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Relief Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Resort Sous Chef

Gurnee, IL · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

The Sous Chef manages the operations of the kitchen in absence of the Executive Chef, oversees ... Relief Fund • Celebrate Your Uniqueness : Join a team that cheers for diversity and inclusion ...

Cafe Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Cafe Chef leads with a spirit of excellence, care, and hospitality, ensuring consistent, high ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Cafe Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Cafe Chef leads with a spirit of excellence, care, and hospitality, ensuring consistent, high ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Cafe Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Cafe Chef leads with a spirit of excellence, care, and hospitality, ensuring consistent, high ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Cafe Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Cafe Chef leads with a spirit of excellence, care, and hospitality, ensuring consistent, high ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Cafe Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Cafe Chef leads with a spirit of excellence, care, and hospitality, ensuring consistent, high ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

The Sous Chef works closely with the Executive Chef to maintain the highest quality and standards ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Cafe Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Cafe Chef leads with a spirit of excellence, care, and hospitality, ensuring consistent, high ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

The Sous Chef works closely with the Executive Chef to maintain the highest quality and standards ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Cafe Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Cafe Chef leads with a spirit of excellence, care, and hospitality, ensuring consistent, high ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Cafe Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Cafe Chef leads with a spirit of excellence, care, and hospitality, ensuring consistent, high ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K/yr

The Sous Chef works closely with the Executive Chef to maintain the highest quality and standards ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Cafe Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Cafe Chef leads with a spirit of excellence, care, and hospitality, ensuring consistent, high ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Cafe Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

The Cafe Chef leads with a spirit of excellence, care, and hospitality, ensuring consistent, high ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Sous Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

The Sous Chef works closely with the Executive Chef to maintain the highest quality and standards ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

Showing results 41-60

Relief Chef information

See salary details

$10

$17

$20

How much do relief chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for relief chef in the United States is $17.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Relief Chef, you need strong culinary skills, a recognized chef qualification (such as NVQ or culinary diploma), and experience working across various kitchen environments. Familiarity with kitchen management systems, food safety certifications like Level 2 Food Hygiene, and the ability to quickly adapt to different restaurant equipment are typically required. Excellent communication, flexibility, and time management are standout soft skills for this position. These abilities ensure smooth kitchen operations, high-quality food output, and seamless integration into diverse culinary teams on short notice.

What are some common challenges relief chefs face when adapting to new kitchen environments?

Relief chefs often step into unfamiliar kitchens and teams, which can present challenges such as quickly learning new menus, adapting to different kitchen equipment, and understanding each establishment’s workflow. Building rapport with existing staff and fitting seamlessly into their routines is essential for success. Strong communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to work under pressure are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth kitchen operations during your assignment.

What is a relief chef?

A Relief Chef is a professional chef who temporarily fills in for regular kitchen staff, often to cover absences, busy periods, or staff shortages. They are highly skilled and adaptable, able to work in various types of kitchens, from restaurants to hotels or catering events. Relief Chefs are expected to quickly integrate with new teams, follow existing menus, and maintain high standards of food preparation and safety. Their flexibility and experience make them valuable assets in the hospitality industry.

What is the difference between Relief Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectRelief ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary diplomaCooking certifications, culinary diploma
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments in various kitchensFull-time, permanent in a specific kitchen
Employer UsageHotels, catering companies, event venuesRestaurants, hotels, resorts
Common Search IntentFinding flexible cooking roles or cover shiftsSeeking a leadership role in the kitchen

Relief Chefs are typically hired for short-term or temporary roles across different kitchens, providing flexibility and covering absences. In contrast, Sous Chefs are permanent staff members who assist the Head Chef and oversee daily kitchen operations. While both roles require culinary certifications and experience, Relief Chefs focus on adaptability, whereas Sous Chefs emphasize leadership within a specific establishment.

More about Relief Chef jobs

What states have the most Relief Chef jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Relief Chef job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,747 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Great Wolf Lodge rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 310 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 107 rated hotels


Job description

Pay: $60000  - $75000 

At Great Wolf, the Resort Sous Chef works in a fast paced, exciting environment to deliver on our commitment to high quality hospitality. The Sous Chef manages the operations of the kitchen in absence of the Executive Chef, oversees preparation of food and inventory levels of the kitchen, and assists with scheduling and training employees.


Hiring immediately with full-time, part-time, and flexible scheduling  

Join our Pack:   

Grow your career: A great place to start or advance your career with cross-training, scholarship fund, and talent development programs at all levels   

Great Perks: Take advantage of exclusive perks for you, your family, and friends – including discounted vacations and employee referral incentives   

Learn While You Earn: Gain access to Great Wolf University for on-the-job training, functional, and leadership training   

Prioritize Your Well-Being: We offer flexible scheduling, access to a holistic wellness program and technology, and support through our Employee Assistance Program and Employee Relief Fund   

Celebrate Your Uniqueness: Join a team that cheers for diversity and inclusion through programs that make everyone feel welcome and recognized.   

Benefits:   

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance   
  • Health savings account   
  • Telehealth resources   
  • Life insurance   
  • 401K with employer match   
  • Paid vacation time off   
  • Paid parental leave   


Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Assists the Chef with directing the preparation and presentation of all foods in all venues of the Lodge
  • Maintain and follow all local Health Department food preparation codes and regulations
  • Works with the Chef to hire, train, supervise, schedule and participate in activities of chefs, cooks, and other pack members involved in preparing, cooking and presenting food in accordance with merchandising and productivity standards, cost controls and forecast needs
  • Maintain working rapport with all hotel staff for efficient operation and service to guests
  • Contribute to creation of new menus and individual menu items for all outlets based on current food trends, regional demographics and in accordance with revenue and profitability goals
  • Assist with audit of food storeroom items and storage to maintain consistent quality products using FIFO (first in, first out) and ensure adherence to all health code requirements
  • Perform food preparation tasks for all fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, etc. used in recipes
  • Prepare all food items per recipe guidelines, tasting and adjusting for flavor with assistance of chef
  • Ensure back of house area adheres to the highest standards of cleanliness, presentation, and service
  • Maintain appropriate levels of necessary dishes and utensils; keep all dishware used in cooking and serving clean and sanitary at all times
  • Monitor supply levels in back of house area and replenish as necessary
  • Monitor equipment operation, perform preventative maintenance, troubleshoot breakdowns, maintain supplies, and call for repairs as necessary
  • Ensure compliance with all food-handling and sanitation regulation


Basic Qualifications & Skills

  • High School degree or equivalent
  • 3+ years experience in restaurant kitchen(s)
  • Must be flexible regarding scheduling based on business demands, including nights, weekends and Holidays as needed
  • Successful completion of criminal background check and drug screen


Desired Qualifications & Traits

  • Culinary education degree
  • 1+ years experience in restaurant supervisory/leadership role
  • Training and/or experience with hands-on equipment maintenance
  • Prior kitchen experience in hotel/resort industry
  • Understanding of sanitation-related issues and knowledge of precautions necessary to ensure a clean food preparation environment
  • Proven teamwork
  • Projects professional image that inspires trust and confidence
  • Enthusiastic and positive energy


Physical Requirements

  • Able to lift up to 30 lbs.
  • Able to bend, stretch, and twist
  • Able to stand for long periods of time


Estimated Salary Range:

$60000  - $75000  annual base salary

An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of Great Wolf’s total compensation package. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and other perks.


This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.


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