Position: Chef de Cuisine
Compensation: $85,000–$105,000 base salary plus 20% bonus potential
Schedule: Full-time | Evening, weekend, and holiday availability required
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including bonus opportunities, health coverage, paid time off, dining perks, and commuter benefits
Role Summary:
We are conducting a confidential search for an accomplished and passionate Chef de Cuisine to lead the culinary operations of a highly anticipated, chef-driven neighborhood Italian restaurant concept.
This role serves as the culinary leader of the restaurant, responsible for executing the culinary vision, developing and mentoring the kitchen team, driving operational excellence, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience through consistent, high-quality execution.
The Chef de Cuisine will partner closely with executive culinary leadership while maintaining ownership of day-to-day kitchen operations, including staffing, financial performance, menu execution, inventory management, and team development. This is an ideal opportunity for a rising culinary leader seeking to make a meaningful impact within a polished, growth-oriented restaurant environment.
What you bring to the table:
- Proven ability to lead high-performing culinary teams in a fast-paced, chef-driven environment
- Strong command of kitchen operations, including labor management, food costing, inventory controls, purchasing, and budgeting
- Experience hiring, training, mentoring, and developing culinary professionals at all levels
- Ability to inspire accountability, consistency, and excellence throughout the kitchen team
- Deep understanding of food quality, presentation standards, recipe adherence, and execution
- Strong operational discipline with the ability to balance creativity and profitability
- Experience managing vendor relationships, ordering processes, and inventory controls
- Ability to lead service while maintaining composure, urgency, and attention to detail
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach to working with front-of-house leadership
- Passion for cultivating a positive kitchen culture focused on teamwork, hospitality, and continuous improvement
Why you'll love working here:
- Opportunity to lead the culinary program of an exciting, chef-driven Italian restaurant concept
- Work alongside respected culinary leadership with strong roots in elevated Italian cuisine
- Collaborative culture that values creativity, mentorship, and professional development
- Significant influence on kitchen culture, team development, and operational success
- Quarterly and annual bonus opportunities
- Dining discounts and monthly cell phone reimbursement
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and parental leave benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage
- Commuter and additional lifestyle perks
- Clear opportunity for long-term growth within an expanding hospitality organization
Required Work Experience:
- 3–5+ years of culinary leadership experience at the Sous Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Chef de Cuisine level
- Experience leading high-volume, full-service restaurant kitchens
- Strong working knowledge of labor management, food costing, inventory control, and kitchen financials
- Demonstrated success developing and leading culinary teams
- Experience overseeing ordering, scheduling, training, and operational execution
Preferred Work Experience:
- Background in elevated Italian cuisine or chef-driven restaurant concepts
- Experience working within highly acclaimed or hospitality-focused restaurant groups
- Familiarity with menu development, seasonal features, and recipe standardization
- Proficiency with restaurant management systems, Microsoft Office, and inventory platforms
- Food safety and sanitation certifications preferred
Personal Qualities:
- Passionate culinary leader who leads with integrity, accountability, and professionalism
- Strong coach and mentor who enjoys developing future culinary talent
- Organized, detail-oriented, and highly operationally disciplined
- Calm and decisive under pressure with exceptional problem-solving abilities
- Collaborative and hospitality-minded with a team-first approach
- Driven by excellence and committed to delivering memorable guest experiences through exceptional food and execution
Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
