Executive Chef

Gallaghers Steakhouse is seeking an experienced, hands-on Executive Chef to lead the culinary team at our Boca Raton location. This is an opportunity for an accomplished chef who thrives in an upscale, high-volume restaurant and takes pride in delivering an exceptional dining experience at every service.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader with a background in high-volume fine dining and a passion classic steakhouse cuisine, and consistent execution. This is a highly visible leadership role for a chef who is actively present in the kitchen, committed to developing a strong team, and skilled at managing costs while maintaining exceptional standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead all daily back-of-house operations, ensuring consistent food quality, presentation, and execution.
• Maintain established recipes, specifications, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
• Oversee the preparation and proper handling of premium steaks, seafood, sauces, sides, and all other menu items.
• Be actively present during service, providing hands-on direction and support during peak business periods.
• Recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and develop sous chefs, cooks, prep staff, stewards, and other kitchen team members.
• Set clear expectations and hold the team accountable for performance, attendance, sanitation, and professional conduct.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, labor costs, and overtime in line with operational needs and financial goals.
• Monitor food costs, portioning, yields, purchasing, inventory, and waste.
• Oversee ordering, receiving, storage, rotation, and proper handling of food products and kitchen supplies.
• Work with approved vendors to maintain product quality, availability, and competitive pricing.
• Conduct inventory counts and assists with month-end reporting and cost analysis.
• Ensure compliance with applicable food-safety requirements, health department regulations, and company sanitation standards.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized, and inspection-ready kitchen.
• Oversee preventative maintenance and promptly report equipment and facility concerns.
• Collaborate with the General Manager and ownership on menu execution, seasonal specials, private dining, special events, and operational improvements.
• Respond professionally and promptly to guest feedback related to food quality or preparation.
• Foster a respectful, disciplined kitchen culture built on teamwork, accountability, and culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• At least five years of experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or senior culinary leader in an upscale, high-volume restaurant.
• Fine-dining steakhouse experience is strongly preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of steakhouse cooking techniques, meat temperatures, seafood preparation, sauces, and classic culinary fundamentals.
• Proven ability to lead, train, motivate, and retain a professional culinary team.
• Experience managing food and labor costs, purchasing, inventory, scheduling, and kitchen profitability.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, product rotation, and health department requirements.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain composed and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Culinary degree or professional certification is preferred but not required with substantial relevant experience.
• Food Protection Manager certification required or ability to obtain it within the required timeframe.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and other hours required by restaurant operations.
• Ability to work in Boca Raton, Florida. Candidates willing to relocate are encouraged to apply; relocation can be discussed during the interview process.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a résumé outlining their relevant culinary leadership experience. We look forward to hearing from chefs who are passionate about hospitality, developing great teams, and delivering an exceptional steakhouse experience.