Restaurant Executive Chef - SE Portland

Job Description

Job Description

Restaurant Executive Chef

Southeast Portland, Oregon

Base Compensation to $70,000

A legendary Southeast Portland restaurant—recognized for exceptional food, uncompromising standards, and a distinctive setting—is seeking an Executive Chef. This is an opportunity to lead the kitchen at a destination known for quality, consistency, and a strong culinary culture.

The restaurant occupies a well-regarded location that has earned its reputation through years of service to guests who expect both memorable cooking and professional execution. The kitchen operates to the highest standards of product, technique, and presentation. The culture is collaborative, disciplined, and grounded in respect for the craft and for the team.

Position Overview

The Executive Chef will own daily culinary operations: execution, kitchen leadership, cost control, and the consistent delivery of food that meets the house standard. The role requires a chef who can maintain excellence on the line while developing people and protecting the reputation of an established location.

Primary Responsibilities

• Direct all culinary operations, including recipe standards, plating, and quality control.
• Lead, schedule, train, and develop the kitchen team; set clear expectations and hold the line on execution.
• Manage food cost, waste, purchasing, and vendor relationships while protecting quality.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Partner with ownership and front-of-house leadership to deliver a cohesive guest experience.
• Uphold the restaurant’s established identity with disciplined execution and operational rigor.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Executive Chef or strong Chef de Cuisine / Sous Chef in a high-standard, full-service restaurant.
• Demonstrated ability to run a kitchen that produces consistent, high-quality food under volume.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Hands-on presence on the line combined with the ability to manage costs and people.
• Commitment to the highest culinary and professional standards.

Compensation and Setting

Base salary to $70,000, commensurate with experience. The position offers the opportunity to work in a celebrated Southeast Portland location with an established guest following, a serious kitchen culture, and a setting that matches the quality of the food.

Qualified candidates who take pride in exacting standards and exceptional cooking are invited to apply.