Detroit | Opening Executive Chef | Italian Concept

Job Description

Job Description

DESCRIPTION:

A notable hospitality group with multiple upscale restaurant concepts is launching a groundbreaking new brand set to debut in an upscale Midwest food city in 2027. We seek an Executive Chef Partner to play a defining role in shaping the concept from inception through opening and beyond. This individual will provide culinary leadership, guide pre-opening strategy, and establish the standards for excellence, innovation, and execution that will define the brand.

Core Responsibilities —

• Collaborates closely with Culinary Leadership and Dining Room Management to lead pre-opening duties, daily culinary operations, and future culinary strategy.
• Exercises creative control over menu changes in collaboration with Executive Leadership, ensuring innovative, high-quality, and on-brand dishes.
• Builds, leads, and mentors a motivated, high-performing kitchen team while fostering an environment of respect and continuous improvement.
• Develops and documents detailed recipes and scalable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency across the brand.
• Manages operational efficiency by ensuring food and labor costs remain within budget while minimizing waste.
• Oversees inventory management and procurement, maintaining accurate par levels and positive relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Upholds high-standard kitchen organization, sanitation, and safety procedures in accordance with company standards and law.
• Responsible for maintaining and improving profitability through effective cost controls and financial systems management.

Operational Involvement —

The Executive Chef Partner ensures excellence through a proactive and disciplined approach to daily service by:

• Leading strategic pre-opening plans for hiring, leadership selection, equipment plans, and small ware selections.
• Leading weekly culinary menu development tastings with Executive Leadership during the pre-opening phase.
• Anticipating guest needs and addressing service opportunities to ensure total satisfaction and a team-oriented environment.
• Implementing ongoing skills training to ensure the restaurant’s service excellence and culinary standards are consistently met.
• Analyzing and mitigating operational risks while seeking effective solutions in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Working from the corporate office during the development phase before transitioning to the restaurant site in late summer 2026.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Proven leadership in high-volume, upscale dining environments. Minimum of four years of senior level culinary management experience, specifically in high-volume upscale dining.
• Demonstrated success in new restaurant openings
• Strong expertise in Italian cuisine with a refined, contemporary perspective
• Operational and financial acumen, including cost control and systems management
• Ability to build, mentor, and inspire high-performing teams
• Core values: You care about the smallest details, is kind, owns decisions with pride, and maintains a willingness to learn and teach.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including weekends and holidays, in a dynamic environment.

BENEFITS:

• Annual salary range of $120-160K+
• Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates.
• Visa sponsorship available for the right candidate with a depth of experience in Italian, fine dining
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) 
• Potential performance-based bonuses
• Dining discounts across all group locations.
• EOE