Chef JN -082026-180004

Goodwin Recruiting; Koloa (HI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Health benefits

Dining discounts

Company events

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking an experienced Chef for a high-volume, upscale-casual operation in Hawaii. You will lead day-to-day kitchen operations, drive consistent execution, and own financial performance while building and retaining an exceptional culinary team.

The role represents the company’s entry into Hawaii, with a base salary of $120,000+ plus performance incentives and a generous relocation package.

Qualifications

• Proven Chef or senior culinary leadership experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
• Strong knowledge of food cost, labor, inventory, ordering, and kitchen systems.
• Demonstrated success building, developing, and retaining teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day culinary operations and uphold established systems and standards.
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, portioning, and service execution.
• Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and kitchen productivity.
• Recruit, train, coach, schedule, and retain a high-performing culinary team.
• Build a culture of accountability, professionalism, consistency, and respect.
• Maintain exceptional cleanliness, organization, sanitation, and food safety standards.
• Partner with the General Manager and regional leadership to deliver strong operational and guest-experience results.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food cost management

Team development

Kitchen operations

Communication skills

Evenings/weekends flexibility

Spanish language (asset)

Job description

Chef

Hawaii | $120,000+ Base Salary | Performance Incentives | Generous Relocation Package

An established North American restaurant group with 80+ locations is seeking an experienced Chef to lead a high-volume, upscale-casual culinary operation in Hawaii.

We are looking for a strong operator who can build and retain a great team, drive consistent execution, manage financial performance, and take ownership of kitchen operations.

This is the company's entry into Hawaii and part of a broader expansion strategy across the islands. For the right leader, success could create a pathway toward multi-unit or regional culinary leadership.

Why Join Us?

• $120,000+ Base Salary — Commensurate with experience, plus performance incentives and benefits.
• Generous Relocation Package — Relocation assistance including temporary housing for up to six months.
• Growth Opportunity — Join an established 80+ location organization as it expands into Hawaii.
• Sustainable Scheduling — Structured to support long-term leadership performance.
• Strong Culture & Benefits — Health benefits, dining discounts, recognition programs, company events, and a culture built around hospitality, accountability, and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day culinary operations and uphold established systems and standards.
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, portioning, and service execution.
• Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and kitchen productivity.
• Recruit, train, coach, schedule, and retain a high-performing culinary team.
• Build a culture of accountability, professionalism, consistency, and respect.
• Maintain exceptional cleanliness, organization, sanitation, and food safety standards.
• Partner with the General Manager and regional leadership to deliver strong operational and guest-experience results.

Who We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate is a disciplined restaurant operator who happens to be a great chef — someone who understands that culinary leadership is as much about people, systems, and financial performance as it is about food.

Candidates Should Bring

• Proven Chef or senior culinary leadership experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant.
• Strong knowledge of food cost, labor, inventory, ordering, and kitchen systems.
• Demonstrated success building, developing, and retaining teams.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• A hands-on leadership style and willingness to lead from the kitchen floor.
• A systems-driven approach with a commitment to consistency and established standards.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Spanish-language skills are an asset.

What Success Looks Like

Success means building a stable, well-trained and accountable kitchen team while consistently achieving food quality, labor, food-cost, cleanliness, and operational targets.

Location: Hawaii

Compensation: $120,000+ base salary, plus performance incentives and benefits

Relocation: Generous relocation package, including temporary housing for up to six months

If you are an accomplished Chef ready for an exciting career and lifestyle move to Hawaii, this is an opportunity to join an established organization at the beginning of a significant new chapter of growth.