How You Can Become an Executive Chef

The Executive Chef, sometimes called Head Chef, plays a combined creative and managerial role in a culinary environment that most professional chefs only aspire to. And if you’re on the brink of jumping into a culinary arts program then you may be dreaming of the day that you can don the title of Exec Chef, the one in charge, the decision-maker, the leader of the kitchen brigade.

As glorious as the title of Executive Chef sounds, the job demands a complement of skills, educational experiences, and personal characteristics regardless of where you go to work.

Celebrity Executive Chefs

And now that we are in the era of celebrity chefs you’ll find more and more Executive Chefs that also own their own restaurants. These Chef/Owners often rise to local fame and a rare few to celebrity status. Wolfgang Puck, Emeril Lagasse, and Bobby Flay are pop icon chef/owners that have risen to celebrity status and earn many millions of dollars each year.

Executive Chef Job Description

Job descriptions vary widely, but some fundamentals must remain the same across universal job lines. In preparation for your eventual career goal as Executive Chef here are a few of the typical job requirements when you apply for a position in nearly and type of kitchen:

• Develop and plan menus and meal plans that fit the facility, restaurant, or kitchen needs and goals on a daily basis.
• Direct and supervise all kitchen operations and designated back of the house and front of the house staff.
• Train all related staff.
• Work well as part of a team and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Maintain a well-stocked inventory, and exercise wise cost control.
• Engage with peers, colleagues and patrons in a manner that invites interaction and feedback
• Assist with long-term plans as they relate to cuisine and overall culinary experience.
• Responsible for all food preparation and handling methods and final hygiene and sanitation of kitchen and related environments.

Education for an Exec Chef

The job of an Executive Chef is based on experience, creativity, and management ability. Many employers prefer some level of professional education—such as professional culinary arts or pastry school, restaurant management degree. Take a look at the general job description above. Use this when making a plan for your career. Expect to have at least a bare minimum of 3 years high quality chef experience under your belt before being considered for a job of this caliber. A natural professional step would be from sous chef to executive chef.

Top Executive Chef jobs go to pros with decades of culinary experience.

Where Executive Chefs Work

Almost anywhere you find a professional kitchen you’ll also find an Executive Chef.

• Large and small restaurants
• Resort and convention centers
• Hotel restaurants
• Spas
• Hospitals and medical centers
• Corporate kitchens
• White House

Executive Chef Salaries

A key part of an Executive Chef’s job is reputation and creative vision. Keep in mind that unless you rise to the level of local or national celebrity status your salary will likely remain well under six figures. A few variables come into play: type of kitchen/facility in which you’ll work, region/metro area, responsibilities, and your experience. Generally you’ll find executive chefs that make anywhere from $36,000 to $59,000.*

*source, Payscale.com