Chef Jobs in Kentucky
Chef jobs in Kentucky are actively hiring across the state's growing restaurant scene, hotel and resort dining, and institutional foodservice sectors, with openings at every level from line cook to executive chef. Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green account for the largest share of postings, where established employers like Marriott hotels, Aramark, and the University of Kentucky dining operations maintain consistent staffing needs. The most in-demand specialties are banquet and catering production, farm-to-table cuisine, and high-volume institutional cooking. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 44+ Chef jobs
INTRODUCTION
Compass Group is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK), launching July 1, 2026 — and we’re looking for talented individuals to help bring this innovative, integrated services model to life through Compass Athletics.
This long-term collaboration reflects a bold vision to align and strengthen services across UK’s campus, healthcare system, and athletics programs. By bringing together foodservice, hospitality, facilities management, healthcare support, and athletics operations, we are building a more connected and dynamic environment that enhances the experience for students, staff, student-athletes, patients, fans, and the broader community.
A family of companies and experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com.
Job Summary
Turn up the heat in a high-impact culinary leadership role! As an Executive Sous Chef, you will deliver cuisine that wows, lead with confidence, and drive culinary excellence. You’ll support food safety standards, inspire your team, and ensure every plate served makes a lasting impression.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute recipes and presentations to meet company standards
- Maintain food safety and sanitation protocols
- Schedule and forecast team needs
- Order supplies and equipment based on business volume
- Train and mentor culinary team members
- Support Executive Chef and the Director of Operations in preventive maintenance planning
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience as an Executive Sous Chef in a high volume environment
- Culinary degree preferred
- Proficient in evaluating food quality and presentation
- Effective communication with team, guests, and leadership
- Experience managing and developing kitchen staff
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule - including days, evenings, weekends and holidays
Apply to Compass Group today!
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1549842
Levy Sector
VIKKI FRITZSCHING
INTRODUCTION
Compass Group is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the University of Kentucky (UK), launching July 1, 2026 — and we’re looking for talented individuals to help bring this innovative, integrated services model to life through Compass Athletics.
This long-term collaboration reflects a bold vision to align and strengthen services across UK’s campus, healthcare system, and athletics programs. By bringing together foodservice, hospitality, facilities management, healthcare support, and athletics operations, we are building a more connected and dynamic environment that enhances the experience for students, staff, student-athletes, patients, fans, and the broader community.
A family of companies and experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com.
Job Summary
Turn up the heat in a high-impact culinary leadership role! As an Executive Sous Chef, you will deliver cuisine that wows, lead with confidence, and drive culinary excellence. You’ll support food safety standards, inspire your team, and ensure every plate served makes a lasting impression.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute recipes and presentations to meet company standards
- Maintain food safety and sanitation protocols
- Schedule and forecast team needs
- Order supplies and equipment based on business volume
- Train and mentor culinary team members
- Support Executive Chef and the Director of Operations in preventive maintenance planning
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience as an Executive Sous Chef in a high volume environment
- Culinary degree preferred
- Proficient in evaluating food quality and presentation
- Effective communication with team, guests, and leadership
- Experience managing and developing kitchen staff
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule - including days, evenings, weekends and holidays
Apply to Compass Group today!
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_CorpAndFoodbuy.pdf
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Req ID: 1549842
Levy Sector
VIKKI FRITZSCHING
See All 44 Chef Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chef JobsChef Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chef Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chef jobs across Kentucky.
- Culinary degree or completion of an accredited culinary arts program preferred
- Proven experience in a commercial or institutional kitchen environment
- Food Handler certification and current ServSafe Food Manager credentials required
- Ability to manage kitchen prep, line execution, and service under high-volume conditions
- Knowledge of local sourcing, seasonal menus, and Kentucky-region ingredient availability
- Strong communication skills for coordinating with front-of-house and catering teams
Chef Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chef in Kentucky?
Kentucky does not require a state-issued chef license, but most employers require a ServSafe Food Manager certification and a food handler card, both recognized statewide. The most direct path is completing a culinary arts program at a Kentucky institution such as Sullivan University in Louisville or Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, then building experience through kitchen roles at restaurants, hotels, or institutional foodservice operations.
Which companies hire chefs in Kentucky?
Companies currently hiring chefs in Kentucky include Churchill Downs, Eurest, and Sodexo, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Kentucky's hospitality corridor along Louisville's restaurant row and the University of Kentucky's large dining infrastructure make the state a consistent source of openings across both commercial and institutional kitchens.
Which Kentucky cities have the most chef jobs?
Louisville, Lexington, and Goshen have the most chef openings in Kentucky. Louisville drives the largest share through its hotel conference centers, bourbon-country tourism dining, and growing independent restaurant scene, while Lexington's university population and Bowling Green's expanding hospitality sector contribute steady demand in their respective markets.
Are there remote chef jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of chef openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the hands-on, kitchen-based nature of most culinary roles. The parts of chef work most likely to appear remote are recipe development consulting, menu planning, and culinary education roles that do not require daily on-site production.
How can I get hired as a chef in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for prep cook or kitchen assistant roles at high-volume Kentucky employers such as university dining programs, hospital foodservice contractors like Aramark, or hotel banquet kitchens in Louisville and Lexington. Earning a ServSafe Food Manager certification before applying gives candidates a clear edge. Many of these employers run structured kitchen training for new hires, making them practical starting points for candidates transitioning from food service roles like dishwasher or cashier.
Where can I find and apply to chef jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to chef jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 44 Chef Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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