Executive Chef JN -082026-179630

Goodwin Recruiting; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary program for a new upscale concept opening in the Greater Chicago Area. You will build the operation from the ground up, shaping menus, systems, and a high-performing kitchen team.

The ideal candidate brings a track record of high-volume, upscale restaurant leadership, strong culinary creativity, and disciplined execution, with a focus on guest experience and profitability.

Qualifications

• Must have executive-level culinary leadership experience in upscale, high-volume settings.
• Proven ability to develop menus and implement kitchen systems.
• Strong focus on quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day culinary operations, ensuring quality and execution.
• Develop and evolve menus in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
• Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and profitability.
• Establish kitchen standards and systems for a new opening.
• Partner with operations to elevate the guest experience.
• Leverage Chicago-area connections/experience for success.

Skills

Executive leadership

Culinary creativity

Operations management

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and creative Executive Chef to lead the culinary program for an exciting new upscale concept opening in the Greater Chicago Area.

The Executive Chef will play a key role in building the culinary operation from the ground up, including menu development, team building, kitchen systems, and opening execution. The ideal candidate combines strong culinary creativity with disciplined operational leadership and has experience leading high-volume, upscale restaurant environments.

Executive Chef Benefits/Compensation

• Competitive base salary of $90K–$115K
• Relocation assistance available based on need
• Significant involvement in menu and concept development
• Opportunity to build and develop the culinary team from the ground up
• High-visibility leadership role with strong growth potential

Executive Chef Requirements/Responsibilities

• Executive Chef or senior culinary leadership experience in upscale, high-volume restaurants
• Strong combination of culinary creativity and operational execution
• Lead all day-to-day culinary operations, quality, consistency, and execution
• Develop and evolve menus in collaboration with senior leadership
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing culinary team
• Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and kitchen profitability
• Establish kitchen systems, standards, and procedures for a new opening
• Partner closely with operational leadership on the overall guest experience
• New restaurant opening experience strongly preferred
• Chicago-area culinary experience or connections preferred

JOB ID: 179630 #post
Patrick Walker