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Relief Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef

Boston, MA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

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 ...

$80 - $100/hr

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 ...

Sous Chef

Boston, MA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

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 ...

Executive Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

The Executive Chef is responsible for driving operational excellence and ensuring a superior guest ... Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing ...

$60 - $80/hr

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

$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 ...

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 ...

$80 - $100/hr

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 ...

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 Sep 8, 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 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 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 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 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, 69% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,747 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Ci Siamo is a restaurant from Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group and James Beard semifinalist Chef Hillary Sterling. Located at Manhattan West, this NYT Top 100 restaurant celebrates the beauty of simplicity centering around live-fire cooking. The Italian-inflected menu takes inspiration from Chef Sterling’s extensive travels and is rooted in the understated excellence of seasonal ingredients and purposeful preparations. Ci Siamo, which loosely translates to “we’ve made it” or “we’ve arrived,” bridges the traditional with the contemporary to introduce a new space that is at once transportive yet warmly familiar.

Ci Siamo’s upcoming Boston location will embody the same dynamic energy and commitment to culinary excellence as its New York original. Located at Commonwealth Pier, an exciting new waterfront project within the Seaport neighborhood, Ci Siamo Boston looks forward to assembling a talented opening team in our new home.

Who you are:

The Sous Chef works closely with the Executive Chef to maintain the highest quality and standards in the daily operations ofkitchen. They ensure all pars are met in the prep kitchen and oversee execution of the menus throughoutservice. This position also has an active role in the management and development of Line Cooks, PrepCooksand all hourly team members. The Sous Chefwillbe in charge ofholding theBOHteam accountable to consistent feedback and career developmentthrough their performance objectives.

What you’ll do:

  • Cultivate a culture of Enlightened Hospitality for all stakeholders that supports our business objectives and growth
  • Ensure high performance and maintain excellence & hospitality throughout each day’s specific service periods
  • Ensure consistent execution of food and timely flow of service by directing the team and effectively expediting service
  • Educate dining room service staff on all aspects of food menu & culinary procedures through tastings and staff presentation
  • Maintain positive working relationship with dining room leaders and line staff at all times
  • Ensure that all recipes, product, food preparations and food execution meet restaurant's specifications and commitment to culinary excellence. To the highest degree possible, ensure that kitchen & physical plant is kept clean, safe and up to all “A” level health code standards
  • Ensure all team members are appropriately trained to execute station properly, partnering with the Sous Chef team to make sure that all new hires are adequately trained before beginning their new role

What we need from you:

  • 2+ years of experience in culinary leadership and fine dining
  • Certification in Hospitality-related field, or equivalent (preferred)
  • Demonstrated experience in collaborating and communicating across teams
  • Excellent food & beverage knowledge
  • English fluency and additional languages preferred, but not required

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group, extending Enlightened Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Sous Chef, you’ll enjoy:

  • Competitive pay and bonus potential: Annual compensation of $70,000 plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus, with consideration for your experience and impact
  • Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care
  • Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work
  • Investing in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings
  • Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services.
  • Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship
  • Dining Credit: An annual dining credit to enjoy exceptional meals and experiences at any of our restaurants
  • Dining Discount: A 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants to share unforgettable meals with friends and loved ones
  • Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking
  • Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality.

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

  • We play to win with humble swagger.Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong
  • Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dotsto build uplifting experiences and relationships
  • Center the salt shakerwith an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most
  • Write a great next chapter.The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled
  • Bring a charitable assumptionand err on the side of generosity
  • Leave our campsite better than we found it;always responsible for the impact of our wake

*The above represents the expected salary for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.

Qualifications Skills Behaviors Motivations

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Education Experience Licenses & Certifications

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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