Executive ChefLead the Kitchen. Inspire the Team. Create Something Exceptional.
Are you the type of chef who takes pride in every plate, expects excellence from your team, and believes a clean, organized kitchen is the foundation of a successful restaurant?
We're looking for an experienced Executive Chef to lead the entire Back of House for our high-volume, upscale steak and seafood restaurant in beautiful Dana Point. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to build a team, mentor future leaders, and truly take ownership of the kitchen.
This isn't just another chef position—we're looking for a leader who wants to leave their mark.
What You'll Do
- Lead all Back of House operations with professionalism and accountability.
- Build, mentor, coach, and inspire a high-performing culinary team.
- Create a culture of pride, respect, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, food safety, and sanitation.
- Ensure every dish leaves the kitchen with consistency, quality, and attention to detail.
- Develop exciting daily and seasonal specials while maintaining our core menu standards.
- Control food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and waste.
- Train and develop sous chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, and dish team members.
- Work closely with ownership and management to elevate the guest experience and restaurant performance.
- Lead by example—this is a hands-on leadership role.
We're Looking For Someone Who...
- Has several years of Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
- Has a passion for steak, seafood, and scratch cooking.
- Leads with integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
- Loves developing people and helping others succeed.
- Is highly organized and detail-oriented.
- Takes pride in running an exceptionally clean and efficient kitchen.
- Stays calm under pressure and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
- Thinks like an owner and treats the restaurant as if it were their own.
- Enjoys being creative and introducing exciting daily specials and new culinary ideas.
- Is motivated to build something special—not just collect a paycheck.
What Success Looks Like
- An organized kitchen where every station is ready for service.
- A motivated team that enjoys coming to work.
- Outstanding food quality and consistency.
- Strong food and labor cost controls.
- Happy guests, positive reviews, and fewer mistakes.
- A kitchen culture built on respect, accountability, and pride.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Creative freedom to showcase your talent through daily and seasonal specials.
- Supportive ownership that values new ideas and innovation.
- Opportunity to make a lasting impact on an established restaurant with tremendous growth potential.
- Beautiful coastal location in Dana Point.
- A team committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and unforgettable dining experiences.
If you're an experienced culinary leader who believes details matter, enjoys developing great people, and wants the opportunity to build an exceptional kitchen, we'd love to meet you.
Bring your passion. Bring your leadership. Bring your creativity. We'll provide the stage.
Requirements
3 years minimum in prior Exec Chef Role.
Computer literate with the ability to quickly learn new software.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
