Pittsburg | Executive Chef | Upscale Italian | High Volume
4 days ago
Pittsburgh
Job Description Job Summary We are seeking a highly creative and experienced Executive Chef to lead our team at a long-standing, fast-paced, family-owned Italian restaurant in Pittsburgh. The ideal candidate has a deep passion for and extensive knowledge of authentic Italian cuisine and a proven track record of successful kitchen leadership. You will oversee all back-of-house operations, ensuring culinary excellence and upholding the traditions that have defined our restaurant for years. Key Responsibilities • Menu development: In addition to maintaining high quality standards for some legacy menu items, you will also create and innovate menus that showcase authentic and regional Italian cuisine while using seasonal, high-quality ingredients., • Culinary operations: Oversee and direct all daily kitchen operations, from food preparation to the execution of all dishes during service, ensuring consistency and quality., • Team leadership: Manage, train, and mentor all kitchen staff, including sous chefs and line cooks. Foster a positive and collaborative environment that promotes growth, discipline, and efficiency., • Cost and inventory management: Be accountable for meeting food and labor cost targets. Manage inventory, control waste, and establish strong relationships with trusted vendors to source the best products., • Quality control: Maintain the highest standards for food quality, taste, and presentation. Conduct regular line checks and tasting sessions to ensure consistency., • Health and safety compliance: Enforce strict adherence to all local, state, and federal food safety and sanitation regulations, ensuring a clean and safe kitchen environment., • Communication and collaboration: Work closely with the family owners and the front-of-house team to ensure a seamless dining experience for our customers. Be receptive to feedback and communicate effectively with all restaurant staff. Qualifications and Skills • Proven experience as an Executive Chef or in a senior leadership role within a reputable restaurant, preferably one specializing in Italian cuisine. Must have at least 4 years of Executive Sous or CDC experience overseeing a high volume kitchen that executes both plated dishes as well as banquet and catering orders., • A deep and authentic passion for Italian food, its history, and its regional variations., • Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with a track record of motivating and managing kitchen staff effectively under pressure., • Creative and innovative approach to menu development, with the ability to balance traditional recipes with modern techniques., • Expert-level knowledge of food preparation, flavor profiles, and culinary best practices., • Strong business acumen, including proven expertise in food costing, budgeting, and inventory control., • Excellent time management and organizational skills to thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced environment., • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to interact positively with staff, vendors, and owners., • Food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe) is required. If you are a creative, confident, and dedicated culinary professional who shares our love for Italian cuisine and community, we encourage you to apply. You'll have the opportunity to lead a talented kitchen and build on our long-standing reputation in the Pittsburgh dining scene. Benefits • Strong Medical and Dental Coverage, • Bonus (% based on profit), • Relocation assistance offered for the right candidate, • EOE - We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.