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Executive Chef – Chicago, IL
Join a respected hospitality group at the forefront of Japanese dining. This is a unique opportunity to lead a talented culinary team, shape an acclaimed menu, and work with the finest ingredients in an upscale, high-volume environment. Ideal for an ambitious chef looking to elevate their career and make an impact.
Executive Chef Benefits & Compensation
- Competitive base salary ($95K–$100K) with 15% bonus potential
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and additional perks
- Employee discounts on dining and curated experiences
- Clear path to advancement, including an Area Executive Chef track
- Work with premium ingredients, such as Kobe beef and Wagyu
Executive Chef Requirements & Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience as an executive chef in high-volume, upscale, or chef-driven restaurants
- Expertise in Japanese cuisine, including robata and sushi preparation (Required)
- Steakhouse experience (a plus!)
- Proven ability to manage and mentor diverse kitchen teams
- Food Safety Manager certification preferred
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
Executive Chef Preferred Background & Skills
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training
- Experience handling premium Japanese ingredients, including Wagyu and Kobe beef
- Strong financial acumen in managing food costs and inventory
- Knowledge of Chicago health and sanitation regulations
- History of creating innovative, seasonal Japanese menus
- Familiarity with omakase and chef-counter dining experiences
- Energetic, composed, and polished presentation style
Executive Chef Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Lead, inspire, and coach a dynamic kitchen team in a 200-seat flagship location
- Oversee menu development, emphasizing culinary excellence and innovation in Japanese cuisine
- Manage all kitchen operations, from purchasing to quality control and safety compliance
- Maintain high standards of food presentation and guest satisfaction
- Ensure effective cost and inventory controls to support a $7M annual operation
- Collaborate closely with leadership to execute special events and curated experiences
This role offers the chance to drive culinary direction, work with top-tier ingredients, and play a key role in a thriving hospitality group.
JOB ID: 173373
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Kenji Salz