Executive Chef

Dartcor; Stamford (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 day work week

Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Life

401(k)

Paid time off

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Dartcor Hospitality in Stamford, CT, is seeking an Executive Chef who leads with the sensibilities of a private chef while guiding a luxury kitchen. This role centers on building a deep culinary relationship with a single stakeholder—delivering personalized, flawless cuisine at a high level.

Reporting to the General Manager, you will craft menus, mentor the team, and ensure impeccable service, food safety, and cost controls.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive culinary leadership in luxury hospitality.
• Fine dining or high-end NYC restaurant experience is a plus.
• Exceptional leadership with proven team development.
• Mastery of classical and modern techniques; strong cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all kitchen operations with hospitality-driven service.
• Curate ingredient-driven menus celebrating seasonality and craft.
• Set culinary artistry through flawless execution and attention to detail.
• Mentor and inspire the culinary team, fostering growth and professionalism.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and workplace organization.
• Manage food purchasing, inventory, and cost controls strategically.
• Collaborate with leadership on menu development and guest experiences.
• Engage with guests when needed to deliver bespoke culinary moments.
• Seek opportunities for refinement while honoring classic techniques.

Skills

Executive leadership

Culinary excellence

Menu development

Food safety

Budgeting

Team mentorship

Hospitality excellence

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Dartcor Hospitality transforms workplaces into communities where hospitality fuels connection, culture, and performance. Our workplace dining experiences are more than a meal—they're catalysts for connection. Through chef-driven food, wellness-focused offerings, and intentional design, we create spaces that energize teams, foster belonging, and strengthen workplace culture throughout the day.

OUR FAMILY
Dartcor Hospitality is proud to be part of the Dartcor Enterprises family—a purpose-led organization redefining hospitality as a force for connection, culture, and community. Alongside our sister brands, Chelsea Hospitality Group and Ōme Caterers, we’re part of a broader ecosystem that brings hospitality to life across workplace, event, and dining experiences.

Together, we’re reimagining what hospitality can do—for people, for places, and for the future.

Position Overview:
This role is built for a chef who thinks like a private chef first and a culinary leader second. While part of the broader kitchen team at one of Dartcor's flagship properties, this Executive Chef's true focus is a single key stakeholder — learning their preferences, their pace, their history with food, and building a culinary relationship around that one relationship above all else. Every menu, every dish, every detail is shaped around what makes this person feel genuinely taken care of. Reporting to the General Manager, this chef brings the instincts of a private chef — attentiveness, discretion, and an almost intuitive sense of what someone wants before they ask — into a professional kitchen setting. We\'re looking for a chef with fine dining or ultra-luxury experience who wants to cook for one person the way a private chef would, not manage a large-scale operation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee all kitchen operations with a focus on excellence, precision, and hospitality-driven service.
• Curate and execute innovative, ingredient-driven menus that celebrate seasonality, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
• Set the tone for culinary artistry through flawless execution, creativity, and an obsession with detail.
• Mentor and inspire the culinary team, cultivating a culture of growth, professionalism, and heartfelt service.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and workplace organization.
• Manage food purchasing, inventory, and cost controls with a strategic and mindful approach.
• Collaborate closely with leadership on menu development, event programming, and guest experience initiatives.
• Engage personally with guests and clients when needed, anticipating needs and delivering bespoke culinary moments.
• Continually seek opportunities for refinement and innovation, staying ahead of culinary trends while honoring classic techniques.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive culinary leadership experience in luxury hospitality (e.g., Forbes Five-Star hotels, Relais & Châteaux, Michelin-starred restaurants, or similar).
• Fine dining or high end NYC Restaurant experience is a plus
• Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to develop and retain high-performing teams.
• Mastery of both classical and modern cooking techniques.
• Strong business acumen related to food costing, purchasing, and labor management.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• A genuine passion for hospitality, craftsmanship, and inspiring both team and guest experiences.
• Culinary degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.

What You'll Get From Us:

• 4 day work week: Monday-Thursday 9AM-7PM
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Life and Vision insurance
• 401(k) to help you invest in your future
• Paid time off to help support your life outside of work
• Work alongside collaborative team members who support Dartcor’s core principles

Why Dartcor?
At Dartcor, we believe hospitality is an art form and leadership is a calling. We offer an environment where your creativity, skill, and passion will be celebrated and your impact will be deeply felt. Join a team committed to innovation, continuous growth, and delivering extraordinary experiences every single day.