Executive Chef

Goodwin Recruiting; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations of a high-energy, high-volume entertainment venue with scratch-made cuisine and a dynamic team. You will drive menu development, cost control, and staff development to ensure exceptional guest experiences.

The role requires hands-on leadership, operational discipline, and a passion for culinary excellence in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or senior culinary leader in a high-volume operation.
• Strong background in scratch-made cooking and menu development.
• Experience leading and developing large culinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage food costs, labor, inventory, and profitability.
• Strong understanding of high-volume food production and execution.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Hands-on leadership style with passion for culinary excellence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent execution, food quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team, including kitchen managers, sous chefs, and hourly staff.
• Drive menu development, recipe creation, and seasonal offerings while maintaining a scratch-made culinary approach.
• Manage food costs, labor budgets, inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships.
• Establish production schedules, standardized recipes, portion controls, and kitchen procedures.
• Maintain exceptional food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards.
• Ensure the kitchen can execute efficiently during peak business periods, special events, and high-volume service.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiencies.
• Partner with front-of-house and venue leadership to deliver an outstanding overall guest experience.
• Create a positive, accountable kitchen culture focused on teamwork, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Executive Chef

Scratch-made cooking

Team leadership

Cost management

Food safety

Job description

High-Volume Scratch Kitchen | High-Energy Entertainment Venue

Are you a passionate culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment? We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations of a dynamic entertainment venue where great food, exceptional service, and memorable guest experiences come together.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on culinary professional who enjoys the energy of a busy operation, takes pride in scratch-made cuisine, and knows how to build and develop a strong kitchen team. Our ideal candidate brings a balance of culinary creativity, operational discipline, and financial awareness while maintaining consistency and quality in a high-volume environment.

What You'll Do

• Oversee all daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent execution, food quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team, including kitchen managers, sous chefs, and hourly staff.
• Drive menu development, recipe creation, and seasonal offerings while maintaining a scratch-made culinary approach.
• Manage food costs, labor budgets, inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships.
• Establish production schedules, standardized recipes, portion controls, and kitchen procedures.
• Maintain exceptional food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards.
• Ensure the kitchen can execute efficiently during peak business periods, special events, and high-volume service.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiencies.
• Partner with front-of-house and venue leadership to deliver an outstanding overall guest experience.
• Create a positive, accountable kitchen culture focused on teamwork, consistency, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or senior culinary leader in a high-volume restaurant or hospitality operation.
• Strong background in scratch-made cooking and menu development.
• Experience leading and developing large culinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to manage food costs, labor, inventory, and overall kitchen profitability.
• Strong understanding of high-volume food production and execution.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations.
• Ability to remain organized, composed, and solutions-oriented in a fast-paced environment.
• A hands-on leadership style with a passion for culinary excellence and team development.

Why This Opportunity?

You'll have the opportunity to lead the culinary operation of an exciting, high-energy entertainment destination where no two days are quite the same. If you enjoy the challenge of high-volume service, take pride in scratch-made food, and want to bring your leadership and creativity to an engaging hospitality environment, we'd love to hear from you!

Bring your culinary talent, leadership, and energy to a team focused on creating memorable experiences for every guest!