Complex Executive Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Position Title: Complex Executive Chef  

Salary: $110,000 - $120,000

Other Forms of Compensation: Bonus Plan 

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations!  Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards -  Best Places to Work,  This is R/A !

Job Summary

We’re seeking an experienced and collaborative Complex Executive Chef to lead culinary operations for a dynamic, multi-concept dining destination in University City. This high-profile role oversees a diverse portfolio including casual and upscale dining outlets, event-driven spaces, and a rooftop venue designed for both community engagement and private experiences.

This is an opportunity to shape a vibrant food program, influence multiple concepts, and create memorable experiences at scale. You’ll partner closely with culinary, operations, and marketing teams to drive innovation, consistency, and excellence across all touchpoints.

What You’ll Do

• Lead all culinary operations across multiple restaurant concepts and event spaces
• Inspire, mentor, and develop a diverse team of chefs and kitchen associates
• Design and evolve menus that reflect a range of dining experiences, from casual to refined
• Oversee high-volume production while ensuring consistency, creativity, and quality
• Manage food, labor, and operating costs with a focus on efficiency and sustainability
• Partner with marketing and leadership teams to launch new culinary programs and seasonal activations
• Ensure all food safety, sanitation, and compliance standards are met or exceeded
• Build strong vendor relationships and oversee purchasing and inventory management
• Support and execute large-scale catering and private events, including rooftop and community programming

What We’re Looking For

• Experience leading culinary operations in multi-unit or complex dining environments
• Strong background in restaurant-driven concepts, ideally across varying service levels (casual through fine dining)
• Proven success in high-volume production and catering or events execution
• Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to team development and engagement
• Financial acumen, including cost controls, forecasting, and inventory management
• Ability to balance creativity with operational discipline
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment with shifting priorities
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience is valued but not required

Apply to Restaurant Associates today!

Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA

Click here to Learn More about the Compass Story

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.

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Req ID: 1543464

Restaurant Associates 

Michael Abbey 

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