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Union Chef Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Creative Dining Services

Executive Chef

Jackson, TN · On-site

$59K - $82K/yr

Creative Dining Services is currently seeking an Executive Chef to join our team at Union University in Jackson, TN! As the culinary expert, the Executive Chef works within the Dining Services ...

HM Alpha Hotels

Executive Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

Division The Union Station Nashville Yards, Autograph Collection Description The Executive Sous Chef will assist the Executive Chef and replace in absence. Manage kitchen and personnel, coordinate ...

Vanderbilt University

Chef Manager

Nashville, TN · On-site

The Chef De Cuisine will provide hands-on culinary leadership to facilitate a quality dining ... Supervise hourly union staff and know, understand, and ensure compliance with Collective Bargaining ...

Omni Hotels & Resorts

Executive Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$62K - $80K/yr

The Executive Sous Chef has an overall responsibility for the efficient and effective running of ... Union experience preferred. * Ability to teach employees the importance of, and how to interact ...

Vanderbilt University

Sous Chef

Nashville, TN · On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Manage, train and evaluate assigned culinary/kitchen staff including union employees * Menu writing ... Complete a monthly inventory of goods and assist the chef in monitoring food cost * Encourages ...

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Union Chef information

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 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 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 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.

Are union chefs in a union?

Union chefs are typically members of a labor union that represents culinary professionals, such as the International Culinary Federation or local hospitality unions. Being part of a union often provides collective bargaining, job protections, and benefits. Membership depends on the employer and the specific union agreements in place.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Tennessee are:

Union Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Chef job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Executive Chef

Creative Dining Services

Jackson, TN • On-site

$59K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Creative Dining Services rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 68 rated caterers

Job description

Be Creative…with Creative Dining Services!

Creative Dining Services is currently seeking an Executive Chef to join our team at Union University in Jackson, TN!  As the culinary expert, the Executive Chef works within the Dining Services Department to ensure high quality, properly seasoned, nutritious food is being provided throughout the operation, in a fiscally responsible and safe manner.  The Executive Chef is part of the Dining Services Management team that works professionally together to make sure the needs of the customer, client, staff, and colleagues are met.

Core Responsibilities of the Executive Chef:

  • Participates in hiring, training, scheduling, time keeping, performance appraisals, and disciplinary actions of kitchen staff
  • Supervises and coordinates culinary activities in all operations
  • Makes food purchases and controls inventory in a fiscally responsible manner
  • Standardizes the production of menus and recipes to ensure quality is offered at all times; communicates with the Creative Dining Services Home Office regarding changes to production recipes and menus as necessary
  • Establishes food quality standards; participates in Food Committee meetings

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

  • Culinary Arts Degree, with a minimum of five years cooking experience
  • ServSafe certification
  • Management experience, preferred
  • Membership to the American Culinary Federation, preferred

We Offer:

  • Competitive pay
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Bonus opportunities
  • 401(k) with a company match
  • Paid time off
  • And much, much more!

Why Creative Dining Services?

Creative Dining Services partners with college, universities, Fortune 100 companies, full-service senior living communities, conference centers and K-12 schools and camps to provide a different kind of hospitality and facility management services experience – one that’s fun, innovative, and focused on your community.  Why?  Because that’s how it should be.

Creative Dining Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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