Executive Chef
On this page
- What's it like to be an Executive Chef?
- How to become an Executive Chef
- Latest Executive Chef jobs
- Top skills and experience for Executive Chefs
What's it like to be an Executive Chef?
The Executive Chef is the head of the entire kitchen operation in a restaurant. They are responsible for managing inventory, budgeting, menu planning, training, plating, and all kitchen staff. The Executive Chef ensures that food quality is of a high standard and that service runs efficiently and smoothly. They are the highest level of management in the kitchen and are ultimately responsible for its success or failure.
Tasks and duties
- Managing the overall kitchen operation of a restaurant.
- Developing and planning menus based on the restaurant's concept and target customers.
- Ordering inventory and purchasing supplies and ingredients.
- Ensuring food quality and presentation are up to the restaurant's standards.
- Training and supervising kitchen staff, including sous chefs, line cooks, and dishwashers.
- Keeping compliance with health and safety regulations and food handling procedures.
- Developing and enforcing kitchen policies and protocols.
- Managing kitchen budget and expenses.
- Collaborating with restaurant management to create and implement marketing strategies.
- Keeping up with industry trends and incorporating new ideas and techniques into the menu and kitchen operation.
How to become an Executive Chef
To work as an Executive Chef you are usually required to undertake formal culinary training.
Complete a degree in culinary arts or a hospitality-related program.
Seek an apprenticeship in a kitchen and be mentored by a Chef. The role will help you learn cooking skills, purchasing ingredients, menu planning, and restaurant management.
Work as a Line Cook to further your career and explore other kitchen roles necessary to build your restaurant experience.
To add more to your knowledge and expertise, consider certifications such as Certified Executive Chef (CEC), Certified Culinary Administrator (CCA), or Certified Food Manager (CFM).
Build leadership skills as a Sous Chef to become an Executive Chef.
