Executive Chef - high-volume, full-service restaurant.
7 days ago
Bedford
Job Description About the Opportunity We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and inspiring Executive Chef to lead the culinary program for a high-volume, full-service restaurant. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, values culinary excellence, and is committed to developing high-performing teams while delivering exceptional guest experiences. The Executive Chef will oversee all back-of-house operations, including menu execution, culinary innovation, food quality, labor management, inventory, and team development. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who partners closely with the front-of-house team to create memorable dining experiences while maintaining operational and financial excellence. Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership • Lead and oversee all back-of-house operations to ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation., • Inspire, coach, and develop the culinary team while fostering a positive, high-performance culture., • Recruit, train, mentor, and retain talented kitchen staff., • Maintain high standards of professionalism, accountability, and teamwork throughout the kitchen. Kitchen Operations • Oversee daily kitchen operations, including production, prep, service, scheduling, and sanitation., • Ensure efficient execution during high-volume lunch, dinner, and special event service., • Monitor food quality, portion control, and consistency across all menu offerings., • Maintain compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations. Menu Development & Purchasing • Develop seasonal menus and feature items utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible., • Build and maintain relationships with local farmers, vendors, and suppliers., • Monitor market trends and ingredient availability to create innovative menu offerings., • Ensure purchasing decisions align with quality standards and budget expectations. Financial Management • Manage food costs, labor costs, inventory, and overall kitchen profitability., • Analyze financial performance and implement strategies to improve margins while maintaining quality., • Control waste through effective inventory management and purchasing practices., • Assist with budgeting and forecasting for culinary operations. Events & Banquets • Oversee all banquet, catering, and private event culinary operations., • Collaborate with the events and front-of-house teams to execute successful functions., • Ensure consistent quality and execution across restaurant service and special events. Collaboration • Partner closely with Front-of-House leadership to deliver exceptional guest experiences., • Communicate effectively with ownership and senior leadership regarding operational goals and performance., • Support a culture of hospitality, teamwork, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. Qualifications • Minimum 5 years of Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine experience in a high-volume, full-service restaurant., • Strong background in banquet, catering, and private event execution., • Proven success leading and developing culinary teams., • Experience managing food costs, labor, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen financial performance., • Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations., • Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills., • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment., • Open availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Preferred Qualifications • Experience creating seasonal, locally inspired menus., • Established relationships with local farmers and food vendors., • Scratch kitchen and farm-to-table experience preferred., • Passion for culinary innovation and guest satisfaction. Benefits & Perks • Competitive salary of $120,000–$140,000 annually, • Performance-based bonus opportunities, • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance, • 401(k) Retirement Plan, • Paid Time Off, • Commuter Benefits, • Dining Discounts, • Wellness Program, • Opportunities for career growth and professional development Why Join Us? Join a team that values creativity, collaboration, and culinary excellence. This is an opportunity to lead a talented kitchen, shape an innovative food program, and make a lasting impact in a dynamic, guest-focused restaurant environment. Company DescriptionThe Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.