Executive Chef | Washington, DC

Goodwin Recruiting; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for a high-volume, upscale restaurant in Washington, DC, delivering scratch-made cuisine, hospitality, and strong business acumen.

The ideal candidate will have 3.5+ years in upscale dining, $6M+ annual sales, and a proven ability to develop talent, manage costs, and partner with front-of-house to ensure a seamless guest experience. Extended out-of-market training is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3.5 years of recent 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.
• Stable career history with progressive leadership responsibilities.
• Proven ability to develop culinary talent and maintain high standards under pressure.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to complete an extended out-of-market training program.

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.

Job description

We are seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for a high-volume, upscale restaurant in Washington, DC. This opportunity is ideal for a hands‑on culinary leader who combines a passion for scratch-made cuisine with strong business acumen, team development, and a commitment to exceptional hospitality.

The ideal candidate has a successful track record in polished, upscale dining environments and thrives in a fast-paced operation where food quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction are paramount.

Key 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.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3.5 years of recent 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.
• Stable career history with progressive leadership responsibilities.
• Proven ability to develop culinary talent and maintain high standards under pressure.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to complete an extended out-of-market training program.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement benefits.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities.
• A collaborative, performance-driven culture that values culinary excellence and leadership.

JOB ID: 182781#post

Nichelle Ritter