Executive Chef

Executive Chef

We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary team of a well-established, upscale Italian restaurant in Charleston. This is an outstanding opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who is passionate about authentic hospitality, scratch cooking, and developing a strong kitchen culture. The Executive Chef will oversee all back-of-house operations while ensuring exceptional food quality, consistent execution, and an outstanding guest experience.

This role is ideal for a chef with a strong background in Italian cuisine who enjoys leading from the front, mentoring teams, and creating an environment built on accountability, collaboration, and pride in the finished product.

Executive Chef Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary up to $100K+, commensurate with experience
• Performance-based bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid Time Off
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• Long-term growth opportunity with a stable, ownership-driven restaurant

Executive Chef Responsibilities

• Lead all daily kitchen operations, ensuring consistent execution and exceptional food quality
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team
• Maintain high standards for food preparation, presentation, sanitation, and kitchen organization
• Oversee food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, scheduling, and overall kitchen financial performance
• Work closely with ownership and front-of-house leadership to ensure a seamless guest experience
• Execute menu offerings with consistency while supporting seasonal features and menu enhancements
• Oversee private dining and special events while maintaining the same high standards as daily service
• Foster a positive, professional kitchen culture built on teamwork, accountability, and respect

Executive Chef Qualifications

• Experience with fresh pasta production, traditional Italian cooking techniques, and seafood preparation
• 5+ years of culinary leadership experience as an Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Chef de Cuisine
• Strong background in Italian cuisine within a scratch, full-service restaurant environment
• Proven success leading high-volume kitchen operations
• Strong knowledge of food cost controls, labor management, inventory, purchasing, and kitchen systems
• Experience hiring, coaching, and developing culinary teams
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Hands-on management style with the ability to lead calmly and effectively during busy services

Preferred Experience

• Experience in upscale or polished casual Italian restaurants
• Passion for quality ingredients, consistency, and scratch cooking
• Experience supporting private dining and special events
• Strong operational mindset with the ability to balance culinary excellence and financial performance