Executive Chef | Award-Winning Scratch Kitchen | Memphis Metro, TN JN -092026-181352

Goodwin Recruiting; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with discretionary match

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is partnering with a high‑volume, award‑winning scratch kitchen in the Memphis metro area to identify an exceptional Executive Chef. You will lead all back‑of‑house operations, develop culinary talent, and uphold top-tier food quality in a busy setting.

You will coach Sous Chefs and hourly staff, manage cost and inventory, and ensure flawless execution of recipes. A hands‑on leader with strong kitchen presence is ideal.

Qualifications

• Two+ years of Executive Chef experience in a high‑volume, full‑service restaurant.
• Scratch‑kitchen experience required.
• Hands‑on butchering experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead all back‑of‑house operations for a high‑volume restaurant.
• Develop, coach, and mentor Sous Chefs and hourly culinary team members.
• Drive food quality, consistency, execution, and sanitation standards.
• Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and overall kitchen productivity.
• Hire, train, schedule, and retain high‑performing BOH teams.
• Maintain strong inventory controls and vendor relationships.
• Ensure consistent execution of established recipes and procedures.
• Lead hands‑on butchering and portion‑control standards.
• Partner with the General Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

Skills

Executive Chef experience

High-volume operations

Scratch-kitchen proficiency

Butchering experience

Food cost & P&L

People development

Leadership in kitchen

Tools

Kitchen operations management

Job description

Executive Chef – Award-Winning Scratch Kitchen | Memphis Metro, TN

Lead the Kitchen. Develop Great People. Build a Career.

We're partnering with an award‑winning polished casual restaurant group to identify an exceptional Executive Chef for one of its high‑volume restaurants.

This opportunity is ideal for a hands‑on culinary leader who enjoys coaching and developing people, leading from the front, and operating a high‑volume scratch kitchen with exceptional food quality and consistency.

This organization has built a strong reputation through scratch cooking, outstanding hospitality, and promoting talented leaders from within. If you're looking for more than your next Executive Chef position—and instead want to join a company that invests in its people and offers long‑term career growth,we'd welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Compensation & Benefits

• $75,000–$85,000 base salary
• Uncapped profit‑sharing bonus, typically $15,000–$20,000+ annually and paid every four weeks
• Three weeks of paid time off
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• 401(k) with discretionary company match after one year
• Structured 10‑week training program
• Significant internal promotion opportunities
• Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day
• Early closure on Christmas Eve

What You’ll Do

• Lead all back‑of‑house operations for a high‑volume restaurant.
• Develop, coach, and mentor Sous Chefs and hourly culinary team members.
• Drive food quality, consistency, execution, and sanitation standards.
• Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and overall kitchen productivity.
• Hire, train, schedule, and retain high‑performing BOH teams.
• Maintain strong inventory controls and vendor relationships.
• Ensure consistent execution of established recipes and operating procedures.
• Lead hands‑on butchering and portion‑control standards.
• Partner with the General Manager to deliver an exceptional guest experience.

What We’re Looking For

• Two or more years of Executive Chef experience in a high‑volume, full‑service restaurant.
• Scratch‑kitchen experience required.
• Hands‑on butchering experience required.
• Experience leading kitchen operations within a corporate restaurant environment.
• Strong knowledge of food cost, labor management, inventory, purchasing, and P&L performance.
• Proven success developing and retaining culinary teams.
• Stable employment history with demonstrated career progression.
• Polished casual or upscale casual restaurant experience strongly preferred.

This Could Be an Excellent Fit If You Enjoy

• Leading by example instead of managing from the office.
• Coaching and developing future culinary leaders.
• Building positive, high‑performing kitchen cultures.
• Working for a company that promotes from within.
• Operating within proven systems while delivering exceptional food every day.

If you're interested in learning more, we'd welcome a confidential conversation about the opportunity.