Executive Chef: Lead Culinary Team, Drive Quality & Growth

Darden Restaurants Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

Management Incentive Performance Plan

401(k) retirement plan with company 
%

Generous paid time off

Training and leadership development

Dining discounts

State Benefits Overview

Job summary

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Knoxville is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the culinary team and uphold Ruth’s Chris standards of excellence, safety, and guest satisfaction. You will oversee daily kitchen operations, event planning support, and the training and supervision of staff.

The role focuses on culinary proficiency, cost control, scheduling, and providing strong mentorship while maintaining a compliant, productive work environment.

Qualifications

• Formal business education or restaurant management degree is a plus.
• Demonstrated guest service mindset and leadership.
• Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to plan, organize, and train hourly staff.

Responsibilities

• Proactively recruit, hire and provide initial training for BOH personnel.
• Perform line checks to ensure quality and quantity of food.
• Inspect kitchen operations and storage for standards of excellence, safety and sanitation.
• Manage the kitchen's financials to drive profitability and control costs.
• Schedule staff to maintain efficiency, productivity and profitability.
• Actively source talent to build a winning team and mentor hourly employees.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Time management

Food safety

Mentorship

Education

Restaurant management degree

Job description

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Knoxville is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the culinary team and uphold Ruth’s Chris standards of excellence, safety, and guest satisfaction. You will oversee daily kitchen operations, event planning support, and the training and supervision of staff.

The role focuses on culinary proficiency, cost control, scheduling, and providing strong mentorship while maintaining a compliant, productive work environment.