Executive Chef | Washington, DC JN -102026-182781

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

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.

Salary: $75,000 - $95,000.