Executive Chef

JWB Hospitality; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

JWB Hospitality in New York City is opening a sophisticated, contemporary Mexican concept and seeks an Executive Chef to lead the culinary program with high standards and strong operational leadership.

You will build and mentor a high-performing kitchen team, develop systems, and ensure memorable guest experiences. The role includes travel to onboarding locations in Miami and Mexico City with the leadership team.

Qualifications

• Executive Chef or CDC experience within a fine dining environment.
• Strong operational and financial acumen.
• Proven experience leading high-volume culinary teams.
• Experience developing teams and building strong kitchen cultures.
• Passion for hospitality and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations during pre-opening and beyond
• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing kitchen team
• Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, and execution
• Manage food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen operations
• Collaborate closely with ownership and the General Manager to deliver a seamless guest experience
• Build and strengthen culinary systems, procedures, and operating standards
• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented kitchen culture

Skills

Executive leadership

Culinary operations

Team development

Food cost management

Guest experience

Job description

We're searching for an Executive Chef to lead the culinary program for an exciting new concept opening in New York City. They are looking for someone who combines exceptional culinary standards with strong operational leadership. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building high-performing teams, developing systems, maintaining consistency, and creating memorable guest experiences.

The concept is a sophisticated, contemporary Mexican restaurant with a hospitality-driven approach, backed by an ownership team with a long-standing track record of success.

What You'll Do

• Lead all culinary operations during pre-opening and beyond
• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing kitchen team
• Maintain exceptional food quality, consistency, and execution
• Manage food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen operations
• Collaborate closely with ownership and the General Manager to deliver a seamless guest experience
• Build and strengthen culinary systems, procedures, and operating standards
• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented kitchen culture

What We're Looking For

• Executive Chef or CDC experience within a fine dining environment
• Strong operational and financial acumen
• Proven experience leading high-volume culinary teams
• Experience developing teams and building strong kitchen cultures
• Passion for hospitality and continuous improvement
• Experience with contemporary Mexican cuisine is preferred, though chefs with transferable backgrounds and a genuine appreciation for the cuisine are encouraged to apply

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Join the founding leadership team of a new and exciting NYC concept
• Work directly with an engaged Founder & Owner
• Opportunity to help build the culinary program from the ground up
• Travel to Miami and Mexico City for onboarding and immersion with the company's leadership team
• Long-term growth opportunities as the company continues expansion in the US