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If you’ve searched “executive chef job description,” chances are you’ve already skimmed a dozen articles—and most of them probably felt the same.
Dry bullet points. Copy-paste language. Zero personality.
They might list out the duties and requirements, but they don’t tell you how to actually attract a great executive chef. The kind of person who can lead a kitchen, inspire a team, and elevate your entire culinary operation.
And here’s the truth:
📉 Generic job descriptions don’t excite great candidates—they repel them.
If your post reads like a checklist, your dream hire is already clicking away to the next opportunity.
That’s why we created this guide.
You’ll not only get a job description template (two, actually)—you’ll also learn what separates a bland post from one that connects. One that doesn’t just fill the role, but brings in someone who leads with passion, precision, and purpose.
📌 Pro Tip: If you haven’t already, read our complete guide on full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent: Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ to see why traditional templates fail—and how to create one that truly converts.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache. WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
What Does an Executive Chef Actually Do?
An Executive Chef isn’t just someone who cooks—they’re the leader of your entire kitchen operation.
They set the tone, lead the team, design the menu, control costs, and make sure every plate reflects your brand’s quality. They’re part artist, part manager, and part problem-solver.
At a high level, an executive chef:
- Oversees the kitchen staff and daily operations
- Designs and updates the menu
- Manages food costs, ordering, and inventory
- Enforces health and safety standards
- Trains the team and ensures smooth service during peak hours
- Represents the kitchen in leadership meetings or with front-of-house staff
But here’s what the bullet points usually miss:
A great executive chef also leads by example. They set a culture of quality, urgency, and pride. They know when to delegate—and when to jump in and fix a problem without being asked.
This role is about more than recipes. It’s about ownership, leadership, and consistency under pressure.
Two Great Executive Chef Job Description Templates.
✅ Job Description Template – Version 1 (Experienced Executive Chef)
📌 Job Title: Executive Chef for Upscale Farm-to-Table Restaurant in Asheville, NC
💼 Full-Time | In-Person | $80,000–$95,000/year + Performance Bonus
📅 Schedule: Wed–Sun | Includes weekends and evening service
🎥 A quick word from our General Manager → (Insert Loom/YouTube video link)
🍽 Who We Are
At Willow & Grain, we’re a locally loved, upscale farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of Asheville. Our seasonal menu features organic produce, heritage meats, and locally sourced ingredients—all crafted with care and creativity.
We’re not just serving food—we’re telling a story with every plate. And now we’re looking for a culinary leader to help us write the next chapter.
🌿 What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll lead the back-of-house operations and manage a talented team of 10+ kitchen staff. Your responsibilities will include:
- Overseeing food prep, plating, and kitchen service during peak hours
- Designing seasonal menus and specials with a focus on local ingredients
- Managing inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships
- Enforcing food safety and sanitation standards
- Hiring, training, and mentoring BOH team members
- Managing food and labor costs in collaboration with ownership
🎯 What We’re Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in an executive or head chef role
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Deep understanding of seasonal and farm-to-table cooking
- Proven track record managing inventory, food costs, and staff scheduling
- Culinary degree preferred, but not required
💡 Why This Role Is Worth Your Time
At Willow & Grain, we don’t just want a chef—we want a partner. Someone who takes pride in their craft, values a strong team, and believes in creating memorable dining experiences.
You’ll have creative control of the menu, support from an owner-operated leadership team, and the chance to leave your culinary fingerprint on one of Asheville’s top-rated kitchens.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary + bonus
- Health insurance
- Paid time off (3 weeks annually)
- Ongoing professional development
- Employee dining discount
📥 How to Apply
We believe in a fair, respectful, and skill-based hiring process. That’s why we use WorkScreen.io to evaluate all applicants. It’s a quick, thoughtful way to showcase your strengths—no fluff, just real ability.
👉 Click here to apply via WorkScreen. We’ll review every application and get back to you within 10 business days.
✅ Job Description Template – Version 2 (Willing to Train / Promote Internally)
📌 Job Title: Executive Chef (We’ll Train the Right Kitchen Leader) – Community-Focused Restaurant in Cedar Rapids
💼 Full-Time | In-Person | $60,000–$70,000/year + Tips & Bonus Potential
📅 Schedule: Tue–Sat | 2PM–10PM
🎥 Meet our Owner & Executive Team → (Insert Loom/YouTube video link)
🍴 Who We Are
Harvest House is a cozy, community-centered restaurant that serves hearty meals made with love. We focus on comfort food done right—scratch-made, locally sourced, and served with pride.
We’ve built a loyal customer base and a tight-knit team—and now we’re looking for someone who’s ready to take the next big step: leading our kitchen as Executive Chef.
Experience in a formal executive role is not required—we’re willing to train the right person with a strong work ethic, leadership potential, and a genuine passion for great food.
🧠 What You’ll Be Doing
This role is perfect for a sous chef, lead line cook, or kitchen manager who’s ready to step up. You’ll:
- Manage day-to-day kitchen operations and staff
- Assist in menu planning, specials, and prep schedules
- Ensure quality, consistency, and portion control
- Help monitor inventory and place supply orders
- Train and support junior kitchen staff
- Lead service during dinner rushes and events
You’ll be paired with our current executive chef during the first 60 days for training and support.
🌟 Who We’re Looking For
- 2–3 years of kitchen leadership (sous chef, kitchen manager, etc.)
- Comfortable managing a team and setting the tone in the kitchen
- Eager to learn, take feedback, and grow into a full executive role
- Passionate about scratch cooking and seasonal ingredients
- Reliable, calm under pressure, and excited to lead
Formal education is a plus—but we hire for attitude and work ethic first.
💡 Why Join Us
We believe in building careers, not just filling roles. If you’re hungry to grow and ready to lead, we’ll support you every step of the way.
At Harvest House, your voice matters. Your ideas shape our menu. And your growth is our priority.
Benefits include:
- Paid training & mentorship
- Shift meals + family discount
- $1,500/year professional development stipend
- Health & dental insurance after 90 days
- Two weeks paid time off + 5 flex days
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to make sure great people like you don’t get overlooked. It’s a simple evaluation that helps us learn what you can do—not just where you’ve worked.
👉 Apply via WorkScreen here. We’ll review your application and respond within 7–10 days.
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
Why These Executive Chef Job Descriptions Work
Let’s break down why each job post attracts the right candidates—not just any candidates.
✅ 1. Clear, Specific Job Titles
Both templates go beyond just “Executive Chef.”
- Version 1: “Executive Chef for Upscale Farm-to-Table Restaurant in Asheville, NC”
- Version 2: “Executive Chef (We’ll Train the Right Kitchen Leader) – Community-Focused Restaurant in Cedar Rapids”
These aren’t generic—they’re tailored. They show:
- What kind of place it is
- Where it’s located
- Who it’s for
This immediately filters out unqualified applicants and speaks directly to the right ones.
✅ 2. Warm Introductions with Context
Instead of diving into responsibilities, each post starts with a relatable intro:
- What the restaurant is known for
- Why this role matters
- What kind of person would thrive there
This creates an emotional hook and positions the job as a mission, not just a role.
✅ 3. Transparent Salary & Perks
Both versions clearly list compensation:
- Base pay range
- Bonus or tip structures
- Insurance, PTO, discounts, and development stipends
This signals respect and builds trust—serious applicants want to know what’s on the table up front.
✅ 4. A Respectful, Modern Hiring Process
Using WorkScreen.io shows applicants:
- You respect their time
- You care about fairness
- You’re evaluating skills, not just resumes
Mentioning timelines and a commitment to reply helps candidates feel seen—and that alone sets you apart in a world full of ghosting.
✅ 5. Human Tone That Connects
The language in both versions feels real. No HR jargon. No robotic bullet points. Just clear, conversational writing that:
- Makes the reader feel welcome
- Reinforces your values
- Encourages the right kind of candidates to apply
Even small touches like “we’ll support you every step of the way” or “we’re telling a story with every plate” build a connection that sticks.
✅ 6. Culture and Growth Are Front and Center
You don’t just say “great culture”—you show it:
- Opportunities for mentorship and creativity
- Emphasis on team support
- Trust, ownership, and room to grow
This is especially important for chefs looking to join a team where they’re respected, not micromanaged.
A Bad Executive Chef Job Description (And Why It’s Costing You Great Candidates)
Let’s look at a real-world style post that completely misses the mark—and then break down exactly what’s wrong.
📄 Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Executive Chef
Company: Gourmet Kitchen Group
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Texas
Job Summary:
We are looking to hire an executive chef who will be responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, managing staff, ensuring food quality, and maintaining safety standards. The ideal candidate should have extensive culinary experience and strong leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supervise kitchen staff
- Maintain food safety and sanitation standards
- Design and update menus
- Manage food costs and ordering
- Ensure kitchen runs efficiently
Requirements:
- Culinary degree preferred
- 5 years of experience in a similar role
- Leadership and time management skills
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
How to Apply:
Send your CV and cover letter to hr@gourmetkitchen.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
🚫 Why This Job Post Doesn’t Work
Let’s break down where this post goes wrong:
❌ 1. The Job Title Is Vague and Uninspired
“Executive Chef” is technically accurate—but it tells us nothing about the setting, style, or location. Is it a fine-dining bistro? A resort kitchen? A corporate cafeteria? No context = no emotional pull.
❌ 2. The Introduction Is Cold and Generic
There’s no mission, no story, and no insight into the company or team. The intro feels like a legal form, not an invitation. It doesn’t answer: why should a great chef care?
❌ 3. No Mention of Salary or Benefits
Today’s candidates expect transparency. Omitting salary info signals red flags—and likely discourages qualified applicants from applying.
❌ 4. No Culture, No Personality
There’s no mention of what it’s like to work there. No team dynamics, no values, no description of the kitchen vibe. Culture is a huge deciding factor for chefs—and this post offers nothing.
❌ 5. Responsibilities Are Dry and Generic
These could be copied from any online template. There’s no indication of what makes this kitchen unique, how big the team is, or what the daily rhythm feels like.
❌ 6. The Application Process Feels Cold
“Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.” That’s outdated and discouraging. It makes candidates feel like they’re submitting into a void—not applying to a real opportunity.
❌ 7. No Visual or Personal Touch
No photos. No video. No links. In a creative, high-energy industry like food, this is a huge miss. People want to see who they’re working with—not just read dry text.
👉 Bottom line? This post doesn’t repel bad candidates—it repels good ones.
Great executive chefs aren’t looking for just any job. They want to join a place where their craft is valued, their leadership matters, and their ideas can shine.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Executive Chef Job Post Stand Out
Even with a strong structure and human tone, a few extra touches can elevate your job post from “pretty good” to “undeniably compelling.”
Here’s how to take it to the next level:
✅ 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Unfortunately, job scams are on the rise—and candidates are more cautious than ever.
A short note at the bottom of your post can ease fears and show you care about their safety.
Example:
“We care about your privacy and safety. We will never ask for payment, personal banking information, or any financial details during the hiring process.”
✅ 2. Mention Flex Days or Paid Time Off
Chefs are used to long, grueling hours—so offering any kind of rest or flexibility stands out.
Example:
“Enjoy up to 15 days off per year—including 5 flex days you can use however you need. We believe rest is essential to great work.”
✅ 3. Highlight Growth & Training Opportunities
Even experienced chefs want to grow. If you offer mentoring, creativity in menu design, or conference stipends—say it.
Example:
“We invest in leadership. Our executive chefs get an annual $1,500 training and development budget to stay sharp and inspired.”
✅ 4. Add a Loom or Video Message
Text can’t always convey personality. A quick video from the owner, general manager, or current head chef makes a big impression.
Why it works:
- Shows your leadership is approachable
- Humanizes the opportunity
- Helps candidates feel connected before they apply
Even a 90-second Loom recorded on your phone is better than nothing.
Example:
Before you apply, take 60 seconds to meet our CTO. Here’s what we’re building and why we’re excited about it.
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
These simple tweaks can elevate a “pretty good” job post into something memorable—and that’s what it takes to attract the best candidates in a noisy hiring market.
✅ 5. Include a Quote from a Team Member
Show candidates what it feels like to work in your kitchen. A quote from a sous chef or line cook adds authenticity.
Example:
“Working here feels like being part of a creative family. Everyone has a voice—and the chef actually listens.” — Maria, Sous Chef
Each of these details tells your future executive chef: we care about people—not just positions.
Should You Use AI to Write an Executive Chef Job Description?
Let’s be honest—AI tools like ChatGPT, Workable, and Manatal make it very easy to generate a job post in seconds.
But here’s the problem:
Fast doesn’t mean effective.
⚠️ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
If you just type:
“Write an executive chef job description”
You’ll probably get something like this:
- Dry bullet points
- Zero personality
- Vague, recycled duties that could apply to any restaurant
That might save you time—but it also costs you great candidates.
Here’s why:
- ❌ It’s generic. Good chefs want to feel like they’re joining something special. A bland job post won’t spark interest.
- ❌ It lacks your voice. Your values, culture, and team dynamic can’t be auto-generated.
- ❌ It reflects poorly on your brand. A lazy job post = a lazy kitchen (at least in the candidate’s mind).
✅ The Smart Way to Use AI
AI can be a great assistant—if you give it the right ingredients.
Think of it like a sous chef: it can prep, clean up, and refine—but you’re still the head chef.
Here’s how to prompt AI properly:
🧾 Start With This Prompt:
“Help me write a job post for our restaurant, The Grilled Olive. We’re hiring an Executive Chef to lead our upscale Mediterranean kitchen. The role includes managing staff, designing a seasonal menu, controlling food costs, and ensuring high-quality execution. Our culture is creative, collaborative, and guest-obsessed—we care deeply about consistency and plating perfection. We offer $80K–$95K/year, 3 weeks PTO, health insurance, and an annual training stipend. Our hiring process includes a skill-based evaluation through WorkScreen. Here’s a few notes I’ve written to get you started…”
Then paste in:
- A few internal notes or bullet points
- Menu highlights or specialties
- What makes your team or kitchen different
Let AI help you refine—not replace—your thinking.
By using AI this way, you still save time—but you keep the heart.
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you find the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Need a Quick Copy-Paste Executive Chef Job Description?
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description Template (Culture-First Style)
📌 Job Title: Executive Chef for [Company Name] in [Enter Location]
💼 Full-Time | On-Site | $XX–$XX + Bonus
**📅 Wed–Sun | Dinner Service + Weekend Brunch
🎥 A Quick Hello from Our Owner → (insert Loom link)
Who We Are
We’re [Company Name]—a lively, ingredient-obsessed coastal kitchen in [Enter Location] historic district. We serve seasonal seafood dishes with global twists and Southern soul.
We’re on the hunt for a kitchen leader who’s creative, calm under pressure, and passionate about building a great team and great plates.
What You’ll Do
- Run kitchen operations with consistency and care
- Lead, mentor, and grow our back-of-house staff
- Build and rotate seasonal menus with our GM
- Own inventory, cost controls, and food safety
- Be a coach, not a critic—lead from the front, not the office
What You’ll Need
- 3+ years as an executive or sous chef
- Strong communication and leadership presence
- Love for seasonal, high-integrity ingredients
- Bonus: Experience with seafood or Southern cuisine
Why Join Tidehouse?
- We offer creative freedom, leadership trust, and a chef-first culture
- Full medical benefits
- 3 weeks PTO
- Annual $1,000 professional growth stipend
- Shift meals + team discounts
- A kitchen that runs on trust, not yelling
How to Apply
We use WorkScreen.io to evaluate real skills—not just resumes.
👉 Click here to apply now and complete a short, chef-friendly evaluation.
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Traditional Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: Executive Chef
Location: [Enter Location]
Salary: $XX–$XX/year + bonus
Employment Type: Full-Time
Schedule: [Enter Schedule]
Job Summary
Tidehouse is seeking a highly motivated Executive Chef to lead our kitchen team. This role requires strong leadership, a passion for seasonal cuisine, and the ability to manage all back-of-house operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee food prep and service during lunch/dinner
- Design seasonal menus and manage specials
- Monitor and control food costs and inventory
- Enforce health and safety compliance
- Train and manage a kitchen team of 10+ staff
- Collaborate with front-of-house for smooth service
Requirements
- Minimum 3 years in a head or executive chef role
- Strong leadership and time-management skills
- Experience managing inventory, food safety, and staffing
- Culinary degree preferred but not required
- Must be available evenings and weekends
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Paid time off (15 days/year)
- Bonus based on kitchen performance
- Shift meals + employee discount
- Career development support
How to Apply
Tidehouse uses WorkScreen.io to ensure fair, skill-based hiring.
👉 Apply here: [Insert WorkScreen link]
Let WorkScreen Do the Heavy Lifting
You’ve now got a job post that’s actually worth reading—something that reflects your culture, sets clear expectations, and speaks to real humans.
But writing the post is just step one.
The next challenge? Figuring out who’s actually a fit.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
🛠 WorkScreen helps you:
✅ Quickly spot your best candidates
As applications roll in, WorkScreen automatically evaluates and ranks candidates based on actual performance—not just resumes or cover letters.
You’ll get a live leaderboard showing who’s most likely to succeed in your kitchen, based on the criteria that matter.
✅ Test real skills, not buzzwords
You can assign short, role-specific skill evaluations with just one click. For an executive chef, that might mean scenario-based decisions, costing exercises, or team management simulations.
This helps you see how they think, not just what they say.
✅ Filter out low-effort applicants
WorkScreen filters out candidates who:
- Copy-paste answers from ChatGPT
- Apply to every job with the same resume
- Show zero understanding of your role or culture
You’ll stop wasting time on people who aren’t serious—and focus on those who are.
🎯 Bottom line: WorkScreen gives you real insight, saves you hours, and helps you avoid costly hiring mistakes—before they happen.
👉 Sign up at WorkScreen.io to create a smart job post and start evaluating your next chef the right way.
FAQ
In many kitchens, these terms are used interchangeably—but there’s a subtle difference.
- A head chef often focuses on day-to-day kitchen operations: managing staff, overseeing service, and maintaining quality.
- An executive chef typically carries more responsibility: menu planning, budgeting, cost control, vendor management, and leadership across departments.
In smaller restaurants, one person may do both. In larger operations, the executive chef may supervise multiple head chefs or sous chefs.
A great executive chef needs more than cooking talent. Look for someone with:
- Leadership and team management
- Menu development and food costing
- Strong communication under pressure
- Inventory and vendor management
- Creativity and consistency
- Passion for mentoring others
- Commitment to health and safety standards
Soft skills—like emotional intelligence, calmness, and adaptability—are often the difference between a good chef and a great one.
An executive chef leads the kitchen. A general manager (GM) oversees the entire restaurant, including front-of-house operations, staffing, marketing, and finances.
They often work closely together—especially in independent restaurants—but the chef focuses on food and back-of-house, while the GM handles overall business operations.
Executive chef salaries vary widely based on location, restaurant type, and experience level.
Here’s a general range:
- Small local restaurants: $55,000–$75,000/year
- Upscale or fine dining: $80,000–$100,000/year
- Luxury hotels or resorts: $100,000–$130,000/year+
Bonuses, tips, and profit-sharing can also impact compensation.
