Chef de Cuisine — NYC Opening Leader

Mattos Hospitality; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Robust Paid Time Off

Performance-Based Incentive Plan

Paid Parental Leave

Commuter Benefits

Discounted Gym Membership

Dining Discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Mattos Hospitality in New York City is seeking a hands-on Chef de Cuisine to lead the pre-opening culinary program for a multi-experience project slated for early 2027. You will work with the culinary leadership team to bring the program to life, build the kitchen, establish standards, and train the team for a successful opening.

The role requires strong organizational skills, a calm, hands-on leadership style, and a commitment to consistency, quality, cost control, and delivering an exceptional

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Chef de Cuisine or equivalent high‑level culinary leadership.
• Experience supporting a restaurant opening or pre-opening operations is highly preferred.
• Strong technical culinary skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day culinary operation, ensuring consistency and quality across prep and service.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef on menu development, tastings, and recipe refinement.
• Support pre-opening activities: kitchen organization, systems development, staffing, and training.
• Recruit, train, and manage BOH team to establish clear expectations and accountability.
• Establish recipes, prep standards, production systems, station organization, and quality controls.
• Oversee service during prep, line checks, service, ordering, receiving, and inventory.
• Monitor food quality, presentation, and portioning across services.
• Manage culinary labor and scheduling in line with financial targets.
• Monitor food cost, purchasing, inventory, waste, and product utilization.
• Develop Sous Chefs and other leaders through coaching and accountability.
• Maintain cleanliness, food safety, sanitation, and DOH compliance.
• Foster a professional, collaborative kitchen culture focused on growth.
• Partner with FOH leadership for cohesive culinary and service experience.
• Maintain strong presence during service with leadership and focus.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Kitchen operations

Team development

Food cost management

Vendor relationships

Job description

Mattos Hospitality in New York City is seeking a hands-on Chef de Cuisine to lead the pre-opening culinary program for a multi-experience project slated for early 2027. You will work with the culinary leadership team to bring the program to life, build the kitchen, establish standards, and train the team for a successful opening.

The role requires strong organizational skills, a calm, hands-on leadership style, and a commitment to consistency, quality, cost control, and delivering an exceptional