Complex Executive Chef

Restaurant Associates; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance/AD

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Restaurant Associates is seeking a Complex Executive Chef in New York to lead culinary operations across multiple high-volume venues. This role requires strong leadership and operational skills to ensure quality, creativity, and adherence to brand standards in food service.

The ideal candidate will have a culinary degree, 8+ years of experience, and a passion for innovation and guest experiences. Compensation includes a salary of $150,000 - $160,000 plus a bonus plan and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive culinary management experience.
• 4+ years in a multi-unit or complex operation.
• Proven record in managing high-volume catering or hospitality teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple culinary units to align with brand and financial goals.
• Manage menu development and seasonal updates across locations.
• Drive food quality and service standards reflecting the premium brand.

Skills

Culinary degree or equivalent experience

Leadership skills

Operational discipline

Financial acumen

Team development

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Overview

Restaurant Associates is seeking an accomplished Complex Executive Chef to lead multi-unit culinary operations across a high-volume portfolio. This hands-on leadership role requires a chef with strong operational discipline, team development skills, and the ability to deliver exceptional quality and consistency across multiple venues.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple units, ensuring alignment with brand, client, and financial goals.
• Provide culinary leadership across all operations, ensuring quality, creativity, and consistency in every aspect of service.
• Manage menu development, seasonal updates, and offerings across locations.
• Drive food quality, presentation, and service standards that reflect Restaurant Associates premium brand.
• Implement systems for inventory management, purchasing, and cost control across units.
• Maintain strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and HACCP regulations.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Sales, and Client teams to support events, activations, and new openings.
• Recruit, train, and develop chefs and culinary managers to build strong leadership pipelines.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 8+ years of progressive culinary management experience, including 4+ years in a multi-unit or complex operation.
• Proven success leading large, high-volume teams in catering, hospitality, or corporate dining environments.
• Strong financial acumen with a track record of managing food and labor costs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Passion for innovation, team development, and exceptional guest experiences.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $150,000 - $160,000. Other forms of compensation include a Bonus Plan.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

About the Employer

Restaurant Associates is the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for museums, performing arts centers, and corporations. The company is a member of Compass Group USA. This job posting includes the employer’s Equal Opportunity statements and required disclosures.

Additional Information

Applicants are accepted on an ongoing basis. Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Notes: Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. The company reserves the right to modify or change essential functions based on business necessity. We will consider all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history, in accordance with applicable laws. For more information, see the posted wage transparency and related disclosures linked in the original description.

Req ID: 1542981