How to Become an Executive Chef
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Executive Chef
What does an Executive Chef do?
AN Executive Chef directs and oversees kitchen operations, including menu development, purchasing, inventory, cost control and sanitation. Creates and updates menus that will appeal to customers, utilize seasonal ingredients, and maximize profits. Being an Executive Chef develops and tests new recipes. Solicits and studies customer feedback to maintain high standards of quality and satisfaction. Additionally, Executive Chef troubleshoots and resolves operational issues. Complies with all safety and food sanitation laws and regulations. Supervises, trains, and mentors staff. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in culinary arts or equivalent. Typically reports to top management. The Executive Chef typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. To be an Executive Chef typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
An executive chef, also called the chef de cuisine or head cook, runs the kitchen in a restaurant, country club, hotel or cruise ship.
An executive chef, also called the chef de cuisine or head cook, runs the kitchen in a restaurant, country club, hotel or cruise ship.
The duties of an executive chef include training staff, maintaining quality, assigning tasks, ordering supplies and planning meals.
The duties of an executive chef include training staff, maintaining quality, assigning tasks, ordering supplies and planning meals.
Typically, an executive chef's day begins with menu planning.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become an Executive Chef
Best tips for those who want to become an Executive Chef
Here are some tips to become an Executive Chef.
Learn how to effectively motivate and challenge people to give their best, since you will be in charge of hiring and supervising the entire kitchen staff. Your particular personality will draw or repel people to work for you.
“It’s about who you are in the process,”.
Become a good shopper – be aware of how to get the very best and freshest ingredients for your money. As exec chef, you will buy the equipment, food and supplies that your crew will use to prepare all the meals for the customers.
Move things around and play with indirect heat.
Develop the skill to plan appealing and tasty menus.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Executive Chef
Best colleges and universities for Executive Chef
- Calvin University
- Colby-Sawyer College
- Augustana University
- University of South Carolina--Upstate
- New York University
- CUNY--Queens College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an Executive Chef
Is being an Executive Chef Worth it?
Executive Chef Masanori Tomikawa manages two Japanese restaurants, which are located under the roof of Hotel Okura Amsterdam, Yamazato Restaurant and Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka.
In short, whether you are a frequent visitor of the Front Porch or you’ve never been, you will be thrilled by Chef Jason and his original, farm-fresh, southern-inspired menu.
You have not appointed directly as an Executive Chef of Yamazato Restaurant, your success is the result of many years of work and experience.
Chef Massi alongside F&B Director Matt Salcedo now oversees the operations of the hotel's five dining outlets namely, Food Exchange Manila, Gourmet Bar by Novotel, Sabor Bar de Vinos, Indulge Gelato, and the 6th Pool Bar and Lounge, plus all events and meetings banquet requirements.
The first years were hard, as the Japanese chefs found a food culture that was rather different than they had been accustomed to.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an Executive Chef
What skills do you need to be an Executive Chef?
Management is no easy task, and as such, the skill requirements for these types of roles vary greatly. Chief skills for this role are: Food Inventory Maintenance, Food Inventory Recordkeeping, Food Prep Tools and Equipment, Food Preparation, Food Quality Inspection, Food Safety Procedures, Operations Management, Kitchen Operations, Menu Development. Expertise in these areas will help you land this, or a similar role.
We ranked the top skills based on the percentage of Executive Chef resumes they appeared on.
A passionate ACF certified Executive Chef with 8 years of culinary experience seeks the opportunity to join GMA Resorts International as Director of Kitchens-Executive Chef.
Let's find out what skills a Executive Chef actually needs in order to be successful in the workplace.
Your Executive Chef skills list shouldn’t be all about cooking.
It takes more than just culinary experience and expertise to become an in-demand chef.
Step 6: View average salary for Executive Chef
How much does an Executive Chef make?
The average salary range for an Executive Chef is from $87,330 to $114,966. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Step 7: Find relevant Executive Chef jobs, and apply.
Looking for Executive Chef jobs?
Here are some Executive Chef jobs in the United States.