Executive Chef
Recruiting Partner: Claudia Pierro
Nashville, Tennessee | Hospitality Operations | Not Remote | $70,000 to $70,000 | Job ID: 177842
Job Summary
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The Executive Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations within a high-volume, chef-driven restaurant environment. This role oversees kitchen leadership, menu development, food quality, financial performance, team development, and operational excellence. The Executive Chef serves as a hands-on leader who inspires a culture of creativity, accountability, collaboration, and hospitality while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and execution.
The ideal candidate is an experienced culinary professional with a passion for innovative cuisine, strong leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage high-volume operations while fostering a positive, performance-driven culture.
Key Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership
- Lead and oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, consistency, and execution.
- Develop and execute seasonal menu offerings, specials, and culinary programs that align with the restaurant’s vision and business objectives.
- Drive innovation while maintaining operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Evaluate menu performance and implement enhancements based on guest feedback, market trends, and profitability.
- Establish and maintain recipe, plating, and production standards.
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit, train, mentor, and develop culinary team members and kitchen leaders.
- Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, respect, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and development.
- Create clear career growth opportunities for team members.
- Promote strong communication and collaboration between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.
Financial & Operational Management
- Manage food, labor, and operating costs to achieve budgeted financial goals.
- Oversee purchasing, inventory controls, vendor relationships, and product quality.
- Analyze financial reports and operational metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Implement systems and procedures that maximize efficiency, consistency, and profitability.
- Prepare and manage departmental budgets and forecasts.
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, and food handling regulations.
- Maintain rigorous standards for cleanliness, organization, and workplace safety.
- Develop and enforce standard operating procedures for kitchen operations.
- Lead all food safety and health inspection readiness efforts.
Guest Experience
- Champion a guest-focused culture through exceptional culinary execution.
- Collaborate with leadership teams to enhance the overall dining experience.
- Participate in special events, promotional initiatives, media opportunities, and community engagement activities as needed.
- Respond proactively to guest feedback and operational challenges.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum of 5 years of Executive Chef or senior culinary leadership experience in a high-volume restaurant environment.
- Demonstrated success managing food and labor costs while maintaining quality standards.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
- Extensive knowledge of kitchen operations, inventory management, purchasing, and food safety practices.
- Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
Preferred
- Experience in chef-driven, contemporary, or upscale casual dining concepts.
- Experience leading menu development and culinary innovation initiatives.
- Multi-unit or hospitality group experience.
- Culinary degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation package.
- Performance-based bonus opportunities.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
- Paid time off.
- Professional development and career growth opportunities.
- Collaborative and team-oriented work environment.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by business needs.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity, collaboration, and professional growth.
JOB ID: 177842
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Claudia Pierro
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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.
