Executive Chef

Horizon Hospitality Associates, Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

Transportation discounts

Paid time off

Dining discounts

Job summary

Horizon Hospitality Associates, Inc in Downtown Chicago is seeking an Executive Chef to join its leadership team. You will lead the back-of-house, drive scratch-made menus, and set the culinary tone across busy dining concepts.

This role demands 5+ years of culinary management, strong line skills, and the ability to manage food costs while keeping service calm and guest-focused. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of culinary management experience.
• Exceptional line skills and a passion for scratch cooking.
• Proven ability to lead a team and maintain accountability.
• Strong understanding of kitchen financials including food cost.
• Calm, organized leadership during high-pressure shifts; willing to relocate to Downtown Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the back-of-house team to foster a high-performing kitchen culture.
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation per scratch-cooking standards.
• Oversee prep, line execution, and cleanliness of kitchen operations.
• Manage food costs, waste, and inventory to drive financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Partner with General Manager to deliver a seamless guest experience and a 'plate by plate' mindset.
• Maintain a hands-on presence on the line to set the tone for the kitchen team.

Skills

Culinary management

Leadership

Food cost control

Line skills

Relocation availability

Job description

A fast-growing, full-service restaurant group is seeking an energetic and hands-on Executive Chef to join its leadership team in Downtown Chicago. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, genuine hospitality, and scratch-made menu, this concept has built a strong reputation as a neighborhood go-to destination. The culture is rooted in warmth, professionalism, and a commitment to exceptional guest experiences. This is a great opportunity to join a genuine people-first culture with a highly professional, growth-oriented environment.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the back-of-house team to ensure a high-performing kitchen culture
• Execute food quality, consistency, and presentation according to established scratch-cooking standards
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including prep management, line execution, and cleanliness
• Manage financial performance by overseeing food costs, waste, and inventory
• Ensure total compliance with food safety and sanitation standards
• Partner with the General Manager to deliver a seamless guest experience and uphold a "plate by plate" mindset
• Maintain a hands-on presence on the line to set the tone for the entire kitchen team

Position Requirements

• 5+ years of culinary management experience
• Exceptional line skills and a deep passion for high-quality scratch cooking
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team while maintaining accountability
• Strong understanding of kitchen financials, including food cost and labor management
• Ability to maintain organized and calm leadership during high-pressure shifts
• Currently local to or able to relocate to Downtown Chicago

Compensation:

$100,000 - $130,000 base (commensurate with experience), comprehensive health, dental, & vision, 401k, transportation discounts, PTO, dining discounts and much more!