outside in all weather ...

Cherokee Country Club

Chef de Cuisine

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$54K - $75K/yr

Chef de Cuisine Cherokee Country Club | Knoxville, Tennessee Lead a Great Kitchen. Build Great ... This is an outstanding opportunity for a culinary professional who thrives on leading people ...

BLACKBERRY FARM

Sous Chef - Blackberry Mountain

Walland, TN · On-site

$48K - $64K/yr

The Sous Chef mentors and trains kitchen staff, assists with inventory and cost control, and ... WORK ENVIRONMENT • Professional kitchen • May be asked to work outside in all weather ...

Rainbow Room

Demi Chef de Partie, Culinary

Midtown, TN

$28.89/hr

Demi Chef de Partie Culinary The Rainbow Room, the quintessential New York venue, has been the site ... We are seeking skilled, passionate professionals who take great pride in delivering unparalleled ...

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All JobsProfessional Chef JobsProfessional Chef Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Professional Chef information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$27.2K

$61.2K

$90.8K

How much do professional chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional chef in Oak Ridge, TN is $61,181.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,800.00 and $71,700.00 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 Oak Ridge, TN? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Professional Chef jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Professional Chef job openings:
Professional Chef jobs near you

Chef

Clayton Homes

Maryville, TN • On-site

$21.69 - $27.11/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Clayton Homes rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 80 rated construction

Job description

The Chef role works in support of the Sous Chef and Executive Chef. The ideal candidate for this role will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and have a strong interest in cooking fresh, healthy, and high-quality food and participating in kitchen maintenance.

Chef Duties

Kitchen Operations /Food Preparation

  • Performs food preparation and cooking tasks for plated meals, buffets and action stations
  • Sets up buffets, beverage service and snack stations, restock as needed.
  • Works with Sous Chef and Executive Chef on recipe testing and development.

Kitchen Operation /Maintenance

  • Performs stewarding tasks such as receiving, stocking and rotation of goods.
  • Maintains cleanliness, sanitation and organization of kitchen, safe food handling practices, and proper rotation of prepared products to assure prolonged usefulness and quality.
  • Assists in ware washing duties for kitchen production and meal events.
  • Participates in daily and weekly cleaning schedules including but not limited to dishwashing, equipment cleaning and maintenance, and kitchen organization.

Chef Abilities

  • Works well in a fast-paced environment
  • Detail-oriented
  • High energy, positive attitude, ability to remain calm under pressure
  • Basic cooking and food preparation knowledge, propensity to learn these at a higher level.
  • General knowledge of kitchen operations and equipment

Education: High School Diploma

Years of Related Experience: 1 year in professional food service operation.

Licenses/Certifications Must be able to obtain ServSafe certification within the first 90 days.

Why Clayton?

Full-time team members have the flexibility to create their own health, dental, and vision benefits package. Clayton provides competitive 401K programs, including investment options and company matching for full and part time team members after one year to help our team members achieve their financial goals. Additional benefits include paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance Programs, and more.

As part of Clayton's commitment to Opening Doors to a Better Life, Clayton is now providing paid time for Team Members to volunteer to causes that are meaningful to them through the Clayton Impact program.

At Clayton, we encourage holistic wellness with physical, nutritional, social, financial, spiritual and occupational programs available online or in-person for team members. Clayton's Home Office campus offers an onsite restaurant, onsite fitness facility with full gym, in-person and virtual workout classes, yoga / barre studio, volleyball and basketball courts, walking paths, and a disc golf course.

Clayton is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Clayton is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

Compensation Grade Pay Range

$21.69 - $27.11

Business Unit - B00015

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