Executive Chef — Lead Signature NYC Dining Experience

Highgate; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Highgate Hotels' Velvet Rouge Restaurant in Times Square is seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead culinary operations and guest experiences. The ideal candidate will craft seasonal menus, oversee breakfast, lunch, dinner, and banquets, and mentor a high-performing team in a fast-paced, luxury setting.

With a passion for contemporary American cuisine and global influences, you will partner with F&B leadership to drive guest engagement, maintain top-tier food safety standards, and manage

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of Executive Chef experience in an upscale hotel, lifestyle hotel, or high-volume independent restaurant.
• Strong background in contemporary American cuisine with global influences.
• Experience leading breakfast, lunch, dinner, and banquet operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary vision and day-to-day operations of Velvet Rouge Restaurant, Banquets, Hotel lounge, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Develop seasonal menus featuring elevated American cuisine inspired by New York City's diverse culinary landscape.
• Create bold, shareable dishes that complement the restaurant's vibrant cocktail program and social dining experience.
• Oversee breakfast buffet and à la carte breakfast service, all-day dining, lounge offerings, and private event menus.
• Partner with Food & Beverage leadership to deliver innovative culinary experiences that drive guest engagement and revenue.
• Maintain exceptional standards for food safety, sanitation, product quality, and operational execution.
• Manage food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen profitability while maintaining premium guest experiences.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a talented culinary team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Build strong relationships with local vendors and source high-quality, seasonal ingredients whenever possible.
• Continuously identify opportunities to enhance menus, improve efficiency, and elevate the overall dining experience.

Skills

Executive Chef experience

Menu development

Leadership

Food safety knowledge

Budgeting/Cost control

Staff mentoring

Communication

Education

Culinary degree (preferred)

ServSafe Certification

Job description

Highgate Hotels' Velvet Rouge Restaurant in Times Square is seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead culinary operations and guest experiences. The ideal candidate will craft seasonal menus, oversee breakfast, lunch, dinner, and banquets, and mentor a high-performing team in a fast-paced, luxury setting.

With a passion for contemporary American cuisine and global influences, you will partner with F&B leadership to drive guest engagement, maintain top-tier food safety standards, and manage