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Senior Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eurest

SR. CHEF MANAGER - IRVINE, CA

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Position Title: Sr. Chef Manager Salary: $90000 - $95000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless ...

Compass Group

SR. CHEF MANAGER - IRVINE, CA

Irvine, CA · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Position Title: SR. CHEF MANAGER - IRVINE, CA Salary: $95000-$100000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless ...

Compass Group

SR. CHEF MANAGER - IRVINE, CA

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Position Title: Sr. Chef Manager Salary: $90000 - $95000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless ...

Compass Group

SENIOR CHEF MANAGER

Waltham, MA

$75K - $85K/yr

Job Summary Wrking as the Chef Manager Senior you will be responsible for back and front of the house operations for the food service departments. You will maintain a quality culinary program and ...

Compass Group

SENIOR CHEF MANAGER

Waltham, MA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Job Summary Wrking as the Chef Manager Senior you will be responsible for back and front of the house operations for the food service departments. You will maintain a quality culinary program and ...

Compass Group

SR. CHEF MANAGER - IRVINE, CA

Irvine, CA · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

Position Title: SR. CHEF MANAGER - IRVINE, CA Salary: $95000-$100000 As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless ...

Private Listing

Executive Chef

Arlington, VA

$110K - $130K/yr

You are: a seasoned Executive or senior chef with refined technique, a track record of consistency at a high level, and the leadership to elevate an entire team. You build menus worth documenting ...

Flik Hospitality Group

SENIOR CHEF MANAGER

Waltham, MA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Job Summary Wrking as the Chef Manager Senior you will be responsible for back and front of the house operations for the food service departments. You will maintain a quality culinary program and ...

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Atlanta, GA

$90K - $110K/yr

Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Chef in a high-quality casual or polished casual dining environment * Strong leadership skills with a passion for team development * Solid ...

Private hospitality company

Be Seen First

Head Chef Senior Chef. Souf chef

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$55K - $87K/yr

The Sous Chef is the Executive Chef's right hand and is responsible for leading the kitchen team, maintaining food quality, ensuring consistency, and overseeing daily kitchen operations. This role ...

New

Private hospitality company

Be Seen First

Head Chef Senior Chef. Souf chef

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$55K - $87K/yr

The Sous Chef is the Executive Chef's right hand and is responsible for leading the kitchen team, maintaining food quality, ensuring consistency, and overseeing daily kitchen operations. This role ...

New

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Senior Chef information

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$25.5K

$68K

$99.5K

How much do senior chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior chef in the United States is $68,041.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Senior Chefs?

Senior Chefs, often referred to as Head Chefs or Executive Chefs, are experienced culinary professionals responsible for overseeing the kitchen operations in restaurants, hotels, or other food establishments. They manage kitchen staff, create menus, ensure food quality and safety, and handle budgeting and inventory. Senior Chefs also mentor junior cooks and are often involved in hiring and training new team members. Their role is crucial in maintaining high culinary standards and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Can I become a chef at 55?

Yes, a senior chef can pursue a culinary career at 55, as many chefs start or continue in the profession later in life. Success depends on prior experience, culinary skills, and physical stamina, but age is not a strict barrier. Continuing education and certifications can also enhance opportunities in the culinary industry.

What are some common challenges Senior Chefs face when leading a kitchen team?

Senior Chefs often navigate challenges such as balancing administrative duties with hands-on cooking, managing diverse personalities among kitchen staff, and maintaining high food quality under pressure. They are responsible for creating menus, overseeing inventory, and ensuring health and safety standards are met. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as Senior Chefs must coordinate closely with both kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver a seamless dining experience.

What is the highest paid chef job?

The highest paid chef roles are typically executive chefs or culinary directors in luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, or private estates, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Specialized roles such as celebrity chefs or those owning successful restaurant chains can earn significantly more through endorsements, media appearances, and business ventures.

What is a senior chef called?

A senior chef is often referred to as an executive chef or head chef, responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, menu planning, and staff management. They typically have extensive culinary experience and may hold certifications such as a culinary degree or professional accreditation.

What is the difference between Senior Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectSenior ChefSous Chef
CredentialsProfessional culinary certifications, extensive experienceSimilar certifications, often with less experience
Work EnvironmentLeads kitchen operations, manages staffAssists head chef, supervises kitchen staff
Industry UsageUsed in fine dining, hotels, restaurantsCommonly found in similar settings, supports senior chefs
Search & ComparisonOften compared for leadership rolesFrequently compared as a supporting role

The main difference between a Senior Chef and a Sous Chef is that the Senior Chef typically holds a leadership position, overseeing kitchen operations and managing staff, while the Sous Chef acts as the second-in-command, assisting the head chef and supervising daily kitchen activities. Both roles require culinary certifications and experience, but the Senior Chef usually has more extensive leadership responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Senior Chef, you need extensive culinary expertise, menu planning experience, and often a degree or diploma from a culinary school. Mastery of commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and familiarity with inventory management systems are typically required. Leadership, creativity, and strong communication skills help you effectively manage kitchen staff and deliver high-quality dishes. These skills ensure consistent food quality, smooth kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What is the average retirement age for a chef?

The average retirement age for a senior chef is typically around 60 to 65 years old, though it can vary based on individual health, career satisfaction, and financial planning. Many chefs continue working into their late 60s or early 70s, especially if they own their restaurant or work in less physically demanding roles.
What cities are hiring for Senior Chef jobs? Cities with the most Senior Chef job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs? The most popular types of Chef jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Chef jobs include:
Senior Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,041 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
SR. CHEF MANAGER - IRVINE, CA

SR. CHEF MANAGER - IRVINE, CA

Eurest

Irvine, CA • On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Eurest Services rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 67 rated caterers

Job description

Position Title: Sr. Chef Manager 

Salary: $90000 - $95000

As the leader in business and industry dining, Eurest is the company to join if you want a rewarding career packed with limitless opportunities. We feed the employees of the nation's largest and most-prestigious companies -- in every state and across all industries. As a member of Eurest's leadership and professional support team, you will help our 16,000 chefs, and in-unit associates excel as they deliver world-class meals in corporate cafes and executive dining rooms with on-site catering through vending innovations and more.

Our company is innovative, high performing and fast growing. Our teammates are enthusiastic, committed to quality and thrive on consistently delivering unparalleled results. And did we mention we work with exciting companies and at interesting locations? Come grow your career with Eurest.

Job Summary

As a Senior Chef Manager, you will lead and oversee all front- and back-of-house food service operations, ensuring a high-performing, customer-focused dining program. In this role, you will be responsible for delivering an exceptional culinary experience while maintaining strong financial performance and operational excellence.

You will drive menu innovation, oversee inventory and purchasing, and manage labor and food cost controls to meet business objectives. Additionally, you will ensure strict adherence to food safety and sanitation standards while fostering a culture of quality and consistency.

As a key leader, you will manage and develop a diverse team, including recruiting, training, coaching, and performance management. Your ability to build strong teams, partner with stakeholders, and continuously elevate the dining experience will be critical to success in this role.

 

Key Responsibilities:  

  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws
  • Participates in employee meetings and training programs
  • Conducts safety, sanitation and maintenance programs
  • Maintains food cost while ensuring quality standards
  • Maintains an active role in managing team developments
  • Manages purchasing and inventory controls
  • Performs related duties and special projects as assigned 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Degree in Culinary Arts is preferred or equivalent professional experience
  • Five years progressive culinary management experience
  • Self-starter, innovative and ability to multitask
  • Maintains a positive attitude under pressure and motivate team
  • Must possess a passion for excellence
  • Must be knowledgeable on HACCP controls along with  proper storage and use of food
  • Purchasing, food storage and sanitation experience
  • P&L and financial reporting experience
  • Knowledge of budgets, labor costs, inventory controls
  • Strong leadership, coaching and training skills
  • Computer skills: proficient in Microsoft Office and POS
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Exceptional business etiquette and client relations
  • Ability to lift, bend and carry up to 40 lbs
  • Knowledge of safe and sanitary food handling principles
  • Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior
  • ServSafe or Department of Health certification a plus

Apply to Eurest today!

Eurest is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

Associates at Eurest are offered many fantastic benefits.

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance/ AD
  • Disability Insurance
  • Retirement Plan
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
  • Associate Shopping Program
  • Health and Wellness Programs
  • Discount Marketplace
  • Identity Theft Protection
  • Pet Insurance
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Personal Leave

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information. 

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026_Wage-Transparency_Eurest.pdf 

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer.  At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act. 

Eurest maintains a drug-free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

What Eurest Services employees say

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About Eurest

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Eurest is recognized worldwide for standards of service and excellence within the foodservice industry. Embracing an ownership mindset, Eurest leverages global resources, promotes a local presence and enriches the communities we serve. The Eurest Promise, "connect with people, inspire through food, create solutions, and live our promise," is exemplified throughout our organization. Eurest is proud to serve the world's most respected successful corporations, including many of the Fortune 500.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1996

Social media

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