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Union Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Santa Maria Program Chef Location: Santa Maria, CA Compensation: $70,400 plus full benefits ... Located in northern Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD ...

Santa Maria Program Chef Location: Santa Maria, CA Compensation: $70,400 plus full benefits ... Located in northern Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD ...

Santa Maria Program Chef Location: Santa Maria, CA Compensation: $70,400 plus full benefits ... Located in northern Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD ...

* We are hiring immediately for a Sous Chef position. * Location : Mountain View, CA * Schedule ... Union Experience: Experience managing in a Union Environment is a plus. While this schedule and ...

* We are hiring immediately for a Executive Chef position. * Location : Mountain View, CA * Schedule ... Union Management: Experience managing in a Union Environment is plus, not required. Certifications:

Sous Chef

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$76K - $78K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for a Sous Chef position. * Location : Mountain View, CA * Schedule ... Experience managing in a Union Environment is a plus. While this schedule and location are ...

Sous Chef

San Jose, CA · On-site

$76K - $78K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for a Sous Chef position. * Location : San Jose, CA * Schedule : Monday ... Experience managing in a Union Environment is a plus. While this schedule and location are ...

Sous Chef

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$76K - $78K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for a Sous Chef position. * Location : Mountain View, CA * Schedule ... Experience managing in a Union Environment is a plus. While this schedule and location are ...

* We are hiring immediately for a Executive Chef position. * Location : Mountain View, CA * Schedule ... Experience managing in a Union Environment is plus, not required. ● Certifications: ServSafe ...

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

* We are hiring immediately for a Executive Chef position. * Location : Mountain View, CA * Schedule ... Experience managing in a Union Environment is plus, not required. ● Certifications: ServSafe ...

Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Supervise and lead a unionized kitchen staff, maintaining compliance with collective bargaining ... Minimum 5-7 years of executive or senior chef experience in high-volume restaurants. * Demonstrated ...

Santa Maria Program Chef Location: Santa Maria, CA Compensation: $70,400 plus full benefits ... Located in northern Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD ...

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

The Executive Chef holds total ownership of the culinary experience, serving as the primary ... Experience managing in a Union Environment is plus, not required. • Certifications: ServSafe ...

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Overview The Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef in overseeing the daily ... Experience working in a unionized environment and maintaining compliance with collective bargaining ...

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Union Chef information

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

To thrive as a Union Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and often completion of a culinary arts program or apprenticeship, along with relevant food safety certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and union workplace protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, teamwork, and time management skills set top chefs apart in managing kitchen staff and maintaining high service standards. These competencies ensure efficient operations, consistent food quality, and adherence to union regulations, which are crucial for success in this role.

What is a Union Chef?

A Union Chef is a professional chef who is a member of a labor union that represents culinary workers. These chefs typically work in environments where the workforce is unionized, such as hotels, convention centers, or large-scale dining establishments. Union chefs benefit from collectively bargained agreements that provide standardized wages, benefits, job security, and workplace protections. Their responsibilities are similar to those of other chefs, including menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management, but they also adhere to the rules and guidelines set forth by their union.

What is the difference between Union Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectUnion ChefLine Cook
CredentialsMay require culinary certifications, union membershipTypically culinary training or experience
Work EnvironmentUnionized kitchens, structured work hoursVaries, often non-unionized kitchens
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large hotels, resorts, unionized restaurantsWidespread across various restaurants, non-union
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for union benefits, job stabilityCompared for entry-level roles, daily tasks

The main difference between a Union Chef and a Line Cook lies in union membership and work environment. Union Chefs are part of organized labor unions, often working in unionized establishments with structured benefits and work hours. Line Cooks are typically non-unionized, focusing on daily kitchen tasks. Both roles require culinary skills, but Union Chefs often have additional union-related credentials and job protections.

What are some unique challenges Union Chefs face when managing kitchen staff in a unionized environment?

Union Chefs often work within strict guidelines regarding scheduling, job duties, and workplace policies set by collective bargaining agreements. This means they must carefully coordinate staffing and task assignments while respecting seniority and union rules. Navigating these requirements can be challenging, especially during busy periods or when last-minute changes are needed. However, strong communication and collaboration with both staff and union representatives help ensure smooth operations and a positive work environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in California? The most popular types of Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Union Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Union Chef job openings:
Infographic showing various Union Chef job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Union Sous Chef - Cook 4

Grand Hyatt San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$40.18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 14 hours ago


Job description

At Hyatt, we believe in the power of belonging- of making people feel at home no matter where they are in the world. We turn trips into journeys, encounters into experiences, and jobs into careers. Join a team that is making travel more human. Connected. Sustainable. Here, everyone's role matters. Opportunities are yours to shape. Your individuality is celebrated. At the heart of Hyatt is our shared belief that hospitality is more than just a job - it's a career for people who care.
Grand Hyatt San Francisco welcomes our guests with a sophisticated elegance and refined modern style. Located in the heart of the city on Union Square, our downtown high rise hotel is the perfect jumping-off point for exploring San Francisco's top attractions, from premier shopping and Michelin Star dining to iconic sites like Golden Gate Theatre and Hayes Valley. After a day of discovery, guests can retreat to their room where they can unwind and enjoy the spectacular views of the City by the Bay.
Grand Hyatt San Francisco offers a welcoming dining experience in the heart of Union Square. OneUP Restaurant and Lounge is our signature dining venue designed as a warm and comfortable gathering spot for both locals and guests. Our guests get to enjoy breakfast before they head out to start the day or sip a relaxing wine or cocktail along with classic American bistro fare in the evening. Craving a sweet treat or a savory snack from the comfort of their bed? Guests can order from a selection of in-room amenities for a fee, and have them delivered to the room.
The goal of the Sous Chef is to manage a specific department and work with the Executive Chef and/or Executive Sous Chef to create, implement and maintain quality standards. In some instances, the Sous Chef will be expected to be responsible for the entire operation in the absence of the Executive Sous Chef and/or Executive Chef. The ideal Sous Chef will accomplish their tasks by monitoring the daily functions of the culinary department, including providing support and guidance to the culinary team, ending in a positive guest experience.
Responsibilities include:
  • Support senior leadership by developing and assuming basic management responsibilities
  • Assume the role of liaison between all departments within the culinary division and all other hotel departments
  • Supervise the preparation and cooking of various food items
  • Develop and implement creative menu items that adhere to Hyatt brand standards
  • Plan, coordinate & implement special events and holiday functions
  • Manage hourly kitchen employees through scheduling, payroll, training, coaching, evaluating and hiring
  • May manage other key culinary leadership rolls including supervisor and other less senior Sous Chefs
  • Lead and coach the team towards achieving exceptional guest service and employee satisfaction results
  • Monitor food production, ordering, cost, and quality and consistency on a daily basis
  • Ensure proper safety and sanitation of all kitchen facilities and equipment

Please note: during the first 90 days of employment, the employee is paid 75% of the hourly rate @ $30.14/hr. After completing the 90-day period, the employee moves to the full hourly rate of $40.18/hr.
We Offer Excellent Benefits:
  • Free Room Nights, Discounted and Friends & Family Room Rates
  • Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and holidays
  • Paid Family Bonding Time and Adoption Assistance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free colleague meals during shift
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Discounts at various retailers - Apple, AT&T, Verizon, Headspace, and many more

Why make a good decision when you can make a Timeless one by applying for your next career opportunity with a Grand Hyatt hotel? Grand Hyatt hotels provide superior services and elevated experiences. Looking for a Timeless beginning in your next career? Apply today at careers.hyatt.com.