Executive Chef #0912

Overview

On behalf of our client — a rapidly expanding luxury hospitality company with a distinguished portfolio of premium resorts, dining establishments, and entertainment destinations — we are seeking a visionary culinary leader ready to define the food and beverage experience across an iconic resort property.

This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the culinary direction of a destination known for hosting some of the nation's most prestigious events. The role encompasses oversight of multiple dining formats, from elevated fine dining to relaxed casual and quick-service outlets. The ideal candidate will bring creative energy, operational rigor, and a passion for building and empowering talented kitchen teams.

What You'll Do

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Cultivate a positive, professional, and inclusive kitchen environment built on transparent communication and early resolution of interpersonal challenges.
• Own the complete talent lifecycle — from sourcing and hiring through onboarding, scheduling, performance reviews, development conversations, and offboarding.
• Compile and submit weekly payroll documentation and workforce reports.
• Attract, develop, coach, and motivate a team of culinary professionals committed to delivering outstanding guest experiences.

Creative Menu Direction & Food Quality Standards

• Uphold exacting standards for plating, visual presentation, and aesthetic consistency that mirror the brand's premium identity, ensuring every plate tells a story through both flavor and design.
• Guarantee unwavering quality, flavor integrity, and presentation across all outlets in alignment with the brand's elevated standards.
• Conceptualize and bring to life creative, seasonally driven menus tailored to each dining concept — from sophisticated tasting menus to approachable everyday fare — while staying true to the overarching brand vision.

Kitchen Operations & Financial Oversight

• Establish and maintain productive vendor partnerships, overseeing sourcing and procurement with an eye toward quality and value.
• Partner with front-of-house leadership to deliver a cohesive, seamless guest experience from reservation to final course.
• Create and enforce comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures governing all kitchen workflows, designed to serve both current operations and future growth.
• Direct kitchen financial planning, stock management, and food cost optimization to drive both profitability and long-term sustainability.
• Champion rigorous food safety, hygiene, and sanitation practices that meet or exceed all applicable local health codes.

Interdepartmental Communication & Coordination

• Engage openly with the executive leadership team, welcoming constructive input and translating feedback into meaningful improvements across personnel, menus, and processes.
• Simultaneously manage the distinct operational demands of multiple restaurant concepts, adapting fluidly between formal and relaxed service styles.
• Serve as a proactive communicator across all departments, ensuring alignment with broader organizational objectives and service benchmarks.

Requirements:
Essential Qualifications

• Hands-on expertise managing the business side of kitchen operations, including staff training, payroll administration, scheduling, inventory oversight, and disciplinary procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and sustain strong supplier relationships.
• Exceptional organizational skills paired with sharp time management and confident decision-making.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• A track record of success as an Executive Chef or Head Chef within high-volume, upscale, or fast-moving culinary settings.
• Deep knowledge of kitchen operations, food cost analysis, and strategic menu planning.
• A genuine dedication to working respectfully and collaboratively within diverse communities, including a sincere commitment to LGBTQ+ welcoming spaces.
• Practical familiarity with food safety regulations, sanitation protocols, and health compliance standards.
• Physical ability to stand for prolonged periods and lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
• Broad culinary experience spanning a range of formats — from high-end fine dining through to casual and street food concepts.
• Proven leadership capabilities with strong team-building instincts and outstanding interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience directing culinary programs across multiple venues or outlets at the same time.
• A culinary degree awarded by an accredited institution.
• Professional certifications such as ServSafe Food Manager or equivalent credentials.

Benefits:
Base Salary

Annual base salary of $65,000–$70,000, with eligibility for performance-driven bonuses.

Benefits Package

• Employer-funded health, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Leave.
• Basic life insurance included.
• Relocation support available for qualified candidates.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

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Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.

Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.

New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.