Executive Chef

Our client is seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations of a prestigious, high-volume fine dining restaurant in New York City. This role is perfect for a chef with strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of kitchen and financial management, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency.

As the Executive Chef, you will oversee a large, dynamic team, ensuring flawless execution in all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu engineering and costing to budget forecasting and labor management. If you thrive in a high-energy, luxury dining environment and excel at both the creative and administrative sides of the kitchen, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

Culinary Leadership & Execution:

• Lead all culinary operations, ensuring impeccable execution and presentation of every dish.
• Develop, refine, and engineer a menu that aligns with the brand’s identity while maximizing profitability.
• Oversee daily and seasonal specials, ensuring creativity and alignment with guest expectations.
• Maintain strict quality control and uphold the highest standards in taste, presentation, and consistency.

Financial & Operational Management:

• Manage food and labor costs, ensuring financial efficiency without compromising quality.
• Oversee menu costing, P&L forecasting, and budget management, driving profitability and cost control.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships, negotiating contracts and sourcing premium ingredients.
• Analyze financial reports and adjust strategies to improve kitchen operations and margins.

Kitchen & Team Management:

• Lead and develop a large, diverse kitchen team, fostering a culture of professionalism and excellence.
• Manage scheduling, hiring, training, and performance reviews in alignment with HR protocols.
• Implement and maintain strict health and food safety standards, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
• Maintain a well-organized, efficient, and sanitary kitchen environment.

Administrative & Strategic Execution:

• Establish and enforce SOP's for the kitchen.
• Work closely with the Executive and senior leadership teams to align culinary vision with brand goals.
• Ensure smooth communication between back-of-house and front-of-house teams to enhance guest experience.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef in a high-volume fine dining or luxury hospitality setting for at least five years.
• Strong financial acumen, including expertise in P&L management, menu costing, and forecasting.
• In-depth knowledge of food cost controls, labor management, and kitchen efficiency strategies.
• Excellent team leadership skills, with the ability to manage and inspire a large kitchen brigade.
• Proficiency in HR protocols, including hiring, scheduling, and staff development.
• Expertise in health and food safety compliance, ensuring strict adherence to industry regulations.
• Strong vendor negotiation skills and experience in sourcing high-quality ingredients.
• A balance of culinary creativity and business strategy, ensuring the restaurant’s continued success.

Benefits:

• Be part of a world-renowned fine dining brand, known for its excellence and prestige.
• Competitive compensation package, with performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to lead a high-profile kitchen team in one of New York’s top culinary establishments.
• Work with the best – access to premium ingredients, top-tier vendors, and an elite clientele.
• Career growth opportunities, with a brand that values leadership and innovation.