Executive Chef

Job Description Job Description Executive Chef Opportunity: Lead a Scratch Kitchen in Mid-Coast Maine Located in the heart of mid-coast Maine, our restaurant combines culinary artistry with genuine hospitality. We are dedicated to serving elevated comfort classics in a vintage, welcoming atmosphere. We take pride in our "guest first" philosophy, ensuring every local and visitor feels at home while enjoying our scratch-made dishes and full-service bar. We are currently seeking a hands-on Head Chef or Executive Chef to lead our dynamic culinary team. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives on mentorship, operational excellence, and organizational consistency. The Role We are not looking to rebrand; we have an established menu that our guests love. Instead, we need a leader who respects our identity while bringing creativity to daily specials. Your primary objective will be to train and develop our talented staff, implementing robust systems that ensure the kitchen operates flawlessly—even in your absence. Key Responsibilities * Operational Leadership: Oversee daily kitchen operations in a high-volume environment, ensuring timely service and strict attention to detail. * Team Development: Mentor the culinary team, fostering a culture of teamwork and professional growth. We need a leader whose strength lies in developing people. * Quality Control: Prepare and cook menu items to recipe standards, ensuring consistency in every dish that leaves the pass. * Systems & Safety: Maintain a clean, organized workspace and adhere to all food safety regulations. Manage inventory levels and communicate supply needs effectively. * Creative Input: While executing our core menu, you will have the creative freedom to develop exciting daily specials using fresh, quality ingredients. Qualifications * Proven Experience: Previous tenure as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Kitchen Manager in the food service industry, specifically within high-volume, elevated casual dining. * Organizational Mastery: Ability to manage a large kitchen facility with efficiency and precision. * Leadership Skills: Strong capability to remain calm under pressure and lead by example. * Culinary Passion: A deep appreciation for food, knowledge of culinary techniques, and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. * Certification: Familiarity with food safety practices (ServSafe certification preferred). If you are an organized culinary professional eager to lead a vibrant team and maintain high standards of excellence, we invite you to apply for this opportunity. Company Description Gecko Hospitality in New England is a premier North American recruitment firm. Covering MA, NH, ME, VT, RI, and CT, the branch connects top-tier management and executive talent with leading hospitality organizations. Led by experienced former hospitality operators, including Franchise Partners Evan Kaplan and Brian Blum, the New England team leverages their firsthand industry knowledge to carefully assess candidates for both operational competency and cultural fit. Key Focus Areas: Target Sectors: Restaurants (quick service to fine dining), hotels, resorts, private clubs, casinos, catering, and corporate dining. Roles Placed: Executive and senior leadership, including General Managers, Executive Chefs, Directors of Operations, and C-suite executives. Core Services: Executive search, talent strategy, organizational design, and leadership pipeline development. Operating exclusively within the hospitality niche, the firm provides customized, relationship-driven recruitment solutions that accelerate business performance and advance professional careers. Company Description Gecko Hospitality in New England is a premier North American recruitment firm. Covering MA, NH, ME, VT, RI, and CT, the branch connects top-tier management and executive talent with leading hospitality organizations.\n\nLed by experienced former hospitality operators, including Franchise Partners Evan Kaplan and Brian Blum, the New England team leverages their firsthand industry knowledge to carefully assess candidates for both operational competency and cultural fit.\n\nKey Focus Areas:\n\nTarget Sectors: Restaurants (quick service to fine dining), hotels, resorts, private clubs, casinos, catering, and corporate dining.\nRoles Placed: Executive and senior leadership, including General Managers, Executive Chefs, Directors of Operations, and C-suite executives.\nCore Services: Executive search, talent strategy, organizational design, and leadership pipeline development.\n\nOperating exclusively within the hospitality niche, the firm provides customized, relationship-driven recruitment solutions that accelerate business performance and advance professional careers.