Executive Chef- Greek/Med

Executive Chef - Luxury Mediterranean Restaurant

Location: Vail, Colorado
Salary: $120,000-$130,000 annually + Bonus
Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Performance-Based Bonus
• Epic Ski Pass
• Rental Assistance
• Powder Days - Flexible scheduling to enjoy Vail's legendary snowfall

Position Overview
An established luxury restaurant group is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations of an exciting new upscale Mediterranean restaurant opening in Vail, Colorado.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented culinary leader with a passion for Mediterranean cuisine, refined dining, and delivering memorable guest experiences. The ideal candidate will bring a strong culinary background, creative vision, and a hands-on leadership style, along with the ability to build and develop a high-performing kitchen team.
The Executive Chef will play an integral role in the restaurant's opening, overseeing menu development, kitchen operations, team recruitment, and culinary execution while establishing the concept as a premier dining destination in Vail.
Primary Responsibilities

• Pre-Opening Leadership: Lead all culinary aspects of the restaurant's opening, including kitchen setup, equipment planning, vendor relationships, staffing, training, and establishing culinary standards.
• Menu Development & Culinary Creativity: Develop and execute an elevated Mediterranean-inspired menu emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients, authentic flavors, refined techniques, and exceptional presentation.
• Culinary Excellence: Maintain the highest standards of food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution across all menu offerings.
• Kitchen Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, mentor, and lead a talented culinary team while fostering a positive, collaborative, and accountable kitchen culture.
• Financial Management: Oversee food costs, labor budgets, purchasing, inventory, waste reduction, and overall kitchen profitability while maintaining exceptional culinary standards.
• Restaurant Operations: Manage daily back-of-house operations, ensuring efficient kitchen workflows, proper staffing, and seamless execution during high-volume service periods.
• Seasonal Menu Planning: Adapt menus and sourcing strategies to reflect seasonal availability, guest preferences, and the unique demands of a luxury resort destination.
• Vendor & Supplier Relationships: Establish and maintain strong relationships with quality suppliers, emphasizing premium ingredients, consistency, and responsible purchasing practices.
• Food Safety & Sanitation: Ensure compliance with all health department regulations, food safety standards, sanitation procedures, and kitchen safety protocols.
• Collaboration with Leadership: Work closely with the General Manager and front-of-house leadership to deliver a cohesive, elevated dining experience.
• Seasonal Business Management: Effectively manage staffing, purchasing, and culinary operations through peak ski season, holidays, and shoulder seasons.
• Guest Experience: Maintain a visible culinary presence when appropriate, engaging with guests and ensuring the restaurant consistently exceeds expectations.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including experience as an Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine in an upscale, fine dining, or luxury restaurant environment.
• Strong background in Mediterranean cuisine , with expertise in fresh seafood, premium proteins, seasonal produce, and refined culinary techniques.
• Previous experience leading a new restaurant opening strongly preferred.
• Experience in a high-end resort destination, ski town, or seasonal hospitality market highly desirable.
• Proven ability to develop creative, commercially successful menus while maintaining consistent quality and execution.
• Strong financial acumen, including food cost management, labor controls, purchasing, inventory, and budgeting.
• Demonstrated success recruiting, training, and retaining high-performing culinary teams.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to balance culinary creativity with operational efficiency and profitability.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume luxury dining environment.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

The Opportunity
Join a luxury hospitality group in bringing an exciting new Mediterranean dining experience to one of Colorado's most desirable resort destinations.
This is an opportunity for an accomplished Executive Chef to help shape the culinary identity of a new restaurant from the ground up , build their own team, and establish a distinctive dining experience in the heart of Vail.
The position offers competitive compensation, attractive lifestyle benefits, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on an exciting new restaurant concept.