Head Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Head Chef

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and hands-on Head Chef to lead all back-of-house culinary operations in a high-volume, full-service restaurant. This leadership role is responsible for creating exceptional dining experiences while driving operational excellence, maintaining food quality, controlling costs, and developing a high-performing kitchen team. The ideal candidate is a strong leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a passion for delivering consistently outstanding food.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all daily kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop kitchen staff to build a motivated, high-performing team.
• Create and execute seasonal menus, daily specials, and new recipes aligned with the restaurant's concept.
• Manage food, labor, and operating costs to achieve financial goals and maximize profitability.
• Oversee inventory management, purchasing, vendor relationships, and product quality.
• Develop production schedules and maintain proper staffing levels based on business demands.
• Ensure compliance with all health, sanitation, food safety, and OSHA regulations.
• Maintain accurate recipe costing, portion control, and standardized preparation procedures.
• Monitor equipment maintenance and coordinate repairs to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
• Analyze sales trends and recommend menu improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and team-oriented kitchen culture.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or Executive Sous Chef.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Proven experience managing food and labor costs while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Knowledge of inventory management, purchasing, and vendor negotiations.
• Experience creating menus and implementing standardized recipes.
• Thorough understanding of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles.
• Ability to multitask and perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire) preferred.
• Flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Skills

• High-volume restaurant experience.
• Strong culinary creativity with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with inventory, scheduling, and restaurant management software.
• Ability to mentor and develop future kitchen leaders.
• Passion for hospitality and delivering memorable guest experiences.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Employee dining discounts
• Ongoing leadership and culinary development
• Supportive and team-oriented work environment

Gecko Hospitality is honored to be named for 7 straight years to Forbes list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms! (2018 - 2025) Offering the largest selection of hospitality, restaurant, hotel, resort and club management positions, our exclusive team covers all 50 states and Canada and offers professional placement services with over 120 dedicated hospitality experts.

With Gecko's extensive list of hospitality recruiter services, we get you and your resume in front of the hospitality industry's leading decision makers! Better yet, Gecko has exceptional national, regional, and local relationships and is well respected in the hospitality industry for enhancing hospitality careers.

Our national network consists of 80 regional offices driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. From Las Vegas casinos to the finest New York hotels, Gecko recruits management positions for all facets of the hospitality industry. Gecko boasts generations of hospitality recruiting experience, consisting of over 1,900 collective years, that furthers the careers of those seeking professional management positions. Contact us today and we will get you in touch with one of our experts to discuss your opportunities.

Company Description

Gecko Hospitality is honored to be named for 7 straight years to Forbes list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms! (2018 - 2025) Offering the largest selection of hospitality, restaurant, hotel, resort and club management positions, our exclusive team covers all 50 states and Canada and offers professional placement services with over 120 dedicated hospitality experts.\r\n\r\nWith Gecko's extensive list of hospitality recruiter services, we get you and your resume in front of the hospitality industry's leading decision makers! Better yet, Gecko has exceptional national, regional, and local relationships and is well respected in the hospitality industry for enhancing hospitality careers.\r\n\r\nOur national network consists of 80 regional offices driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. From Las Vegas casinos to the finest New York hotels, Gecko recruits management positions for all facets of the hospitality industry. Gecko boasts generations of hospitality recruiting experience, consisting of over 1,900 collective years, that furthers the careers of those seeking professional management positions. Contact us today and we will get you in touch with one of our experts to discuss your opportunities.