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Unit Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Area Executive Chef

Ewing, NJ · On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance * Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts * Standardize ...

Senior Area Executive Chef

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance * Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts * Standardize ...

Senior Area Executive Chef

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance * Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts * Standardize ...

EXECUTIVE CHEF -- MULTI-UNIT Vicente's Supermarket • Brockton / New Bedford / Roxbury / Fall River / Pawtucket Vicente's Supermarket is seeking a skilled, hands-on Executive Chef to lead culinary ...

Senior Area Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance * Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts * Standardize ...

Senior Area Executive Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance * Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts * Standardize ...

Senior Area Executive Chef

Richmond, VA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance * Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts * Standardize ...

Senior Area Executive Chef

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$120K - $155K/yr

Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance * Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts * Standardize ...

Senior Area Executive Chef

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$67K - $93K/yr

Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance * Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts * Standardize ...

Senior Area Executive Chef

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

$70K - $97K/yr

Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance * Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts * Standardize ...

Senior Area Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance * Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts * Standardize ...

Senior Area Executive Chef

Morgantown, WV · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance * Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts * Standardize ...

Executive Chef Location: Dallas, TX Pay: $85,000-$110,000/year Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is ... Support new openings and multi-unit operations as needed Requirements * Extensive culinary ...

Executive Chef

Endicott, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef NEXDINE Hospitality's family of brands provides dining, hospitality, fitness center ... unit staff * Instruct, train and supervise cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking ...

Meriwether Godsey is looking for an Executive Chef responsible for leading and managing a high ... and Multi-Unit experience. * Experience in a school setting is preferred. * Application and ...

Executive Chef

Dallas, TX · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Dallas, TX Pay: $85,000-$110,000/year Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is ... unit operations as needed Requirements Extensive culinary leadership experience in high-volume ...

Executive Chef Location: Dallas, TX Pay: $85,000-$110,000/year Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants is ... Support new openings and multi-unit operations as needed Requirements * Extensive culinary ...

Executive Chef

Endwell, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Endwell, NY Schedule: Full time Salary: $80,000-$90,000/yr Pay Frequency ... unit staff * Instruct, train and supervise cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking ...

Executive Chef

Endwell, NY · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Endwell, NY Schedule: Full time Salary: $80,000-$90,000/yr Pay Frequency ... unit staff * Instruct, train and supervise cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking ...

OR

$71K - $98K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Remote (Must Reside in MD, DE, VA, WV, or D.C.) Hours: Full Time Pay ... unit staff * Instruct, train and supervise cooks or other workers in the preparation, cooking ...

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Unit Executive Chef information

See salary details

$40K

$86.9K

$130K

How much do unit executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for unit executive chef in the United States is $86,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Unit Executive Chef, you need advanced culinary expertise, menu planning abilities, and substantial experience in kitchen management, typically backed by a culinary degree or equivalent professional experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications (such as ServSafe), and inventory management systems is essential. Leadership, creativity, and strong communication skills help foster a productive team environment and deliver exceptional dining experiences. These skills ensure high-quality food standards, efficient operations, and satisfied clients or guests.

What is a Unit Executive Chef?

A Unit Executive Chef is the head chef responsible for managing all culinary operations within a specific restaurant, hotel, or food service unit. They oversee menu development, food preparation, kitchen staff, budgeting, and ensure high standards of food quality and safety. In addition to cooking, they play a key leadership role, often collaborating with management and other departments to deliver an exceptional dining experience. Their responsibilities may also include training staff, ordering supplies, and maintaining compliance with health regulations.

What is the difference between Unit Executive Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectUnit Executive ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experience, leadership skillsBasic culinary training, kitchen experience
Work EnvironmentKitchen management, overseeing kitchen operationsFood preparation on the line during service
Employer & Industry UsageHotels, resorts, large restaurantsRestaurants, catering services
Search & Comparison IntentManagement, leadership, kitchen oversightCooking, food prep, station work

The Unit Executive Chef typically manages kitchen operations, supervises staff, and ensures quality standards, requiring more experience and leadership skills. In contrast, a Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes during service, with less managerial responsibility. Both roles are essential in culinary settings but differ significantly in scope and responsibilities.

How does a Unit Executive Chef typically balance administrative duties with hands-on kitchen leadership?

A Unit Executive Chef is responsible for both overseeing kitchen operations and managing administrative tasks such as budgeting, menu planning, and staff scheduling. Balancing these responsibilities often involves delegating day-to-day cooking tasks to sous chefs and senior line cooks, while staying actively involved in quality control and team development. Effective time management and clear communication are key, as the Executive Chef must ensure high culinary standards are met while also handling payroll, ordering supplies, and liaising with front-of-house management. This dual focus allows the chef to maintain a strong presence in the kitchen while ensuring the business side runs smoothly.
More about Unit Executive Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Unit Executive Chef jobs? Cities with the most Unit Executive Chef job openings:
What states have the most Unit Executive Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Unit Executive Chef jobs include:
Infographic showing various Unit Executive Chef job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Senior Area Executive Chef

Senior Area Executive Chef

Sodexo

Ewing, NJ • On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Sodexo rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 1,106 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

301st of 425 rated business services


Job description

Role Overview

Sodexo Campus Services is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Area Executive Chef to support accounts within our segment, primarily across the Mid-Atlantic region, and will support other accounts across the U.S. as needed.

As the Area Executive Chef, you will oversee culinary operations across multiple university campuses, driving innovation, consistency, and excellence in resident dining, retail, and catering. You will work with both the salaried management team and hourly staff on Sodexo's culinary foundations program and have a visible presence on the accounts you visit.  Under your leadership, you will elevate the dining experience across campus by implementing current trends, supporting menu development, leading culinary training, and ensuring adherence to Sodexo's culinary and safety standards. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong culinary expertise, high-volume experience, and a commitment to operational excellence and financial success.

Travel Requirement:

This position involves regular regional travel, approximately 75%, to multiple sites and locations primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region, with additional travel across the U.S. as needed.  The ideal candidate will reside in the Mid-Atlantic area.  Candidates should be prepared to spend time on the road visiting various facilities to ensure consistent support and collaboration across the region.

What You'll Do
  • Lead culinary operations across approximately 30 higher education campuses, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic market.

  • Partner with District and Unit Executive Chefs to drive operational excellence and performance

  • Ensure compliance with Sodexo culinary standards, recipe execution, and branded concepts

  • Standardize food quality, presentation, and resident meal experience

  • Support menu development, recipe rollouts, and culinary innovation initiatives

  • Monitor food cost performance, production forecasting, and inventory practices

  • Ensure strict compliance with HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards

  • Collaborate with Client and Sodexo leadership to align culinary operations with client goals

  • Utilize food management systems to monitor performance and drive efficiencies

  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement best practices

  • Support hiring, onboarding, and development of culinary talent across the enterprise.

What We Offer

Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
  • 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
  • Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
  • Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement

More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.

What You Bring
  • Proven experience as a Senior Level Executive Chef or culinary leader, preferably within a Campus environment
  • Multi-site or system-level culinary oversight experience preferred

  • Strong understanding of residential, retail, and catering dining standards

  • Demonstrated expertise in HACCP, regulatory compliance, and food safety standards

  • Experience managing food cost controls, production systems, and inventory oversight

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

  • Ability to analyze performance data and implement strategic improvements

  • Passion for delivering consistent, high-quality resident dining experiences

Who We Are

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.

Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you're happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.

Qualifications & Requirements

Minimum Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experienceMinimum Management Experience - 5 yearsMinimum Functional Experience - 3 years

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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