Executive Chef

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Chef to lead the kitchen of our locally owned, upscale restaurant. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional who thrives in a leadership role, takes pride in creating exceptional dining experiences, and is ready to help shape the future of a well-established restaurant. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in kitchen leadership, menu development, food quality, staff supervision, and daily operations. We are looking for someone who can balance creativity with consistency, maintain high culinary standards, and lead a team in a fast-paced environment with professionalism and confidence.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and oversee all back-of-house kitchen operations. Design seasonal menus and develop new dishes that align with the restaurant's vision. Maintain exceptional standards for food quality, presentation, and consistency. Supervise, train, and motivate kitchen staff to perform at a high level. Manage inventory, ordering, stock rotation, and food cost control. Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards. Handle challenges in the kitchen with calm, effective leadership. Collaborate with restaurant management on hiring, staffing, and operational planning. Assist with budgeting, cost management, and other financial discussions with ownership. Create a positive, professional, and team-oriented kitchen culture.

Qualifications:

5 years of experience in a leadership role such as Sous Chef, Chef, or Kitchen Manager. Strong background in menu planning, recipe development, and culinary execution. Experience managing kitchen staff, workflow, and inventory. Ability to lead under pressure while maintaining excellent standards. Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling procedures. Food hygiene and food preparation certifications preferred. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Creativity, attention to detail, and a passion for hospitality.

Compensation & Benefits:

$65,000-$75,000 annual salary, based on experience. Profit-sharing opportunity. Group insurance package. Opportunity to work closely with ownership in a respected, locally owned restaurant.