Executive Chef NRO Scratch Kitchen

Job Description

Job Description

Novi, MI

Executive Chef -Full-Time | New Restaurant Opening (August 2026)

We are seeking a passionate, creative, and operationally strong Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision for an exciting new upscale casual restaurant opening in Novi this August. This is a unique opportunity to build a kitchen culture from the ground up, lead a high-profile opening, and put your stamp on a concept projected to reach $4 million in annual volume.

This chef-driven concept will feature elevated American fare with a strong focus on quality, consistency, creativity, and guest experience. Ownership is seeking a chef with a true passion for menu innovation, leadership, and operational excellence while maintaining a few established signature menu items central to the brand.

Why This Opportunity as a Chef Stands Out

• Primary culinary autonomy with creative menu influence
• Opportunity to lead a high-profile New Restaurant Opening (NRO)
• Upscale casual, chef-driven concept
• Projected $4+ million annual volume
• Five-day work week averaging approximately 50 hours
• Discretionary bonus potential
• 8 paid holidays annually
• Healthcare stipend offered in lieu of traditional benefits
• Opportunity to build and lead your own culinary team from the ground up
• 200-seat restaurant with strong growth potential

What You’ll Do as a Chef

• Lead all back-of-house operations for a high-volume upscale casual restaurant
• Create and execute innovative American fare while maintaining key signature menu staples
• Oversee menu development, costing, plating standards, and seasonal features
• Build kitchen systems, SOPs, prep structures, and operational procedures during the opening process
• Hire, train, mentor, and develop BOH staff while fostering a strong culture of accountability and teamwork
• Manage food cost, labor, inventory, ordering, vendor relationships, and overall kitchen performance
• Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and execution during all service periods
• Partner closely with ownership and leadership throughout the opening and growth phases
• Maintain all health department, sanitation, and food safety standards
• Drive creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement within the culinary program

What We’re Looking for in a Chef

• Previous Executive Chef experience in upscale casual or chef-driven concepts
• New Restaurant Opening (NRO) experience strongly preferred
• Passion for menu innovation and elevated American cuisine
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and develop teams
• Proven background managing high-volume kitchen operations
• Experience with food costing, labor management, inventory, and P&L accountability
• Ability to balance creativity with operational execution and consistency
• Hands-on leadership style with strong communication and organizational skills
• Stable career progression and commitment to hospitality excellence

This is an outstanding opportunity for a chef who wants more than simply running a kitchen — it’s a chance to help build a destination restaurant from day one.