Executive Chef Jobs in Tennessee
Executive Chef jobs in Tennessee are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in hotel and resort hospitality, private dining clubs, health system food service, and the state's expanding entertainment and convention sectors, at levels from sous chef stepping into their first executive role through seasoned culinary directors overseeing multi-outlet operations. Nashville, Memphis, and Chattanooga account for the majority of openings, anchored by employers such as Marriott International properties, HCA Healthcare's hospitality and food service divisions, and Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. The most in-demand specialties are contemporary Southern cuisine, large-banquet and event catering, and farm-to-table menu development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 68+ Executive Chef jobs
Lead culinary operations for Sodexo, driving food quality, menu innovation, team development, and client satisfaction. Enjoy great benefits, career growth opportunities, and a rewarding leadership career.
Inspire a high-performing culinary team while delivering exceptional dining experiences. Drive operational excellence, enhance guest satisfaction, and build a rewarding career with great benefits and growth opportunities.
About the job
Take on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You’ll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and crafting innovative menus that meet diverse client needs, all while building strong partnerships that elevate the dining experience.
Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.
Pay Range: $66895 per year - $86570 per year
What’s in it for you
- Lead the implementation of streamlined culinary systems that boost consistency and operational success.
- Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.
- Oversee procurement and purchasing to ensure top-quality ingredients and cost- effective sourcing.
- Design menus that balance creativity with client preferences and nutritional standards.
- Champion fresh, innovative culinary ideas that keep dining experiences exciting and relevant.
- Cultivate meaningful relationships with clients through exceptional service and collaboration.
- Play a key role in shaping culinary strategy and driving continuous improvement across your area.
What you’ll bring
- Extensive culinary expertise with a proven track record in high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environments.
- Leadership and management skills, with experience mentoring teams and driving professional development.
- Advanced menu planning abilities combined with a deep understanding of current culinary trends and client preferences.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proficiency in computer systems to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to implement processes independently that improve productivity and consistency.
- ServSafe certification and solid working knowledge of HACCP principles to ensure food safety and compliance.
Requirements
- Education Requirement: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Management Experience: 1-3 years
- Related Experience: 1-3 years
What we offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
Who we are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
Lead culinary operations for Sodexo, driving food quality, menu innovation, team development, and client satisfaction. Enjoy great benefits, career growth opportunities, and a rewarding leadership career.
Inspire a high-performing culinary team while delivering exceptional dining experiences. Drive operational excellence, enhance guest satisfaction, and build a rewarding career with great benefits and growth opportunities.
About the job
Take on a leadership position where your vision and expertise will drive culinary excellence. You’ll lead the charge in standardizing operations, fostering team development, and crafting innovative menus that meet diverse client needs, all while building strong partnerships that elevate the dining experience.
Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.
Pay Range: $66895 per year - $86570 per year
What’s in it for you
- Lead the implementation of streamlined culinary systems that boost consistency and operational success.
- Inspire and mentor a dedicated team, shaping future leaders and promoting professional growth.
- Oversee procurement and purchasing to ensure top-quality ingredients and cost- effective sourcing.
- Design menus that balance creativity with client preferences and nutritional standards.
- Champion fresh, innovative culinary ideas that keep dining experiences exciting and relevant.
- Cultivate meaningful relationships with clients through exceptional service and collaboration.
- Play a key role in shaping culinary strategy and driving continuous improvement across your area.
What you’ll bring
- Extensive culinary expertise with a proven track record in high-volume, fast-paced kitchen environments.
- Leadership and management skills, with experience mentoring teams and driving professional development.
- Advanced menu planning abilities combined with a deep understanding of current culinary trends and client preferences.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with proficiency in computer systems to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to implement processes independently that improve productivity and consistency.
- ServSafe certification and solid working knowledge of HACCP principles to ensure food safety and compliance.
Requirements
- Education Requirement: Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Management Experience: 1-3 years
- Related Experience: 1-3 years
What we offer
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
Who we are
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
See All 68 Executive Chef Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Executive Chef JobsExecutive Chef Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Executive Chef Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in executive chef jobs across Tennessee.
- Culinary degree or equivalent formal training from an accredited Tennessee or regional institution recognized by hiring employers
- Minimum five years of progressive kitchen leadership experience including managing line staff and kitchen operations
- Demonstrated ability to develop seasonal menus with a focus on Southern regional cuisine and local sourcing
- Proven cost control and food-and-beverage budgeting experience within a high-volume Tennessee-style hospitality setting
- Food handler manager certification such as ServSafe at the managerial level, required by most Tennessee employers
- Experience coordinating large-scale banquet or event catering operations, particularly for conventions or hotel properties
Executive Chef Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a executive chef in Tennessee?
The most direct path is completing a culinary arts degree or diploma from an accredited program, such as those offered at Johnson University, Nashville State Community College, or the culinary programs within Tennessee's community college system, followed by progressive kitchen experience. Tennessee does not issue a state culinary license, but most employers require a current ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification, which is administered through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and accepted statewide.
How much do executive chefs make in Tennessee?
Executive chefs in Tennessee earn a median of about $69,810 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $45,410 for the lowest 10% to over $98,860 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire executive chefs in Tennessee?
Employers hiring executive chefs in Tennessee right now include Sodexo, American Cruise Lines, and Morrison Healthcare, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Tennessee's hotel groups, convention facilities, and health system food service departments are among the most consistent sources of executive chef openings across the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most executive chef jobs?
Nashville, Memphis, and Johnson City account for the most executive chef openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its dense concentration of full-service hotels, convention venues, and independent restaurant groups, while Memphis draws demand from its hospitality and tourism corridor and Chattanooga from its growing boutique hotel and event venue scene.
Are there remote executive chef jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they are rare. Executive chef work is inherently hands-on, requiring daily presence in a kitchen, and very few roles can be performed remotely. About 0% of executive chef openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those tend to be consulting, menu development, or culinary director roles with a corporate oversight function rather than active kitchen management.
How can I get hired as a executive chef in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is joining a large Tennessee hotel or resort property as a sous chef or senior line cook and progressing internally. Gaylord Opryland and full-service Marriott properties in Nashville regularly promote from within and run structured culinary training tracks. Building a portfolio of original menus, earning a ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification, and gaining banquet or high-volume event experience in any capacity will give candidates a clear edge when applying for their first executive chef appointment.
Where can I find and apply to executive chef jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to executive chef jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings from employers across the state. Search the listings, find roles that fit your experience and preferred location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 68 Executive Chef Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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