How to Become an Executive Chef

The field of culinary arts offers multiple cook and chef careers to choose from. One of the most important and senior level chef positions is the job of an executive chef. Not only does an executive chef supervise the kitchen work, but they are also responsible for looking after managerial tasks. The head cook or the executive chef supervises a team of 10 or more kitchen staff including assistant cooks, food preparation workers and other junior chefs. The food industry is growing at a tremendous rate creating excellent employment opportunities for top level cooks and chefs. Though it requires a great amount of hard work, on-the-job commitment and dedication, the career as an executive chef is also a highly profitable and fulfilling one.

Job Description
Major responsibilities of an executive chef include deciding and planning the menu, food supply control, account keeping, directing meal preparation, looking after the kitchen operations and supervising the kitchen staff. One part of the managing the kitchen operations is also the assignment of tasks to kitchen workers and staff. The executive chef is responsible for managing the operations in the kitchen considering the budgetary requirements.

An executive chef starts their day in the kitchen with deciding and planning the menu. Menu planning plays a vital role in the overall growth and success of hotels and restaurants. The chef uses their culinary skills and creativity to plan the menu effectively. In order to handle the food supply task, the executive chef also needs to be in regular touch with food vendors. In order to increase the client base continuously, the executive chef keeps themselves of the latest food industry trends so as to plan the menu appealingly.

Food preparation workers in the kitchen perform a number of tasks including washing, chopping of vegetable and slicing poultry among others. The executive chef needs to keep in mind the requirements of both the kitchen as well as the clients. The head chef is responsible for deciding whether some food requires storing in advance. Inside the kitchen, the word ‘ticket' is used to refer to the customer's menu order. Throughout the entire kitchen operations, the executive chef sees to it that superior quality control is maintained. The daily job routine of executive chefs may vary depending on the food establishment they join.

Educational Requirements
Aspiring candidates should have completed a 4-year degree program in culinary arts. Additional experience can be gained through apprenticeships and internship programs. Multiple culinary training and job placement programs are offered by numerous professional culinary schools and colleges. To become an executive chef, only having a culinary degree is not enough. Reaching the position of executive or head chef requires many years of experience, not only in one particular segment of the kitchen but in multiple areas. In any case, a keep passion for cooking is a prerequisite to becoming an executive chef.

Career Outlook & Salary of an Executive Chef
The job position of an executive chef is a highly profitable one. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth rate for executive chef jobs is expected to increase at a rate of 8% through to the year 2016. Employment opportunities for top level chef will continue to rise due to a tremendous growth in the food industry, from $379 billion in 2007 to $558.3 billion in the year 2008. The median annual salary of an executive chef is $58,104. With increasing experience and growing skill set, head or executive chefs can earn a much higher annual salary.