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If you’ve Googled “Chef de Cuisine job description,” you’ve probably seen dozens of articles that all look the same: a bland list of bullet points about cooking, kitchen management, and staff supervision. The problem? They don’t actually help you attract a truly exceptional chef—they just give you generic filler content.
A great Chef de Cuisine job post should do more than list duties. It should capture the artistry, leadership, and vision that the role demands. After all, you’re not just hiring someone to cook—you’re hiring the person who will set the tone, inspire the kitchen, and create experiences your guests will never forget.
Before we dive into templates and examples, I recommend reading our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ . In it, we break down why generic posts fail to convert quality applicants—and how to make yours stand out so the top culinary talent actually wants to apply.
Smart Hiring Starts Here
WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
What A Chef De Cuisine Actually Does
A Chef de Cuisine—sometimes called an Executive Chef—is the creative and operational leader of a professional kitchen. They’re the person who sets the culinary vision, designs menus, and ensures every plate that leaves the pass meets the highest standards of taste and presentation.
But it’s not just about cooking. A great Chef de Cuisine is also a strategist and mentor. They manage the kitchen team, control costs, source quality ingredients, and make sure the kitchen runs like clockwork during service. They balance artistry with business sense, and tradition with innovation.
In other words, this role blends chef, leader, and business operator. If your restaurant’s front-of-house is the heart of guest experience, the Chef de Cuisine is the heartbeat of the kitchen—driving both consistency and creativity.
Two Great Chef De Cuisine Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
Version 1 — Job Description For Experienced Chef de Cuisine
📌 Job Title: Chef de Cuisine — Atelier Liora (San Francisco, CA)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: $7,500 – $10,000/month + performance bonus + equity options
📍 Location: San Francisco, CA
🕒 Schedule: 5 days/week (evenings & weekends required)
🎥 A quick word from our Executive Chef — How we design seasonal tasting menus & lead service
(Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are — Atelier Liora (Fictional Company)
Atelier Liora is a 48-seat, seasonally driven tasting-menu restaurant in SoMa, blending Northern California produce with Japanese precision and French technique. Our eight-course menu changes every six weeks, built around relationships with small farms, foragers on the Mendocino coast, and Bay Area fisheries. We run tight services (two seatings/night), obsess over consistency, and care deeply about mentorship and craft.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Own the pass and lead all kitchen operations from prep to last fire.
- Drive menu R&D, tastings, and seasonal rollouts; maintain recipe costing and specs.
- Coach, train, and performance-manage a brigade of 12 (AM/PM).
- Manage food cost (target ≤ 28%), vendor relationships, and daily ordering.
- Uphold HACCP/ServSafe standards, allergen protocols, and sanitation.
- Partner with FOH leadership on coursing, wine pairings, and guest experience.
What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years in senior kitchen leadership (CDC or Executive Sous in fine dining).
- Track record of menu innovation and cost control.
- Calm, precise leadership under pressure; clear communicator and teacher.
- Deep product knowledge (seasonality, butchery, fish fabrication, fermentation a plus).
- ServSafe Manager (or equivalent) and familiarity with HACCP.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision (employer-subsidized) after 60 days
- Two weeks paid vacation + 5 personal days + staff meal each shift
- Monthly R&D stipend for books, courses, or stages
- Family meal program for dependents once per week
- Commuter benefits + industry dining discounts
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You want creative control and the support to execute at a high level.
- You thrive in small, elite teams where standards are non-negotiable.
- You’re excited by a kitchen that documents, measures, and mentors.
- You care about farmers’ names on the menu and guests remembering the meal years later.
Our Hiring Process
We review every application. Shortlisted candidates complete a WorkScreen leadership + costing exercise, followed by an onsite tasting (paid) and team interview. You’ll hear from us within 10–14 days at each step.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]
You’ll complete a short evaluation covering menu costing, station charts, and a service problem-solve scenario.
Version 2 — Job Description For Willing-to-Train / Passion-First Chef de Cuisine
📌 Job Title: Chef de Cuisine (Grow into Leadership) — Copper Finch Bistro (Portland, ME)
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary: $4,800 – $6,200/month + tips share + benefits
📍 Location: Portland, ME
🕒 Schedule: 5 days/week (mix of brunch/dinner; some weekends)
🎥 A quick word from our Owner — Our neighborhood ethos & why we promote from within
(Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are — Copper Finch Bistro (Fictional Company)
Copper Finch is a lively, 70-seat neighborhood bistro two blocks from the Old Port, celebrating coastal Maine produce with wood-fired plates, house-made pastas, and a killer brunch. We’re community-first: growers drop by the back door, regulars know our line cooks by name, and we host monthly “Farm Nights.” We’re building a kitchen where ambitious cooks become confident leaders.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Start by co-leading stations and assisting with menu development.
- Learn ordering, inventory, and weekly cost targets with mentorship.
- Standardize recipes, prep lists, and station guides; enforce sanitation.
- Collaborate with FOH on specials, pacing, and guest feedback.
- Step up to run service and lead the team as you ramp.
What We’re Looking For
- Culinary school or 2+ years line experience (any cuisine) and strong fundamentals.
- Curiosity, humility, and a builder mindset; reliable and solutions-oriented.
- Alignment with our neighborhood, guest-first values.
- Ready to grow into full CDC responsibility within ~12–18 months.
Perks & Benefits
- Health, dental, vision after 60 days + staff meal every shift
- Paid time off (10 days) + closed Thanksgiving/Christmas
- Tuition/Certification reimbursement (e.g., ServSafe Manager)
- Monthly development sessions (butchery, sauce work, plating labs)
- Tip share on brunch services + quarterly profit-sharing bonus
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You want a clear runway to leadership, not a ceiling.
- You learn fast and love translating feedback into better systems.
- You care about local sourcing, hospitality, and being part of a tight-knit team.
- You’re excited to put your stamp on a menu guests come back for.
Our Hiring Process
We reply to every applicant within 7–10 days. Selected candidates do a paid stage (4–6 hours), then a WorkScreen evaluation focused on creativity and problem-solving, followed by a conversation with our owner and Exec Chef.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen Application Link]
We assess potential, craft, and leadership—not just résumés.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Chef de Cuisine Job Posts Work
1. The Job Titles Are Clear, Specific, and Purpose-Driven
Instead of a generic “Chef de Cuisine,” both titles include company name, cuisine style, and location.
- Example: “Chef de Cuisine — Atelier Liora (San Francisco, CA)” immediately signals the level, style, and setting.
This weeds out unqualified applicants and attracts candidates who actually want this
2. Video Element Creates Connection
Both posts include a Loom/YouTube video from leadership before the “Who We Are” section.
- This personalizes the post, gives candidates a sense of the people they’d work with, and builds trust.
- Few restaurants do this—making it a differentiator.
3. Warm, Story-Led ‘Who We Are’ Sections
The company intros go beyond “We’re a restaurant that does X.” They describe:
- Menu philosophy
- Ingredient sourcing
- Service style and values
- Atmosphere and guest experience
This gives chefs a feel for the restaurant’s personality and whether they’d fit culturally.
4. Responsibilities Show Impact, Not Just Tasks
Instead of a bullet list like “Manage kitchen,” the responsibilities tie actions to outcomes.
- Example: “Drive menu R&D, tastings, and seasonal rollouts” paints a picture of creative ownership.
This attracts applicants who want to lead and innovate—not just maintain.
5. Transparent Pay and Benefits
Both posts state salary ranges upfront, along with perks like health coverage, vacation days, profit-sharing, and development stipends.
- Transparency builds trust and filters for candidates whose expectations match your offer.
6. Perks & Benefits Are Separated From Cultural Pitch
The Perks & Benefits section is about tangible compensation.
The Why This Role Is a Great Fit section is about emotional fit—culture, career growth, and personal alignment.
This separation makes both messages clearer and more persuasive.
7. Respectful, Transparent Hiring Process
The posts explain:
- Every application is reviewed
- Candidates will hear back within a set time frame
- What the interview/stage process looks like
This signals respect for candidates’ time—something hospitality professionals value highly.
8. WorkScreen Integration Shows Modern, Fair Hiring
By clearly explaining that applicants go through WorkScreen evaluations, you:
- Show commitment to skills-based hiring over résumé-only decisions.
- Signal that you value fairness, creativity, and problem-solving.
- Discourage low-effort or AI-generated applications.
9. Human Tone Without Losing Professionalism
Phrases like “care about farmers’ names on the menu” or “regulars know our line cooks by name” create warmth and relatability, while still making it clear that standards are high.
Bad Chef de Cuisine Job Post Example (And Why It Fails)
📌 Job Title: Chef de Cuisine
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
📍 Location: Boston, MA
Job Summary
We are seeking a Chef de Cuisine to manage the kitchen and oversee daily operations. The Chef de Cuisine will be responsible for menu planning, supervising staff, and ensuring quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage kitchen operations
- Plan and execute menus
- Supervise kitchen staff
- Ensure cleanliness and compliance with food safety regulations
Requirements
- Culinary degree or equivalent experience
- 3–5 years in a similar role
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
How to Apply
Send your résumé and cover letter to hr@restaurantco.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Short
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
Simply “Chef de Cuisine” tells nothing about the restaurant’s cuisine, culture, or uniqueness. A candidate can’t tell if it’s fine dining, casual, farm-to-table, or hotel banqueting.
2. Cold, Generic Introduction
The intro reads like a placeholder—it doesn’t inspire or connect. There’s no mention of the restaurant’s vision, style, or guest experience.
3. No Salary or Benefits Mentioned
Leaving this out signals a lack of transparency and can turn away serious candidates who expect to know what’s on offer.
4. Vague Responsibilities
“Manage kitchen operations” could mean anything from a 20-seat bistro to a 500-cover hotel kitchen. The tasks listed are too broad and don’t show the impact or creative scope of the role.
5. No Culture or Values
There’s no insight into team dynamics, leadership style, or what makes working here rewarding beyond the paycheck.
6. Cold, Dismissive Application Process
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels impersonal and transactional, which is a turn-off in a talent-short industry.
7. Zero Personality
This could be a job ad for any restaurant anywhere—it’s completely forgettable. There’s nothing that would make a talented chef say, “I have to work here.”
Bonus Tips to Make Your Chef de Cuisine Job Post Stand Out
Even if your job post already covers responsibilities, skills, and perks, these extra touches can instantly make it more appealing and trustworthy to top culinary talent.
1. Add an IMPORTANT NOTICE for Applicant Security
Chefs—especially those in high-demand markets—are often targeted by scam job listings. Adding a short security statement builds trust and shows you care about their privacy.
💬 Example:
IMPORTANT NOTICE: We take the security and privacy of all job applicants seriously. We will never ask for payment, bank details, or personal financial information during any part of the hiring process.
2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Kitchen work is intense, and time off is a big selling point. Be upfront about it.
💬 Example:
“Enjoy up to 14 days of paid vacation annually, plus 5 personal days so you can recharge and come back inspired.”
3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
The best chefs want to grow their skills, travel, or experiment with new cuisines. Position your restaurant as a place where they can evolve.
💬 Example:
“We invest in your craft. From wine-pairing training to guest chef collaborations and culinary competitions, you’ll have opportunities to expand your expertise.”
4. Add a Loom or YouTube Video From Leadership
You’ve already seen this in the “good” examples—but it’s worth repeating because so few restaurants do it. A short video from the owner or current Exec Chef can be the difference between a passive reader and an inspired applicant.
💬 Ideas for your video:
- Tour of the kitchen and plating area
- A peek at menu R&D
- Why the role matters to the team and the guest experience
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
5. Show Career Path Transparency
Top candidates want to know what’s next after this role. If there’s a path to corporate culinary leadership, equity partnership, or creative control over multiple locations, say it clearly.
💬 Example:
“Our last three Chef de Cuisines went on to open their own restaurants or lead multi-venue operations—this role is a launchpad.”
Should You Use AI to Write a Chef de Cuisine Job Post?
Lately, it feels like everyone is using AI to crank out job descriptions in seconds. Even some hiring platforms now offer “one-click” job post generators. But when you’re hiring for a high-impact, creative leadership role like a Chef de Cuisine, blindly relying on AI can do more harm than good.
Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- Generic Output: Without the right input, AI will spit out the same vague, copy-paste kitchen duties you’ve seen a thousand times.
- Missed Personality: AI doesn’t know your restaurant’s vibe, culture, or menu philosophy unless you tell it.
- Attracts the Wrong Candidates: A bland post brings in “apply-to-everything” applicants, not the culinary leaders who care about fit.
- Hurts Your Brand: For many candidates, this job post is their first taste of your restaurant’s personality. A generic ad sends the wrong message.
The Right Way to Use AI
AI can still be a great assistant if you give it the right ingredients.
Here’s how to prompt it for a Chef de Cuisine role:
- Feed It Real Details
- Your restaurant’s name, concept, and style (e.g., seasonal tasting menu, wood-fired bistro)
- Menu philosophy and sourcing approach
- Team size and structure
- What makes your culture unique
- Salary range, perks, and benefits
- The qualities you value in a kitchen leader
- Your restaurant’s name, concept, and style (e.g., seasonal tasting menu, wood-fired bistro)
- Be Clear About Tone
- Specify if you want it formal, conversational, or culture-first.
- Specify if you want it formal, conversational, or culture-first.
- Provide Raw Notes
- A quick bullet list of responsibilities, values, and must-have skills.
- A quick bullet list of responsibilities, values, and must-have skills.
- Reference a Model Post
- Link an example you like (such as the “good” job posts in this article) so AI understands the structure you want.
- Link an example you like (such as the “good” job posts in this article) so AI understands the structure you want.
💬 Example Prompt:
“Write me a Chef de Cuisine job post for Atelier Liora in San Francisco. We’re a 48-seat fine dining restaurant blending Northern California produce with Japanese and French techniques. The CDC will lead a 12-person brigade, design seasonal tasting menus, and manage a 28% food cost target. Our culture is collaborative, precise, and mentorship-driven. Use a warm but professional tone, include salary range ($7,500–$10,000/month), health benefits, and a transparent hiring process. Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [Paste notes]. Structure it like the good example in [link].”
Bottom line: AI should polish your post—not create it from scratch without your input. Think of it like a sous chef: great for prep, but you still need to plate the final dish.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
Copy-Paste Chef de Cuisine Job Description Templates
We get it—sometimes you need to post quickly. Maybe you’ve read this guide, understand what makes a strong job description, but still want a solid foundation you can copy, paste, and customize in minutes.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Culture-First Conversational Style
📌 Job Title: Chef de Cuisine — [Company Name] ([City, State])
💼 Employment Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary: [Salary Range] + [Bonus/Profit Share/Equity/None]
📍 Location: [City, State]
🕒 Schedule: [Schedule/Days/Shift Details]
🎥 A quick word from our [Executive Chef/Owner/Hiring Manager] — [Topic: e.g., “How we design seasonal menus & lead service”]
[Insert Loom/YouTube Link]
Who We Are
[Company Name] is a [seat count]-seat [restaurant style: e.g., tasting-menu/farm-to-table/bistro] in [neighborhood/area], known for [cuisine focus/signature dishes] and a [service style: e.g., two seatings/night, chef’s counter] experience. We source from [local farms/fisheries/foragers], change menus [cadence: e.g., every 6–8 weeks], and run a kitchen built on [values: craft, precision, mentorship, hospitality].
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead all kitchen operations from prep to the final plate at the pass.
- Own menu R&D, tastings, and seasonal rollouts; maintain recipe specs & costing.
- Train, mentor, and performance-manage a team of [team size].
- Manage ordering, vendor relationships, and hit food cost targets of [target %].
- Uphold HACCP/ServSafe standards and allergen protocols.
- Partner with FOH on coursing, pacing, and guest experience.
What We’re Looking For
- [X]+ years in senior kitchen leadership ([CDC/Exec Sous/Exec Chef]) in [style: fine dining/brasserie/hotel].
- Demonstrated creativity with disciplined cost control.
- Calm, clear leadership under pressure; strong communication & coaching.
- Product knowledge in [butchery/fish fabrication/fermentation/bread/pastry] is a plus.
- [ServSafe Manager/HACCP] certification (or willingness to obtain).
Perks & Benefits
- [Health/Dental/Vision] after [X] days
- [Vacation days] + [Personal days] + staff meal each shift
- [Monthly R&D stipend/education budget/stages]
- [Commuter benefits/dining discounts/parent benefits]
- [Profit share/bonus eligibility]
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You want creative control and the systems to execute at a high level. You thrive in a tight, high-standards kitchen where mentorship, documentation, and consistency matter—and you care about sourcing stories that guests remember.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [WorkScreen Application Link]
Shortlisted candidates will complete a [leadership/menu costing/service scenario] evaluation, followed by a [paid stage/tasting] and team conversation. You’ll hear from us within [timeline] at each step.
✅ Option 2: Structured “Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements” Format
Job Title: Chef de Cuisine — [Company Name] ([City, State])
Location: [City, State]
Employment Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
Salary: [Salary Range] + [Bonus/Tip Share/Profit Share] + [Benefits]
Schedule: [Days/Shift Details/Weekend Expectations]
Job Brief
[Company Name] is a [seat count]-seat [concept/style] in [neighborhood/area] known for [cuisine/signature items]. We’re seeking a Chef de Cuisine to [lead kitchen ops/elevate menus/standardize systems] and deliver consistently excellent service.
Responsibilities
- Lead kitchen operations and service execution.
- Design and cost seasonal menus and specials.
- Train, schedule, and develop kitchen staff.
- Oversee ordering, inventory, and [target food cost %].
- Ensure compliance with [HACCP/ServSafe/local]
Requirements
- [Culinary school or X+ years] in kitchen leadership.
- Proven organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Creativity with a guest-first mindset.
- Ability to thrive in [service volume/style].
- [ServSafe/HACCP] certification (or willingness to obtain).
Perks & Benefits
- [Health/Dental/Vision] after [X] days
- [PTO amount] + [Holiday closures/flex days]
- [Tuition/certification reimbursement/education stipend]
- [Monthly development sessions/workshops]
- [Tip share/profit-sharing/bonus]
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [WorkScreen Application Link]
We assess skills and leadership potential—not just résumés.
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step in Your Chef de Cuisine Hiring
Creating a strong Chef de Cuisine job post is just the first step. Once applications start coming in, the real challenge is identifying who can actually lead your kitchen—without spending hours sorting through résumés or interviewing the wrong candidates.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, You Can:
- Quickly identify your most promising candidates
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Assess real-world ability with one-click skill tests
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Eliminate low-effort or misaligned applicants
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
- Save hours and make data-driven decisions
No more guessing. You’ll have measurable insights that help you hire with confidence and avoid costly hiring mistakes.
💬 Bottom line:
Your next Chef de Cuisine should be someone who not only fits your culture but can also execute your culinary vision at a high level. WorkScreen helps you find that person faster.
create your Chef de Cuisine job post, and let our platform handle the evaluation so you can focus on running your kitchen.
Chef de Cuisine Job Description — Frequently Asked Questions
Beyond culinary mastery, a great Chef de Cuisine blends creativity with operational discipline. Look for:
- Leadership & Team Management: Ability to mentor, inspire, and maintain morale in a high-pressure kitchen.
- Menu Development: Skill in creating seasonal, cost-effective, and brand-aligned dishes.
- Cost Control & Budgeting: Understanding of food cost targets, waste reduction, and vendor negotiations.
- Organizational Skills: Strong prep planning, service pacing, and station management.
- Communication: Clear, concise, and collaborative with both back-of-house and front-of-house teams.
The salary depends on location, restaurant size, and cuisine type, but typically ranges from $55,000 to $90,000 annually in the U.S., with fine dining establishments in major cities often paying $80,000–$100,000+. Some roles also include performance bonuses, profit sharing, or equity incentives.
In many restaurants, the terms are interchangeable. However, in classical French brigade systems, the Chef de Cuisine is the head of the kitchen, while the Executive Chef title can sometimes be used for a more administrative-focused leader overseeing multiple venues or broader operations.
Request a sample menu design or a “mystery basket” cooking test. You can also have them walk you through how they would design a seasonal menu within a specific budget and sourcing limitations.
