Job Summary

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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

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Additional Information

At Goodwin Recruiting, our clients seek qualified candidates, and that is what we deliver. A person’s age, gender, race, color, marital or family status, national origin, disability, religion, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity has no bearing on whether they are able to do the job. We evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that meet the requirements of the position and aim to open doors and change lives. We work hard to identify a broad slate of candidates for each of our clients, with many hiring success stories to share.

Kalyn joined Goodwin Recruiting with over a decade of experience in operations, leadership, and hospitality management. She’s known for her values-driven approach, strong team-building skills, and commitment to excellence. Kalyn’s experience across industries - ranging from medical and construction to hospitality and finance - has made her highly effective in full-cycle recruiting.