Job Summary

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We are seeking a dynamic and creative Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision of a well-established restaurant in Charlotte. This is a unique opportunity for a chef who thrives on innovation, menu development, and building a strong, energized kitchen culture.

Our client is looking for a leader who can refresh and elevate the concept, bring new ideas to life, and create a memorable guest experience through food, team development, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Innovation

Lead menu development with a focus on creativity, seasonality, and innovation
Refresh and evolve the restaurant’s culinary identity
Introduce new techniques, flavors, and presentation styles
Maintain consistency, quality, and brand standards

Team Development & Culture

Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing kitchen team
Create a positive, accountable, and collaborative culture
Train and develop staff on techniques, standards, and procedures
Lead by example with strong floor/kitchen presence

Operations & Execution

Oversee all kitchen operations, including prep, execution, and service
Establish and improve systems, processes, and kitchen procedures
Ensure food safety, sanitation, and compliance standards are met
Manage inventory, ordering, and cost controls

Financial Performance

Maintain food cost, labor cost, and waste control targets
Drive profitability through smart menu engineering and sourcing
Collaborate with ownership/management on budgeting and forecasting

Qualifications

3–5+ years of experience as an Executive Chef
Proven experience in menu development and concept refresh
Strong leadership and team-building skills
Passion for culinary creativity and innovation
Solid understanding of kitchen systems, cost control, and operations
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $100,000 – $120,000
Bonus Potential
Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
401(k)
Paid Time Off
Growth opportunity with a forward-thinking ownership group

Ideal Candidate Profile

A trend-aware, creative chef who brings fresh ideas
A hands-on leader who builds strong teams and culture
Someone who can balance creativity with execution and profitability
Passionate about elevating a concept while maintaining consistency

JOB ID: 174396

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Nino Divanovic

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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.