Executive Chef

Job Description

Job Description

An upscale, chef-driven steakhouse opening in Fayetteville, North Carolina is seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef to lead our culinary team, establish operating standards, and help create one of the region's premier dining destinations. This is a unique opportunity for a talented culinary leader to build a kitchen culture from the ground up while showcasing exceptional steaks, fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients, and elevated Southern hospitality.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong operational expertise, a commitment to excellence, and a proven track record of developing high-performing kitchen teams.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Oversee all kitchen operations, including preparation, execution, and presentation of menu items.
• Develop and maintain innovative, seasonally driven menus while ensuring consistency and quality standards.
• Ensure all dishes meet the highest standards for flavor, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Partner with ownership to create memorable dining experiences and special event offerings.

Team Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and inspire a talented culinary team.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented kitchen culture.
• Establish training programs and career development opportunities for culinary staff.
• Create efficient scheduling practices and labor management strategies.

Financial Management

• Manage food and labor costs to meet budgeted goals.
• Monitor inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships.
• Analyze performance metrics and implement strategies to maximize profitability.
• Minimize waste through proper inventory controls and food management systems.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, and food handling regulations.
• Maintain high standards for cleanliness, organization, and kitchen efficiency.
• Create and enforce recipes, prep procedures, and kitchen operating standards.
• Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless service and exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 5+ years of Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience in a high-volume upscale dining environment.
• Strong background in steakhouse, premium American cuisine, or fine dining concepts.
• Proven success managing food and labor costs, inventory systems, and kitchen profitability.
• Experience opening new restaurants or leading major culinary initiatives preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and retain high-performing culinary teams.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Passion for culinary innovation and guest satisfaction.
• Knowledge of USDA Prime and Choice beef programs, steak fabrication, seafood preparation, and modern cooking techniques.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Paid vacation and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunity to play a key role in launching a premier dining destination in Fayetteville.
• Potential for future growth within an expanding hospitality group.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a chef who takes pride in building winning teams, delivering unforgettable guest experiences, and creating a restaurant that becomes a destination for the community. The successful candidate will be passionate about leadership, hospitality, culinary excellence, and developing a culture of accountability and excellence from day one.

Qualified candidates should possess the vision, creativity, and operational expertise necessary to lead a successful upscale steakhouse while maintaining a strong presence on the kitchen floor and mentoring the next generation of culinary talent.

Gecko Hospitality, named to Forbes list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms, offers the largest selection of restaurants, catering, grocery store, corporate dining, senior living, healthcare foodservice, K-12 foodservice, and higher education foodservice positions. Our hospitality-exclusive team covers all 50 states and Canada and offers professional placement services with over 120 dedicated hospitality experts.

With Gecko's extensive list of hospitality recruiter services, we get you and your resume in front of the hospitality industry's leading decision-makers! Better yet, Gecko has exceptional national, regional, and local relationships and is well respected in the hospitality industry for enhancing hospitality careers.

Our national network consists of 80 regional offices driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. From fast food to fine dining and grocery stores to senior living, Gecko recruits chef and management positions for all facets of the hospitality industry. Gecko boasts generations of hospitality recruiting experience, consisting of over 1,900 collective years, that furthers the careers of those seeking professional management positions. Contact us today and we will get you in touch with one of our experts to discuss your opportunities.

Company Description

Gecko Hospitality, named to Forbes list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms, offers the largest selection of restaurants, catering, grocery store, corporate dining, senior living, healthcare foodservice, K-12 foodservice, and higher education foodservice positions. Our hospitality-exclusive team covers all 50 states and Canada and offers professional placement services with over 120 dedicated hospitality experts.\r\rWith Gecko's extensive list of hospitality recruiter services, we get you and your resume in front of the hospitality industry's leading decision-makers! Better yet, Gecko has exceptional national, regional, and local relationships and is well respected in the hospitality industry for enhancing hospitality careers.\r\rOur national network consists of 80 regional offices driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. From fast food to fine dining and grocery stores to senior living, Gecko recruits chef and management positions for all facets of the hospitality industry. Gecko boasts generations of hospitality recruiting experience, consisting of over 1,900 collective years, that furthers the careers of those seeking professional management positions. Contact us today and we will get you in touch with one of our experts to discuss your opportunities.