Executive Chef

Recruiting Partner: Nino Divanovic

Chicago, Illinois | Food & Beverage & Lodging | Not Remote | $90,000 to $110,000 | Job ID: 169316

Job Summary

To Apply for this Job Click Here

Executive Chef – Plant-Based Cuisine

Confidential | Chicago, IL

A highly regarded, established plant-based restaurant in the Chicago area is seeking a passionate and experienced Executive Chef to lead its culinary program. This opportunity is ideal for a chef who truly believes in plant-based cuisine and has demonstrated that passion through their work — not someone who is simply “okay with it.”

This is a hands-on leadership role with real creative influence, strong ownership support, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on a well-known concept.

Compensation

  • $90,000–$110,000 base salary + bonus, depending on experience and fit
  • Exceptional candidates (e.g., highly accomplished or well-known plant-based/vegan chefs) may be considered at $120,000+

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and execute the restaurant’s plant-based culinary vision
  • Oversee all BOH operations including quality, consistency, sanitation, and food safety
  • Develop seasonal menus and specials with creativity and intention
  • Manage food cost, labor, inventory, and waste to meet financial goals
  • Hire, train, mentor, and retain a strong kitchen team
  • Maintain systems, standards, and accountability throughout the BOH
  • Collaborate with ownership and leadership on the continued growth of the concept

What We’re Looking For

  • Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef experience in a high-quality, full-service environment
  • Proven passion for plant-based cuisine (required)
  • Strong leadership skills with a professional, team-first approach
  • Solid understanding of kitchen P&L, food costing, and labor management
  • Ability to balance creativity with structure and consistency

Preferred Background

  • Experience in plant-based, vegan, or vegetable-forward restaurants
  • Upscale, polished-casual, or chef-driven concepts
  • A chef who wants ownership of the kitchen and long-term growth

This is a rare opportunity to lead an established, respected plant-based concept and help shape its next chapter.

 

JOB ID: 169316

#post

Nino Divanovic

To Apply for this Job Click Here

Share This Job

Share This Job

Event Operations Specialist

Roslindale, Massachusetts
Food & Beverage & Lodging
$55,000 to $70,000

Executive Kitchen Manager – Steakhouse

San Antonio, Texas
Food & Beverage & Lodging
$70,000 to $80,000

Executive Chef

Atlanta, Georgia
Food & Beverage & Lodging
$90,000 to $90,000

Restaurant Manager

Warren, Michigan
Food & Beverage & Lodging
$60,000 to $68,000

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.

Featured Image

Nino Divanovic

Senior Recruiting Partner