Executive Chef Jobs in California
An Executive Chef, also known as Head Chef or Master Chef, holds a pivotal role in the culinary industry. They supervise every facet of the kitchen, including menu planning, quality control, staff management, and inventory. They are responsible for ensuring that the kitchen runs efficiently, the food is delicious, and the staff adheres to health and safety regulations. An Executive Chef may also liaise with suppliers, manage the kitchen budget, and create unique dishes. Furthermore, they often have a hand in marketing and business decisions related to the restaurant or establishment.
Aspiring Executive Chefs must possess a range of skills including creativity, leadership, time management, an understanding of culinary techniques, and a deep knowledge of ingredients. A degree from a culinary school is beneficial, as is certification such as Certified Executive Chef (CEC) from the American Culinary Federation (ACF). Prior to becoming an Executive Chef, a person may work in roles such as a Line Cook, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager. These roles provide the necessary hands-on experience and insight into kitchen operations, food preparation, and staff supervision, which are vital for an Executive Chef role.

As Executive Chef at Gardenia Los Gatos, you will lead our cuisine team to provide excellent creative cuisine with the warmest hospitality....
The Executive Chef must help the General Manager supervise and carry out day-to-day operations in the unit....
We are currently seeking a qualified candidate to lead our Bodega Bay kitchen team to the next level. Up to $35/hour PLUS gratuities. Please reply ti this listing with your resume and contact...
EXECUTIVE CHEF - Pipeline / New Business - San Fr
- San Francisco, CA
- 9 hours ago
- San Francisco, CA
- 9 hours ago
Job Summary Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff....
The Executive Chef will showcase culinary talents through the delivery of show quality food through personal involvement in task performance while developing and empowering the onsite staff....
Chef de Cuisine - City Cruises - San Francisco / Berkeley
- Berkeley, CA
- 16 hours ago
- Berkeley, CA
- 16 hours ago
Salary Range: $80,000 - $84,000 Annually City Experiences is seeking a Chef de Cuisine for our operation in San Francisco and Berkeley. About You: This person will be adaptable, dynamic, and...
Executive Chef - City Cruises - San Francisco / Berkeley
- Berkeley, CA
- 16 hours ago
- Berkeley, CA
- 16 hours ago
Salary Range: $100,000 - $110,000 Annually City Experiences is seeking a Executive Chef for our operation in San Francisco and Berkeley....
Job Summary Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff....
As our Executive Chef, you will be the senior culinary leader on campus, overseeing all aspects of residential dining, retail operations, and catering services....
Required Years of Experience 4 years Job Details Job Title: Executive Chef, Chinese Omakase Department: Back of House Reports to: Corporate Executive Chef Salary: $80-95K annually, discretionary bonus...
Executive Chef - City Cruises - San Francisco / Berkeley
- San Francisco, CA
- 1 day ago
- San Francisco, CA
- 1 day ago
Salary Range: $100,000 - $110,000 Annually City Experiences is seeking a Executive Chef for our operation in San Francisco and Berkeley....
Chef de Cuisine - City Cruises - San Francisco / Berkeley
- San Francisco, CA
- 1 day ago
- San Francisco, CA
- 1 day ago
Salary Range: $80,000 - $84,000 Annually City Experiences is seeking a Chef de Cuisine for our operation in San Francisco and Berkeley. About You: This person will be adaptable, dynamic, and...
Position: Executive Chef 45-50hr per week Location: Pasadena Area Start Date: Flexible Requirements: Minimum five years of experience as an Executive Chef....
Job Type Full-time Description The Pacific Club 4110 MacArthur Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92660 www.pacificclub.org FOOD AND BEVERAGE DIRECTOR The Pacific Club, a premier city club located in...
The Executive Chef works well under pressure, is organized, flexible, self-motivated and is willing to work long hours....
Demographic Data for California
Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.
Executive Chef Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job titles
Salary for Executive Chef Jobs in California
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Executive Chef positions.
Highest Education Level
Executive Chefs in California offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Executive Chef position
- Menu Planning
- Seasonal Menus
- Food Cost Management
- a la carte
- Kitchen Management
- Degree in Culinary Arts
- Food Quality
- Batch Cooking
- Back of House
- Recipe Development
- Menu Writing
- Culinary Management
- Menu Engineering
- Banquet Catering
- Front of House
- Menu Development
- Food Inventory
- Food Preparation
- Labor Cost Management
- Food Handling
- Food Plating
- Catering
- Food Service Management
- Culinary Arts
- Sanitation
- Food and Beverage Management
- Food Safety
- Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point
- Nutrition
- Cooking
- Staff Development
- Cost Management
- Ordering
- Purchasing
- Initiative
- Presentation
- Events
- Mentoring
- Employee Development
- Coaching
- Inventory Management
- Regulations
- Budgets
- Policy Development
- Problem Solving
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Excel
- Staff Supervision
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Executive Chef Related Career Advice Articles

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What Makes a Good Chef?
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