Executive Chef

Gecko Hospitality NC; North Carolina; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Gecko Hospitality NC seeks an experienced Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at a high-volume waterfront dining destination in North Carolina. The role oversees kitchen operations, menu execution, food safety, and team leadership while driving profitability and guest satisfaction.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of culinary management, strong food-cost control, and ServSafe certification. This position offers a hands-on, fast-paced environment with opportunities to shape seasonal menus

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of culinary management experience in a high-volume restaurant setting.
• ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to control food costs and labor efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage back-of-house operations to ensure consistent food quality.
• Recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff to maintain a high-performing team.
• Develop seasonal menus and daily specials aligned with concept and guest expectations.
• Ensure recipes, plating, and portion controls are consistently executed.
• Manage food, labor, and operating costs to meet financial goals.
• Oversee inventory management and vendor relationships.
• Maintain health and sanitation compliance with regulations.
• Lead banquet, catering, and private events culinary execution as needed.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food cost management

Menu development

Team mentoring

Food safety & sanitation

Vendor management

Job description

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations for a high-volume, guest-focused waterfront dining destination. The Executive Chef will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, menu execution, food quality, cost controls, team leadership, and food safety compliance while delivering an exceptional dining experience for every guest.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all back-of-house operations, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and excellence in food preparation and presentation.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop culinary team members to build a strong, high-performing kitchen staff.
• Create and maintain a positive, professional, and team-oriented work environment.
• Develop seasonal menus, daily specials, and innovative offerings that align with the restaurant's concept and guest expectations.
• Ensure consistent execution of recipes, plating standards, and portion controls.
• Manage food, labor, and operating costs to achieve financial objectives and profitability goals.
• Oversee ordering, inventory management, and vendor relationships to maintain product quality and control expenses.
• Monitor kitchen labor schedules and staffing levels based on projected business volumes.
• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal health and sanitation regulations.
• Conduct regular quality assurance checks to ensure food safety and superior guest satisfaction.
• Collaborate with ownership and management on culinary strategy, promotions, and special events.
• Lead banquet, catering, and private event culinary execution as needed.
• Maintain and manage kitchen equipment, preventative maintenance, and facility standards.
• Analyze P&L reports and key performance metrics to identify opportunities for operational improvement.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and hospitality excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of culinary management experience in a high-volume restaurant environment.
• Previous Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or equivalent leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of food costing, labor management, inventory controls, and kitchen financials.
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain talented culinary professionals.
• Experience managing multiple service periods and high guest counts.
• ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Passion for delivering exceptional food quality and memorable guest experiences.

Desired Attributes

• Hands-on leader who leads by example.
• Creative and innovative approach to menu development.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• Commitment to excellence in food quality, cleanliness, and team development.

Company Description

Gecko Hospitality, named to Forbes list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms, offers the largest selection of restaurants, catering, grocery store, corporate dining, senior living, healthcare foodservice, K-12 foodservice, and higher education foodservice positions. Our hospitality-exclusive team covers all 50 states and Canada and offers professional placement services with over 120 dedicated hospitality experts.

With Gecko's extensive list of hospitality recruiter services, we get you and your resume in front of the hospitality industry's leading decision-makers! Better yet, Gecko has exceptional national, regional, and local relationships and is well respected in the hospitality industry for enhancing hospitality careers.

Our national network consists of 80 regional offices driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. From fast food to fine dining and grocery stores to senior living, Gecko recruits chef and management positions for all facets of the hospitality industry. Gecko boasts generations of hospitality recruiting experience, consisting of over 1,900 collective years, that furthers the careers of those seeking professional management positions. Contact us today and we will get you in touch with one of our experts to discuss your opportunities.

Company Description

Gecko Hospitality, named to Forbes list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms, offers the largest selection of restaurants, catering, grocery store, corporate dining, senior living, healthcare foodservice, K-12 foodservice, and higher education foodservice positions. Our hospitality-exclusive team covers all 50 states and Canada and offers professional placement services with over 120 dedicated hospitality