Job Description
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Job Title: Executive Restaurant Chef
Location: Philadelphia
Employment Type: Full Time
Start Date: ASAP
Position Summary
A flagship, high-profile restaurant in Philadelphia is seeking an exceptionally talented Executive Restaurant Chef with a strong Michelin background to lead its culinary vision. The incoming chef will take full creative and operational ownership of the kitchen with the goal of achieving a Michelin Star.
This opportunity is ideal for a current Executive Chef with Michelin-rated experience or a highly skilled Sous Chef from a Michelin-starred kitchen who is ready to step into their first major leadership role.
The position also oversees a high-volume, three-meal-period dining operation, requiring exceptional leadership skills, refined technique, and the ability to manage a large and dynamic team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all culinary operations for a flagship restaurant with Michelin ambitions
- Drive menu development, culinary innovation, and the execution of sophisticated, high-standard dishes
- Maintain Michelin-level precision in technique, consistency, and presentation
- Oversee and mentor a large kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence and professionalism
- Manage a high-volume, multi-outlet, three-meal-period dining environment without compromising quality
- Create and enforce culinary SOPs, recipe standards, and quality control systems
- Collaborate with senior leadership on brand vision, menu evolution, and guest experience enhancements
- Ensure strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards
- Train and develop sous chefs and junior chefs to support long-term talent growth
- Manage food cost targets, ordering, and supplier relationships
- Maintain strong communication between BOH and FOH leadership teams
- Represent the culinary identity of the restaurant with creativity, discipline, and passion
Qualifications & Experience
- Michelin-rated restaurant experience required (1, 2, or 3 star kitchens strongly preferred)
- Background as an Executive Chef OR a Sous Chef ready to step into a first Executive Chef role
- Expertise in modern, refined cuisine and advanced cooking techniques
- Proven leadership experience in high-volume, fast-paced environments
- Strong interpersonal, coaching, and team-building skills
- Ability to remain composed under pressure and deliver consistent excellence
- Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail
- Business and financial acumen including food cost management and vendor negotiations
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Ambitious, Michelin-driven, and eager to lead a restaurant toward its first star
- Hands-on leader who thrives in both fine dining and high-volume service settings
- Confident communicator with strong emotional intelligence and team leadership skills
- Creative, disciplined, and committed to continuous growth and innovation
- Ready for a transformative next step in their culinary career