Executive Chef

Compensation Type

Highgate Hotels

Highgate is a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company with over $15 billion of assets under management and a global portfolio of more than 400 hotels spanning North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value. With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. 

Location

Situated next door to each other on 44th Street in the heart of midtown Manhattan, Millennium Premier and Millennium Times Square both offer desirable locations steps from the excitement of Times Square, Broadway, Radio City Music Hall, and Rockefeller Center. Millennium Premier, newly- renovated Four-Star boutique-style hotel, features 124 well-appointed rooms and a private lounge exclusively for guests. Millennium Times Square features 626 spacious guest rooms and suites, some with views of Times Square, function space, and the newly-renovated Restaurant and Bar will be re-opening in the Fall 2026.

Overview

Millennium Broadway is seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision of one of Times Square's most exciting dining destinations. Inspired by the energy, creativity, and sophistication of New York City, Velvet Rouge blends elevated American comfort cuisine with bold flavors, shareable plates, and an atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from pre-theater dining to late-night cocktails and social experiences.

The Executive Chef will be responsible for all culinary operations, including breakfast, all-day dining, private events, and seasonal programming. This leader will create memorable guest experiences through innovative menu development, exceptional execution, and a commitment to quality, while fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and operational excellence.

We're looking for a chef who understands that today's guests seek more than a meal—they seek an experience. The ideal candidate is passionate about hospitality, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and has the creativity to develop dishes that are approachable, memorable, and worthy of one of the world's most iconic destinations.

You are an inspiring leader who balances innovation with consistency, embraces collaboration, and is driven to create a restaurant that becomes a must-visit dining destination for both hotel guests and New Yorkers alike.

Located in the heart of Broadway, Velvet Rouge is a destination where elevated hospitality, imaginative cocktails, and vibrant social dining come together. This is an opportunity to lead the guest-facing experience of a signature restaurant and bar while helping establish one of Manhattan's premier lifestyle dining destinations.

Responsibilities

• • Lead the culinary vision and day-to-day operations of Velvet Rouge Restaurant, Banquets, Hotel lounge, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, and presentation.
  • Develop seasonal menus featuring elevated American cuisine inspired by New York City's diverse culinary landscape.
  • Create bold, shareable dishes that complement the restaurant's vibrant cocktail program and social dining experience.
  • Oversee breakfast buffet and à la carte breakfast service, all-day dining, lounge offerings, and private event menus.
  • Partner with Food & Beverage leadership to deliver innovative culinary experiences that drive guest engagement and revenue.
  • Maintain exceptional standards for food safety, sanitation, product quality, and operational execution.
  • Manage food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen profitability while maintaining premium guest experiences.
  • Recruit, mentor, and develop a talented culinary team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
  • Build strong relationships with local vendors and source high-quality, seasonal ingredients whenever possible.
  • Continuously identify opportunities to enhance menus, improve efficiency, and elevate the overall dining experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of Executive Chef experience in an upscale hotel, lifestyle hotel, or high-volume independent restaurant.
• Strong background in contemporary American cuisine with global influences.
• Demonstrated success in menu development, culinary innovation, and financial management.
• Experience leading breakfast, lunch, dinner, and banquet operations.
• Proven ability to build, mentor, and inspire high-performing culinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Culinary degree preferred; ServSafe Certification required or obtainable upon hire.

Benefits

We are pleased to offer to our full-time associates a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future.

• Medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contributions
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave (provided in accordance with applicable law)
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Educational opportunities / Tuition reimbursement
• Paid jury duty leave, personal leave, medical leave, and military leave in accordance with applicable law

For Employees Based in Washington:

• 8 paid holidays per year
• Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service
• Paid Sick & Safe Time accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, with up to 72 hours of unused time carried over from one anniversary year to the next.

For Employees Based in Colorado:

• 8 paid holidays per year; employees working in the City of Denver receive 64 hours of designated holiday time per calendar year
• Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service
• 6 days or 48 hours of Paid Sick Leave per year, accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked.

For Employees Based in California:

• 8 paid holidays per year
• Up to 20 days of paid vacation per year, based on classification and length of service, capped at 1.5x annual accrual rate; non-supervisory employees working in the City of Los Angeles accrue up to 22 days of Compensated Time Off, based on length of service capped at 192 hours of combined PST and CTO.
• Paid Sick Time accrues at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, unused time is carried over from one anniversary year to the next up to a maximum of 80 hours; employees working in the City of Los Angeles are provided 40 hours of Paid Sick Time annually on their anniversary, unused time is not carried over from one anniversary year to the next.

Please note that certain benefits described above for associates in Washington, Colorado, and California may vary for associates covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (“CBA”). For such associates, eligibility for and the terms and conditions of benefits are governed by the applicable CBA and any applicable plan documents, and may differ from the benefits described above. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency, the terms of the applicable CBA and governing plan documents will control, as applicable.

**The above-referenced benefits do not apply to part-time positions

Posting Date

This job opening was posted on September 10, 2026and will remain open for at least 75 days.