Executive Chef

Goodwin Recruiting; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) program

Employer-sponsored health insurance

Paid time off

Free on-site parking

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is supporting a growing restaurant group in locating an experienced Executive Chef for its Assembly Row, Somerville, MA location. Compensation: $90,000–$100,000 plus performance-based bonus opportunities.

This hands-on leader will drive culinary operations, food quality, team development, and guest satisfaction. Responsibilities include overseeing kitchen operations, menu development, cost controls, and cross-functional collaboration with leadership.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Sous Chef with significant leadership responsibilities.
• Strong culinary skills in a quality-driven environment.
• Italian cuisine experience preferred.
• Wood-fired pizza experience is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
• Solid understanding of food cost controls, labor management, inventory, and kitchen financials.
• Hands-on leadership with passion for quality, consistency, and hospitality.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead Kitchen Operations: Oversee daily back-of-house operations with efficient service and high standards.
• Menu Execution and Development: Maintain quality and introduce seasonal features and improvements.
• Culinary Excellence: Ensure exceptional flavor, presentation, and portioning across all items.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff; foster a positive environment.
• Financial Management: Monitor costs, labor, inventory, purchasing, and waste.
• Kitchen Standards: Maintain food safety, sanitation, organization, and equipment standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with leadership to improve operations and guest experience.

Skills

Executive Chef experience

Leadership experience

Italian cuisine experience

Wood-fired pizza experience

Team development

Food cost controls

Fast-paced environment

Job description

Executive Chef

Confidential Opportunity | Assembly Row, Somerville, MA

Compensation: $90,000–$100,000 + Performance-Based Bonus Opportunities

Lead the Kitchen. Inspire the Team. Grow With an Expanding Restaurant Group.

A growing restaurant group is seeking an experienced, hands-on Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at its Assembly Row location. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate culinary leader who takes pride in food quality, team development, operational excellence, and creating an exceptional guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Kitchen Operations: Oversee daily back-of-house operations, ensuring efficient service, consistent execution, and high culinary standards.
• Menu Execution and Development: Maintain menu quality and consistency while contributing creative ideas, seasonal features, and menu improvements.
• Culinary Excellence: Ensure exceptional flavor, presentation, portioning, and execution across all menu items.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, mentor, and motivate kitchen staff while fostering a positive, professional, and collaborative work environment.
• Financial Management: Monitor food costs, labor, inventory, purchasing, and waste to achieve operational and financial goals.
• Kitchen Standards: Maintain food safety, sanitation, organization, prep schedules, and equipment standards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with restaurant leadership and ownership to improve operations, enhance the guest experience, and support continued growth.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Sous Chef with significant leadership responsibilities.
• Strong culinary skills and experience in a quality-driven restaurant environment.
• Italian cuisine experience preferred.
• Wood-fired pizza experience is a plus.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
• Solid understanding of food cost controls, labor management, inventory, and kitchen financials.
• Hands-on leadership style with a passion for quality, consistency, and hospitality.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary of $90,000–$100,000
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• 401(k) program
• Employer-sponsored health insurance
• Paid time off
• Free on-site parking
• Growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding restaurant group
• Supportive ownership and a collaborative leadership culture