Executive Chef

Compass Group USA

Poolesville (MD)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Bonus Plan

Sign On Bonus

Relocation Package

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/AD&D

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Personal Leave

Job summary

The Crossvines in Poolesville, Maryland, part of Restaurant Associates, seeks an Executive Chef to shape the property’s culinary identity, design menus, and lead a dedicated kitchen team. You’ll collaborate across culinary, beverage, and events teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences in a destination dining setting.

You will oversee daily kitchen operations, balance creativity with cost controls, and drive best-in-class food safety and standards while working with local producers to

Qualifications

Experience leading culinary teams in high-volume, hospitality-focused environments.
Collaborative leadership style emphasizing communication, trust, and development.
Passion for seasonal cooking, menu innovation, and ingredient-driven cuisine.
Ability to balance creative vision with business realities of a kitchen.

Responsibilities

Shape and lead the culinary vision for The Crossvines, creating menus that are seasonal, approachable, and reflective of the region.
Partner across culinary, beverage, and events teams to deliver seamless and memorable guest experiences.
Build, mentor, and inspire a kitchen team where people feel supported, engaged, and excited to grow.
Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and thoughtful execution.
Balance creativity with operational excellence, managing food cost, labor, and efficiency with intention.
Maintain best-in-class food safety, sanitation, and workplace standards.
Cultivate relationships with local farmers, producers, and purveyors to highlight regional ingredients.
Contribute to special events, tastings, and programming that elevate the overall guest journey.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team development

Menu design

Seasonal cooking

Hospitality operations

Guest experience

Communication

Adaptability

Job description

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Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Plan, Sign On Bonus, Relocation Package

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards - Best Places to Work, This is R/A !

Job Summary

The Crossvines isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a destination. Nestled in the scenic countryside of Poolesville, Maryland, this unique hospitality experience brings together a winery, event venue, and restaurant designed to celebrate food, community, and craftsmanship. Think expansive views, local partnerships, and a guest experience that feels both elevated and welcoming.

As Executive Chef, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the property's culinary identity, designing menus, building a team, and creating moments guests remember long after the meal ends. Supported by Restaurant Associates’ culture of innovation and excellence, you’ll have the resources of a premier hospitality organization while maintaining the creative freedom and ownership of an independent concept.

For chefs who want to lead, create, and build something meaningful, this is your kitchen.

Why Poolesville + The Crossvines

Poolesville offers the best of both worlds: a charming, tight-knit community surrounded by farmland, wineries, and natural beauty, just a short drive from Washington, D.C. It’s a place where local sourcing isn’t a trend; it’s a way of life.

At The Crossvines, that connection to place comes alive through food, wine, and shared experiences. From intimate dinners to large-scale events, the property is designed to be a go-to destination, giving you a dynamic culinary canvas to bring ideas to life.

Key Responsibilities

Shape and lead the culinary vision for The Crossvines, creating menus that are seasonal, approachable, and reflective of the region
Partner across culinary, beverage, and events teams to deliver seamless and memorable guest experiences
Build, mentor, and inspire a kitchen team where people feel supported, engaged, and excited to grow
Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and thoughtful execution
Balance creativity with operational excellence, managing food cost, labor, and efficiency with intention
Maintain best-in-class food safety, sanitation, and workplace standards
Cultivate relationships with local farmers, producers, and purveyors to highlight regional ingredients
Contribute to special events, tastings, and programming that elevate the overall guest journey

What We’re Looking For

Experience leading culinary teams in high-volume, hospitality-focused environments
A collaborative leadership style that prioritizes communication, trust, and development
Passion for seasonal cooking, menu innovation, and ingredient-driven cuisine
Comfort navigating both the creative and business sides of the kitchen
Adaptability in a dynamic, event-driven environment
A genuine focus on guest experience and continuous improvement
Experience in destination dining, wineries, event venues, or premium hospitality settings
Background working with local, sustainable, or farm-driven sourcing programs

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.