Complex Executive Chef

Restaurant Associates is seeking a highly creative, process-driven Complex Executive Chef to lead a dynamic, multi-unit culinary operation in New York City. This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a diverse portfolio that includes upscale restaurants, cafés, catering operations, and high-profile events. The successful candidate will bring a passion for innovation, hospitality, and culinary excellence while balancing operational efficiency across multiple business channels.

This role is ideal for a culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building strong relationships with clients and teams, and can translate creative ideas into scalable culinary programs. With significant visibility and impact, the Executive Chef will help shape the guest experience, elevate food offerings, and drive continuous improvement across the operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic culinary leadership across multiple restaurants, cafés, catering programs, and event operations.
• Develop innovative, seasonally driven menus that reflect client expectations, market trends, and operational goals.
• Partner closely with operations, marketing, and hospitality teams to launch new culinary concepts and initiatives.
• Lead, coach, and develop culinary teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Ensure consistent execution of food quality, presentation standards, and guest experience across all locations.
• Oversee food cost, labor management, purchasing, inventory controls, and budget performance.
• Drive process improvement and operational excellence while maintaining creativity and flexibility.
• Manage large-scale catering programs and high-profile events with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.
• Build strong client relationships through effective communication, responsiveness, and solution-oriented leadership.
• Analyze operational performance and implement strategies to enhance efficiency, profitability, and guest satisfaction.

What We're Looking For

• Executive Chef or multi-unit culinary leadership experience within corporate dining, restaurants, hospitality, catering, or luxury foodservice environments.
• Proven success overseeing complex, high-volume culinary operations across multiple outlets or business channels.
• Strong catering and events background, including large-scale and VIP experiences.
• Demonstrated ability to balance culinary creativity with operational discipline and financial performance.
• Experience managing food and labor costs, purchasing programs, inventory controls, and budgeting.
• Collaborative leadership style with a track record of developing and retaining high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients, stakeholders, and frontline associates.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management capabilities.
• Passion for culinary innovation, hospitality, and creating memorable guest experiences.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training is preferred.
• ServSafe Certification and knowledge of New York food safety regulations are preferred.

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

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Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Associates at Restaurant Associates are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Restaurant Associates maintains a drug-free workplace.

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Req ID: 1583211

Restaurant Associates

Michael Abbey

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