Chef Job Description

What is the job description of a Chef? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Chef? What does a Chef do?

Job description of a Chef

Chefs are culinary professionals trained in all aspects of food preparation. Their main responsibilities include planning menus, overseeing the kitchen staff, and ensuring that the food meets high-quality standards.

This Chef job description example includes the list of most important Chef duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Chef profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Chef Duties and Responsibilities

Chef job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Create new and innovative menu items
  • Manage the overall menu
  • Ensure the highest quality in preparation of dishes
  • Make sure ingredients are always fresh and high-quality
  • Regularly check food and beverage in stock, cooking supplies, tools and equipment
  • Cook dishes in accordance with previously set menus
  • Regularly check and inspect inventory levels
  • Place orders for  new supplies in a timely manner
  • Ensure kitchen and other supplies are always clean
  • Prepare special dishes for guests with special dietary needs
  • Supervise and lead kitchen staff

Chef Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Chef job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Culinary school degree/diploma.
  • Past experience as a working chef.
  • Advanced knowledge of the culinary arts.
  • Perfectionism in sanitation and quality control.
  • Portfolio of creative, unique dishes.
  • Expert multitasking ability.
  • Great leadership and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to run stocktaking and place orders for resupply.
  • Exemplary work ethic in a high-pressure environment.
  • Passion and pride for delighting people with food.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Chef starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Chef job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Chef may also reference it in preparation for the interview.