Restaurant Executive Chef

Goodwin Recruiting; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking an Executive Chef in Boston, MA to lead a small, focused kitchen in a European-inspired setting. The role emphasizes hands-on cooking and culinary leadership within a low-volume, high-quality environment.

The successful candidate will manage a tiny team, control costs, and contribute to menu development and occasional catering. This position offers refined hospitality and opportunities to showcase craft in a cultural venue.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or accomplished Sous Chef ready to advance.
• Strong culinary background in upscale casual dining, European-style cuisine, bistros, or refined small-plate concepts.
• Hands-on chef who values kitchen involvement over administrative-only roles.
• Comfortable adapting culinary techniques to an all-electric kitchen without open flames or fryers.
• Solid skills in food cost control, labor management, purchasing, and maintaining kitchen profitability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Prepare, cook, plate, and execute dishes firsthand, maintaining close involvement in service.
• Lead and inspire a small kitchen team of two prep cooks and one dishwasher in a respectful, collaborative environment.
• Manage purchasing, inventory, portion control, and waste to maximize profitability.
• Organize prep schedules and kitchen workflows to ensure efficiency and smooth service.
• Collaborate on menu development, seasonal offerings, and culinary improvements.
• Maintain strong communication with front‑of‑house staff for seamless guest experiences.
• Support catering and special events as needed.

Skills

Executive Chef experience

European cuisine

Hands-on leadership

All-electric kitchen

Food cost control

Labor management

Job description

Executive Chef – Boston, MA

Join an intimate, European-inspired bistro nestled within a historic cultural institution, where quality takes precedence over quantity. This is a distinctive opportunity to lead a small, dedicated kitchen team and craft memorable dining experiences in a refined yet approachable setting.

Executive Chef Benefits & Compensation

• Work a schedule averaging 50 hours per week, with potential for up to 55 hours during catering support
• Opportunity to lead a focused team in a manageable, low-volume, high-quality kitchen
• Engage directly in food preparation and culinary leadership with a collaborative work environment

Executive Chef Requirements & Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or accomplished Sous Chef ready to advance
• Strong culinary background in upscale casual dining, European-style cuisine, bistros, or refined small-plate concepts
• Hands-on chef who values kitchen involvement over administrative-only roles
• Comfortable adapting culinary techniques to an all-electric kitchen without open flames or fryers
• Solid skills in food cost control, labor management, purchasing, and maintaining kitchen profitability
• Organized with the ability to multitask and efficiently manage workflows
• Leadership style centered on mentoring, teamwork, and fostering a positive kitchen culture
• Detail-oriented with commitment to quality, consistency, and attractive presentation
• Self-motivated and dependable, ready to take full ownership of culinary operations

Executive Chef Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities

• Oversee daily culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation
• Prepare, cook, plate, and execute dishes firsthand, maintaining close involvement in service
• Lead and inspire a small kitchen team of two prep cooks and one dishwasher in a respectful, collaborative environment
• Manage purchasing, inventory, portion control, and waste to maximize profitability
• Organize prep schedules and kitchen workflows to ensure efficiency and smooth service
• Collaborate on menu development, seasonal offerings, and culinary improvements
• Maintain strong communication with front‑of‑house staff for seamless guest experiences
• Support catering and special events as needed

This role offers the chance to thrive in a unique, controlled dining atmosphere with a focus on culinary excellence and genuine hospitality. If you are a chef who values craftsmanship, leadership by example, and detailed execution, this opportunity provides a platform to make a meaningful impact within an esteemed cultural setting.

JOB ID: 183208#post

Phil Arena