What Does An Executive Chef Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

Alyssa OmandacCareer, Overview

Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Executive Chefs

The Executive Chef is the leader in the kitchen. The reputation of the restaurant and how the kitchen runs is dependent on the skills of this individual. He or she is in charge of the kitchen staff, including the Sous Chef, the line cooks, and the rest of the kitchen staff. They also need to make sure that the food is prepared perfectly before it is served to the customers.

Salary
$68000
Education
Associate's degree
Personality
Interest Match


An Executive Chef is in charge of the kitchen, and this professional makes sure that every item that leaves the kitchen is prepared perfectly. The Executive Chef also is in charge of the kitchen staff, and he or she has very strong leadership skills. They work full time for as many as 12 hours in the day making sure that everything in the kitchen from food quality to the staff to the organization is perfectly organized.

What they do

The Executive Chef is the leader in the kitchen. The reputation of the restaurant and how the kitchen runs is dependent on the skills of this individual. He or she is in charge of the kitchen staff, including the Sous Chef, the line cooks, and the rest of the kitchen staff. They also need to make sure that the food is prepared perfectly before it is served to the customers.

Make Sure the Food Is Prepared Correctly

A restaurant is only as good as its reputation, and the Executive Chef must make sure that the food is prepared perfectly. Executive chefs have the help of the Sous Chef in making sure that the food will taste good and be put on the plate in the right presentation. The food needs to taste good, look good, and be prepared safely, and the Executive Chef is in charge of this.

Manage the Kitchen Staff

The Executive Chef is in charge of the entire kitchen staff. The Sous Chef does work under the Executive Chef in many restaurants, and this professional helps the Executive Chef with the staff. The staff needs to be trained to prepare the food correctly and present it in a way that makes it look attractive. If the kitchen has a Sous Chef, this person will help manage the staff. If there is no Sous Chef, the Executive Chef will be in charge of the entire staff.

Make Sure the Kitchen Is Stocked

The Executive Chef also needs to make sure that the kitchen is always stocked with all of the food and supplies that are needed to prepare the food that is served to the customers. He or she can delegate to other staff members, but ultimately the responsibility falls on the Executive Chef’s shoulders. The kitchen must be stocked with supplies, food, and all of the utensils needed to prepare the food properly.

What is the job like

Pros

You can build your reputation as a chef

If you want to be recognized for your menu and your culinary style, working as an Executive Chef allows you to develop a reputation so that you can gain recognition and fame.

You work in a clean and luxurious kitchen

If you love cooking, you can work in some of the most luxurious kitchens in the world. You will have access to everything you need to prepare any food you desire.

You can prepare your favorite menu

When you work as an Executive Chef, you will be able to choose the menu.

You get experience running a kitchen

As the Executive Chef, you are in charge of the entire kitchen, and this gives you valuable experience running the kitchen.

Cons

You are responsible for every detail

Even though you might have a fully staffed kitchen working on each menu, you are responsible for every detail. If anything goes wrong, it is your reputation on the line.

You can work long hours

During busier times or holidays, you will likely work long hours. You might miss spending valuable time with your family.

Where they work

Restaurants
Catering companies
Clubs and private organizations
Private households


Executive Chefs usually work in restaurants, but they can also work for private organizations or for individuals. They can work for catering companies, clubs, and anywhere else that there is a kitchen. The Executive Chef works long hours and can often work on the weekends and holidays, and they might work in busy kitchens with a large staff or in a small private kitchen.

How to become one

Step 1: Earn Your High School Degree

Most Executive Chefs have a high school diploma, and they might take some classes in culinary skills while they are in high school. It is a good idea to get some experience working in a restaurant during your last two years of school, and you can practice cooking.

Step 2: Get an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts

Many Executive Chefs earn an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts, where they can expand their horizons and build on their skills. These programs teach specific cooking techniques, food preparation skills, and kitchen management.

Step 3: Obtain an Apprenticeship

Once you have finished school, you can get an apprenticeship. This will last between one and three years, and it gives you valuable experience. You can attend seminars and conferences during this time to expand your skills as well. You can also obtain certifications while you are working as an apprentice.

Step 4: Get a Job

Once you complete your apprenticeship, you can apply for jobs as the Executive Chef. You should apply to a variety of restaurants. If the position becomes available while you are working as an apprentice, you might be considered for this role.

Should you become one

Best personality type for this career

The Leader

People with this personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

As an Executive Chef, you need to be able to run a busy kitchen with a lot of people. You need to be able to perform well under pressure, and you need to be very detail-oriented. You should be detail-oriented because you will need to make sure that the food is presented just right. In addition, you need to be creative so that you can come up with menus for the restaurant. Finally, you should be a good communicator and have great organizational skills. You also need to get along well with other people because you will have a crew in the kitchen.

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