Executive Chef JN -102026-182000

Goodwin Recruiting; Darien (CT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking an Executive Chef for a high-volume, upscale steakhouse. This hands-on leader will drive execution, develop teams, and uphold high standards in a structured, performance-driven environment.

Responsibilities include leading all kitchen operations, managing food and labor costs, overseeing inventory and vendor relations, and ensuring sanitation and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Executive Chef experience in upscale casual or fine dining
• Hands-on leadership with team-first approach
• Ability to manage costs, labor, and kitchen systems
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Accountability and pride in performance
• Stable background with team development

Responsibilities

• Lead all kitchen operations, including service execution, prep, and production
• Maintain consistency in food quality, plating, and standards across all stations
• Hire, train, and develop BOH team members at all levels
• Drive accountability, performance, and culture within the kitchen
• Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships
• Oversee food cost, labor cost, and overall kitchen financial performance
• Ensure compliance with sanitation, food safety, and operational standards
• Lead scheduling, labor planning, and staffing strategies
• Execute menus and ensure adherence to recipes and systems
• Partner with ownership and leadership on operations and performance goals

Job description

We are hiring an Executive Chef for a high-volume, upscale steakhouse known for quality, consistency, and a strong service culture. This role requires a hands-on leader who can drive execution, develop teams, and maintain high standards in a structured, performance-driven environment.

Executive Chef Responsibilities

• Lead all kitchen operations, including service execution, prep, and production
• Maintain consistency in food quality, plating, and standards across all stations
• Hire, train, and develop BOH team members at all levels
• Drive accountability, performance, and culture within the kitchen
• Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships
• Oversee food cost, labor cost, and overall kitchen financial performance
• Ensure compliance with sanitation, food safety, and operational standards
• Lead scheduling, labor planning, and staffing strategies
• Execute menus and ensure adherence to recipes and systems
• Partner with ownership and leadership on operations and performance goals

Executive Chef Qualifications

• Proven Executive Chef experience in upscale casual or fine dining, high-volume environments
• Strong leadership presence with a hands-on, team-first approach
• Experience in scratch kitchens with high standards of execution
• Ability to manage costs, labor, and kitchen systems effectively
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• High level of accountability and pride in performance
• Stable background with demonstrated team development
• Responsible Tenures - no less than 2 years with each previous employer

Executive Chef Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $80k-$100k
• Bonus opportunity
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Growth and advancement opportunities within a multi-unit restaurant group