Job Description
Job Description
We are seeking a passionate, experienced, and hands-on Executive Chef to lead the culinary program of a highly regarded Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, culinary execution, team development, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and hospitality.
The ideal candidate is a strong culinary leader with deep expertise in authentic Italian cuisine and the operational experience to manage a high-volume restaurant with significant private dining and event business. This individual should be a humble, collaborative leader who thrives in a team-driven environment and is committed to building something long-term.
Executive Chef Benefits and Compensation
- Bonus
- Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
- Opportunity to lead a respected Italian culinary program with significant growth potential
- Supportive ownership team focused on long-term success
Executive Chef Requirements & Qualifications
- 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine
- Strong background in authentic Italian cuisine; Northern Italian experience highly preferred
- Experience working in Italy or significant exposure to Italian culinary traditions strongly preferred
- Proven ability to lead and develop a kitchen team of approximately 20 employees
- Experience managing high-volume operations with 150+ covers and private events
- Strong understanding of:
- Food cost controls
- Labor management
- Inventory systems
- Ordering and kitchen organization
- Menu execution and consistency
- Ability to manage multiple simultaneous events, including large-scale buyouts
- Strong leadership presence with a calm, organized, and team-oriented approach
- Commitment to long-term growth and building a strong culinary culture
Executive Chef Preferred Background & Skills
- Experience in acclaimed Italian restaurants or refined culinary environments
- Hands-on expertise with:
- Wood-burning grills
- Wood-fired pizza ovens
- Fresh pasta production
- Extruded pasta
- Strong knowledge of traditional Italian ingredients, techniques, and regional cuisine
- Experience balancing elevated culinary standards with operational efficiency
- Ability to collaborate effectively with front-of-house leadership and ownership
- Strong mentorship skills with a focus on training and developing kitchen talent
- Experience overseeing private dining, events, and large-scale service execution
- Low-ego, collaborative leadership style with a focus on team success
- Desire to become a long-term culinary leader within the organization