What does an Executive Chef do?
An Executive Chef manages the culinary staff in the kitchen, which may include a few Cooks in a smaller restaurant to several Chefs and Culinary Assistants in a larger operation. The Executive Chef is also tasked with ensuring the food is delivered in a presentable manner, and that the food follows any standards required to deliver exceptional taste according to the set recipes. They may also have to manage any problems that arise in their establishment. The ultimate goal of an Executive Chef is to build and maintain the reputation of the restaurant they are working in to ensure profitability and repeat business. The Executive Chef will also ensure that productivity within the kitchen remains high and staff members are satisfied.
Executive Chef skills and qualifications
A successful Executive Chef candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications for the job, including:
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to work as an individual contributor and as part of a team
- Ability to anticipate problems and create innovative solutions
- Solid leadership experience
Executive Chef experience requirements
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of one years’ worth of experience as an Executive Chef. If the candidate will be working in a large-scale operation, be sure to look for a resume that has experience working in a large kitchen with various staff members.
Executive Chef education and training requirements
A good Executive Chef candidate should have a minimum of a high school diploma. An ideal candidate will have completed a Chef’s trade certification from an accredited college. Be sure to look for an Executive Chef applicant who has completed the Red Seal examination for Cooks. Some applicants may have also undergone vocational management training.
Executive Chef salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Executive Chef in Canada is $60,100 per year. The salary can vary depending on many factors including experience, location, or type of restaurant that is hiring.
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