Executive Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Executive Chef for Vandelay Companies

About Vandelay Companies

For over a decade, Vandelay Companies has defined what it means to deliver iconic, enduring hospitality experiences. With a growing portfolio of distinctive brands and markets nationwide, we are driven by a passion for craftsmanship, connection, and the pursuit of excellence. Every Vandelay concept celebrates the spirit of American dining: timeless spaces, genuine warmth, and an uncompromising commitment to quality that leaves a lasting impression on every guest who walks through our doors.

What truly sets Vandelay apart is our dedication to growth. Both for our company and for our people. We are expanding across markets nationwide, creating meaningful pathways for advancement and culinary development at every level. Executive Chefs are given the tools, mentorship, and visibility to build long-term careers within an organization that rewards initiative, craftsmanship, and a deep passion for hospitality.

About the Opportunity

As an Executive Chef with Vandelay, you’ll play a defining role in bringing our culinary vision to life each day. This is more than running a kitchen; it’s an opportunity to shape culture, elevate standards, and create experiences that reflect the heart of our brand. You’ll lead a talented culinary team with purpose and authenticity, oversee kitchen operations with precision, and uphold the excellence that distinguishes Vandelay in every detail of food quality, presentation, and execution.

In this role, you will guide menu execution, drive operational performance, mentor emerging leaders, and contribute to a kitchen culture defined by teamwork, consistency, and pride. This is a chance to make a lasting impact on each guest’s experience while growing within a group that values your talent, your leadership, and your commitment to the craft.

Core Responsibilities 

• Create memorable dining experiences by exceeding guest expectations and showing a genuine love for the art of hospitality

• Embody Vandelay Companies' standards of excellence with a high-energy, service-oriented attitude and inspire your team to do the same

• Engage culinary  team members through proactive recruiting, hiring, coaching, training and continuous development efforts

• Display financial skills by summarizing and analyzing information for budgeting revenues and expenses; measuring costs of products, services or other cost objectives

• Exhibit our core values through creating innovative improvements and collaborating with others while being accountable for measurable, high-quality and timely results

• Respond to guest concerns, both written and verbal with the ability to creatively solve problems and develop robust solutions

• Run pre-shift meetings and update the team on any key business updates

• Assist with weekly staff schedules in coordination with the General Manager

• Order goods, kitchen utensils and cleaning products as needed while controlling operational costs and monitoring departmental budget

• Ensure established standards for food safety, sanitation and quality are maintained

• Ensure all food and products are consistently prepared and served according to company recipes, portioning, cooking and Vandelay Hospitality Group’s serving standards

• Ensure all reports, documentation and other information required by our corporate office are submitted in a timely and accurate manner

• Ensure adherence to all local, state and federal laws and regulations

• Take action based on guest reviews and feedback standards and protocols

• Attend and participate in Manager meetings as scheduled

• Lead weekly manager meetings to communicate informational updates and build a cohesive management through proactive communication 

Requirements 

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's Degree in Culinary / Restaurant / Hospitality Management or similar field of study strongly preferred

• 2+ years of full service restaurant Executive Chef experience strongly preferred 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays 

• Trustworthy, detail-obsessed and open to constructive feedback

• Exceptional communication skills both written and verbal 

Perks

• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available

• Paid Time Off 

• Dining discounts at all Vandelay Companies concepts

• Professional development and career growth

• Robust Training program

• All Vandelay Companies restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and the 4th of July so our team can celebrate with their friends and family 

• A collaborative, uplifting culture where we take care of our guests by taking care of our people first

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

• Ability to work standing and walking for extended periods of time

If you’re a passionate leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is eager to grow with a company that values hospitality and teamwork, we’d love to hear from you!

Vandelay Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.