Executive Chef - New Opening, Upscale Concept (Chicago)

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

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.