Executive Chef

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Bring Authentic Italian Cuisine to Life in the Heart of Portsmouth.

Our upscale Italian restaurant in Portsmouth, NH blends classic technique with seasonal New England ingredients to deliver a refined, heartfelt dining experience. We are seeking a passionate Executive Chef to lead our kitchen and shape a culinary program rooted in tradition, creativity, and excellence.

Executive Chef Benefits and Compensation:

• Base salary of $70,000 to $90,000, based on experience
• 20% bonus, paid quarterly, tied to performance metrics
• Employer-sponsored health and dental insurance
• Free on-site parking
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Sponsorship for continuing education and culinary development
• Full creative input on menu development and seasonal offerings
• Strong support from ownership and FOH team
• Work-life balance prioritized in a professional, respectful kitchen culture

Executive Chef Requirements & Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a leadership role within a full-service or fine dining kitchen
• Strong understanding of Italian cuisine — from regional classics to modern interpretations
• Proven experience with inventory management, ordering, food and labor cost control
• History of managing BOH teams of 8-12 staff members
• Current ServSafe certification or equivalent

Must Haves:

• Lead all aspects of kitchen operations, including daily prep, line execution, and closing procedures
• Collaborate with ownership to develop and rotate seasonal Italian menus, with a focus on fresh pasta, antipasti, and wood-fired entrees
• Mentor, train, and inspire your team to deliver high-quality, consistent plates every night
• Maintain direct relationships with local farms, seafood vendors, and specialty Italian importers
• Conduct regular tastings and kitchen meetings to ensure quality and alignment across BOH and FOH
• Ensure all food safety and sanitation standards are followed rigorously

Executive Chef Preferred Background & Skills:

• Hands-on experience with pasta-making, butchery, and traditional Italian techniques
• Familiarity with New England seasonality and local sourcing
• Culinary degree or formal training preferred but not required
• Working knowledge of food costing platforms
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-focused service environment
• Strong communication and leadership skills to foster a positive kitchen culture

This is more than a job — it's a chance to define one of Portsmouth’s premier Italian dining experiences.

If you’re passionate about Italian cuisine and ready to lead with heart and skill, we want to meet you.

Apply now and bring your vision to our kitchen.

At Goodwin Recruiting, we are committed to our core values and providing world class customer service. We are committed to helping our clients navigate and comply with the complex and ever-changing labor laws as well as help ensure that in every hiring decision, internally and with our client partners, that all viable candidates are considered, and the most qualified candidate is offered the role. We evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that meet the requirements of the position and aim to open doors and change lives. We value all people, understanding that uniqueness and diversity foster a stronger team that is innovative and brings varying perspectives to the table. We put our money where our mouth is and are proud of our efforts to identify a broad slate of candidates, with many hiring success stories to share.

JOB ID: 165162

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Nicole Bernard

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