Executive Chef - Upscale, High-Volume Kitchen Leader

Goodwin Recruiting; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting in Washington, DC seeks an accomplished Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for a high-volume, upscale restaurant. This hands-on leader blends scratch-made cuisine with strong business acumen, team development, and hospitality excellence to elevate every guest experience.

The ideal candidate has 3.5+ years as an Executive Chef in upscale dining and a proven track record of $6M+ in annual sales.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3.5 years of Executive Chef experience in upscale, polished, or fine dining.
• Proven success leading restaurant operations generating $6M+ in annual sales.
• Strong background in high-volume, scratch-made culinary operations.
• Experience with established multi-unit restaurant groups and structured corporate operating systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in food cost management, labor controls, inventory, and BOH financial performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead all back-of-house operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Oversee scratch-kitchen execution, recipe standards, food safety, and sanitation.
• Manage food and labor costs, inventory, purchasing, scheduling, and kitchen profitability.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
• Maintain operational standards while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and performance.
• Partner with front-of-house leadership to deliver a seamless, guest-focused dining experience.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative kitchen culture.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food cost control

Team development

Operations management

Communication

Menu planning

Job description

Goodwin Recruiting in Washington, DC seeks an accomplished Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for a high-volume, upscale restaurant. This hands-on leader blends scratch-made cuisine with strong business acumen, team development, and hospitality excellence to elevate every guest experience.

The ideal candidate has 3.5+ years as an Executive Chef in upscale dining and a proven track record of $6M+ in annual sales.