Executive Chef vs Head Chef – What Is the Difference

An Executive Chef (Chef de Cuisine) is the top manager of a kitchen, responsible for overseeing operations, budgeting, menu planning, and hiring staff. A Head Chef (Chef de Cuisine in some restaurants) manages daily kitchen activities, supervises cooking staff, ensures food quality, and handles inventory.

But which role is right for you? Let's break down the key differences, salaries, and career paths so you can make the best decision for your future as a chef in Australia.

What Is an Executive Chef?

An Executive Chef is considered the head of the kitchen and oversees the whole concept and direction of the operation's food; this would be considered an executive or administrative role within a kitchen, rather than an active cooking role.

Sample of an Executive Chef at Work:

One of Australia's leading chefs is Shannon Bennett. He is the Executive Chef at Vue de Monde in Melbourne, where he oversees operations, creates menus, makes business decisions and trains staff.

What Is a Head Chef?

A Head Chef is responsible for the day-to-day running of the kitchen and is responsible for the standard of food produced in the kitchen. Unlike an Executive Chef, a Head Chef is hands-on with food preparation.

Example of a Head Chef in Action:

A Head Chef in a busy Sydney restaurant might spend evenings at the pass, checking every dish before it leaves the kitchen, while also coaching junior chefs and refining recipes.

Executive Chef Qualifications

Education

• Culinary Arts Degree: Most of these executive chefs passed through an accredited culinary school, either at associate or bachelor's level. SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management to a full bachelor's degree. Along with it you also be needing SIT50416 Diploma of Hospitality Management. To be more advance you can pursue National Training Register - SIT60316 Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  
  
• Certification: Certification proves a high degree of expertise and dedication to the profession. More advanced certifications translate into greater credibility and more lucrative job opportunities.
  
  

Experience

• Extensive Culinary Experience: An Executive Chef has generally worked 5-10 years in various roles within the kitchen to understand different aspects of kitchen operations. This generally includes practical experience as a line cook, sous chef, and head chef.
  
  
• Management Experience: Previous management experience is essential, which can be availed in the role of Sous Chef or Head Chef. Strong leadership skillsets will be required to lead large teams and maintain kitchen productivity.
  
  

Skills

• Leadership and Team Management: The Executive Chef needs to lead a big team and ensure that all members of the staff contribute to the success of the kitchen. They need to build a collaborative atmosphere.
  
  
• Financial Acumen: They should be capable of budgeting, controlling costs, and performing financial management. They usually need to prepare and work within the confines of a budget, minimize food waste, and optimize ingredient usage.
  
  
• Culinary SkillsProficient knowledge regarding cooking techniques, ingredients, and presentation skills is important for menu development and maintaining high standards in a professional kitchen.
  
  
• Food Safety Knowledge: The manager has to be fully aware of all the local and national food safety regulations, such as HACCP, in order to maintain compliance and avoid health hazards.
  
  

Head Chef Qualifications

Education

• Culinary Arts Diploma or Degree: Most head chefs have formal training in culinary arts..You must need a vocational program like a SIT40521 Certificate IV in Kitchen Management to a full bachelor's degree. To be more advance you can pursue SIT50416 Diploma of Hospitality Management.
  
  
• Food Safety Certifications: ServSafe certification is important in understanding the principles of food safety, thus enabling a head chef to maintain health standards in the kitchen environment.
  
  

Experience

• Progressive Kitchen Experience: The Head Chef will have experience in the culinary field, normally 3-5 years, including time spent in various positions within the kitchen. This will provide an understanding of the workflow and dynamics within the kitchen.
  
  
• Leadership in Kitchen Settings: Past experience leading a team is important since Head Chefs will be in charge of managing the staff in the kitchen during services to ensure that operations run smoothly, especially at peak hours.
  
  

Skills

• Proficient Cooking Skills: Mastery of a variety of cooking styles and methods is highly important in creating different menus, adapting recipes, and satisfying customers.
  
  
• Time Management: Generally, the head chefs face high-pressure work scenarios that demand multitasking skills. They have to handle multiple orders and supervise kitchen activities down the line for timely serving.
  
  
• Team Leadership Under Pressure: To motivate the team and direct them accordingly in times of high activity, conflict resolution included to maintain morale when things get tough.
  
  
• Food Regulation Knowledge: In-depth knowledge about the local food regulations. A head chef ensures that food is prepared through methods that meet required health standards, which protect the customers and the establishment as well.
  
  

Difference between the responsibilities of an Executive Chef and Head Chef:

Chef Showdown: Workload Differences Explained

Salary & Job Demand in Australia

Chef Insights: Outlook in Australia

Which Chef Role Is Right for You? 

✔️ Choose to become an Executive Chef if:

• You like managing several teams.
  
  
• You are interested in the business side of the kitchen.
  
  
• You want to work in hotels, resorts, or restaurant chains.
  
  

✔️ Choose to become a Head Chef if:

• You love cooking and creating dishes day in and day out.
  
  
• You want to lead a single restaurant kitchen.
  
  
• You enjoy hands-on work with culinary teams.
  
  

Real-Life Example:

A chef could start as a Commis Chef in a Sydney restaurant, then be promoted to Sous Chef, and then become a Head Chef. With time, experience, and business knowledge, they may become an Executive Chef overseeing multiple locations.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Chef Career?

If you’re ready to advance your career As an aspiring chef in Australia, the next step is getting certified as a Head Chef or Executive Chef.

✅ Get Your Chef Skills Assessed & Certified:
🔗 Take 30 sec Eligibility Check for Chef Skill Assessment

🎯 Start your journey today! Whether you dream of leading a fine-dining kitchen as an Executive Chef or perfecting your craft as a Head Chef, now is the time to take action.