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

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