Executive Chef

The Executive Chef is the strategic and operational leader of all back-of-house operations acrossHellasBakery & Pita, Inc.This role serves as the primary planning, systems, and leadership engine of the kitchen, responsible for building strongteams,establishingclear standards, and implementing structures that drive consistency, accountability, and long-term operational success. The focus of this position is not only execution, but ownership;developing people, processes, and performance in alignment with the broader business goals. The Executive Chef oversees all BOH leadership and staff, including Sous Chefs, line cooks, prep teams, and dishwashers. Core responsibilities include inventory control, food and labor cost management, budgeting, scheduling, training programs, menu execution standards, and plating consistency. Through visible leadership during opening, peak service, and closing, the Executive Chef sets the tone for professionalism and calm execution, supports high-volume service flow, and ensures full compliance with food safety, health code, sanitation, and equipment standards. Working in close partnership with the Kitchen Manager, FOH leadership, management, and ownership, the Executive Chef collaborates to strengthen existing operations while introducing thoughtful improvements and modern systems. This role requires strong judgment, emotional intelligence, financial acumen, and an entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to lead change respectfully, solve problems proactively, and take full ownership of BOH performance while preserving the culture and institutional knowledge of the kitchen. About Us: Hellas Bakery & Pita is a family-owned and operatedlandmarklocatedin the heart of Tarpon Springs, Florida. For over 50 years,we’veproudly served authentic Greek pastries, breads, and meals to locals and visitors alike.Our team is passionate about hospitality, tradition, and delivering top-quality food and service. At Hellas, we foster a warm, team-oriented environment where both our guests and employees feel like family. What You Will Do: Serve as the strategic leader of all back-of-house operations, setting the vision, structure, and standards that drive consistency, accountability, and long-term success acrossallculinary departments Lead, develop, and empower kitchen leadership, including Sous Chefs and keyTeam Leads, byestablishingclear expectations, coaching for growth, and building bench strength for the future Own the planning and systems behind the kitchen, including forecasting, production planning, labor strategy, inventory management, and process improvement;ensuring the operation is proactive rather than reactive Partner closely with the General Manager, FOH leadership, and ownership to align culinary execution with business goals, guest experience standards, and financial targets Build and sustain a professional, respectful kitchen culture, modeling calm, disciplined leadership in high-pressure environments and holding the team accountable to behavioral and performance standards Take full ownership of food and labor cost performance, using data, forecasting, and strategic decision-making to meet or exceed budgetobjectiveswithout sacrificing quality or team morale Design, implement, and continuously improve training programs, ensuring consistent execution, food safety compliance, and leadership development at every level of the BOH Lead change thoughtfully and collaboratively, modernizing systems and processes while respecting institutional knowledge and supporting long-tenured team members Ensure operational excellence and compliance,establishingsystems that consistently meet food safety, sanitation, health code, and equipment standards Maintain a visible leadership presence during key operational moments, providing direction, support, and problem-solving when it matters most, while avoiding unnecessary micromanagement Lead by example in communication,teamworkand abiding by company standards KeyQualifications: 5+ years of BOH Management experience in a high-volume restaurant environment High School diploma or GED; Associate degree in Food and Beverage preferred Calm, organized, and confident under pressure. Strong communicationskills and proven leadership skills. Ability to stay calm and organized during high-volume service. Strong computer skills. Experience with Microsoft Office,restaurant management services (likeMarginEdge), timekeeping/schedulingsystemsand point-of-sale (POS) systems. Flexible availability, including weekends, evenings, and holidays. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Must be able to stand and remain active for extended periods (8+ hours) in a fast-paced production environment. Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. on a frequent basis. Must be able to have a delicate hand and capable decorating skills Must be able to bend, squat, stoop, and reach repeatedly throughout the shift. Must be able to tolerate temperature fluctuations between hot production areas and cooler storage areas. Must have the ability tomaintainawareness and focus in a meticulous,detail, fast-paced environment. Visual requirements include close, peripheral, and focused vision. Why you will love working with Hellas! Salarybased on prior experience Health insurance with a large employer contribution (FT) Vision, dental, life, Short Term and Long-Term disability and accident insurance also available Pet insurance and Pet discount programs (FT and PT) Employer sponsored 401(k)! Financial Fitness program to help you stay on top of your financial goals. Employee Assistance program to help with work and life issues. Growth Opportunities for those who want to further their career. Great staff! EEO & ADA Compliance: Hellas Bakery & Pita is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.In accordancewiththe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA), we provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process. To requestan accommodation, contact Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io View email address on click.appcast.io. Disclaimer This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or duties. Employees may be asked to performadditionaltasks as needed. All duties listed are essential and may bemodifiedtoreasonably accommodateindividuals with disabilities. Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt Location Hellas Restaurant and Bakery About the Organization Does historic Tarpon Springs appeal to you? Do you want to work for an amazing family-owned company that cares about its team and creating an amazing hospitality experience? Imagine yourself in a fun, lively workplace as part of a team helping our guests create memorable experiences. OUR STORY Since 1970 Hellas Restaurant and Bakery in Tarpon Springs has been a proud cornerstone of the Greek Community. Owned and operated by the Karterouliotis family, Hellas Restaurant and Bakery herald their rich heritage by providing award-winning, truly authentic and cultural Greek cuisine and pastries. Located in the center of Tarpon Springs at Florida's World-Famous Sponge Docks and Fishing Village, Hellas Restaurant and Bakery creates a truly memorable experience and is a favorite dining spot amongst local and Tampa Bay area residents and visitors who crave authentic Greek dining. We take pride in every aspect of our work and perform it with excitement and warmth. Our customers are considered guests and are offered a vast choice of authentic Greek cuisine, Greek and European pastries and a full-service bar, creating a truly memorable experience. Our friendly and passionate team help create delight and surprise as they interact with guests to make our guests feel like a member of the family. Share your commitment to excellence with us and be a part of our family. As a team, we are all responsible for making sure that we provide the highest level of guest satisfaction, that we maintain safety, and work successfully together. We offer competitive pay, flexible schedule, fun atmosphere, growth opportunities, direct deposit, choice of three medical plans (large company contribution toward premium), dental, vision, life, and accident insurance for full time employees, and a family owned company with a strong sense of community and pride. EOE Statement Hellas is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender identity), national origin, disability, age (40 or older), genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position is currently accepting applications. #J-18808-Ljbffr