Executive Chef — Build a Signature Dinner-Only Kitchen

Pivotal Talent Search Inc.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Creative ownership over menu and厨房文化

Job summary

Pivotal Talent Search Inc. in Nashville is seeking a hands-on Executive Chef to lead an upscale, dinner-only kitchen in Sylvan Park. You will own the menu, mentor a skilled team, manage food costs, and build a distinct culinary identity with a clear point of view.

You will drive culinary vision, partner with front-of-house leadership, and ensure exceptional guest experiences while maintaining profitability and local Tennessee-sourced collaborations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including at least 2 years as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in an upscale, full-service restaurant.
• Proven track record developing original menus and running profitable kitchens.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary American cuisine (preferred, not required).
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience.
• ServSafe Manager certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, consistent with a dinner-only service schedule.
• Familiarity with Nashville's dining scene and local purveyor network is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and continually refine a seasonal dinner menu that reflects a clear point of view and elevates local, Southern,and regional ingredients
• Develop tasting menus, specials, and pairings in collaboration with front-of-house and bar leadership
• Maintain consistency and quality across every plate that leaves the kitchen
• Oversee all back-of-house operations, including prep schedules, service flow, sanitation and closing procedures for a dinner-only service model
• Manage food costs, portioning, and waste to meet target margins
• Own inventory, ordering, and vendor/purveyor relationships, prioritizing local Tennessee farms and producers where possible
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations (ServSafe or equivalent required)
• Recruit, train, schedule, and mentor sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen staff
• Foster a professional, respectful, and high-performance kitchen culture
• Conduct performance reviews and support staff development and growth
• Build and manage the kitchen budget, labor costs, and COGS
• Partner with ownership on P& L review, pricing strategy, and profitability targets
• Track KPIs (food cost %, labor %, waste) and report regularly to ownership
• Work closely with the General Manager and front-of-house team to ensure seamless guest experience
• Coordinate with the bar/wine program on pairings and menu integration
• Representing the restaurant at community events, media opportunities, and industry functions as needed

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food cost management

Team leadership

ServSafe certified

Evening/weekend availability

Local Nashville purveyors

Executive chef experience

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Pivotal Talent Search Inc. in Nashville is seeking a hands-on Executive Chef to lead an upscale, dinner-only kitchen in Sylvan Park. You will own the menu, mentor a skilled team, manage food costs, and build a distinct culinary identity with a clear point of view.

You will drive culinary vision, partner with front-of-house leadership, and ensure exceptional guest experiences while maintaining profitability and local Tennessee-sourced collaborations.