Executive Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Executive Chef Opportunity – Confidential Search, Midcoast Maine

About the Venue

Located in the coastal corridor of Midcoast Maine, this award-winning historic restaurant is known for exceptional hospitality and high-quality, scratch-made comfort food. We are proud of our deep connection to the local community. As we continue to upgrade our vintage property, we need an experienced culinary leader ready to elevate the dining operation and build a lasting legacy.

The Role

We are looking for an Executive Chef who understands that great food must be backed by operational efficiency. This is a unique opportunity to lead a turnaround in a high-potential environment. The ideal candidate possesses a strong systems approach and the ability to execute popular, consistent menus that drive both revenue and guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Development: Design and execute seasonal menus that reflect an elevated comfort food identity while ensuring operational consistency.
• Operational Systems: Implement and manage rigorous kitchen systems, including prep, expediting, and organized plating processes.
• Financial Performance: Control food and labor costs, utilizing strategic oversight to protect the bottom line and contribute to the venue's overall profitability.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing kitchen team. Candidates who can bring established culinary professionals with them will stand out.
• Professional Standards: Maintain strict adherence to company policies, including comprehensive anti-drug and professional conduct guidelines.
• Compliance: Ensure all kitchen operations remain pristine, organized, and fully compliant with health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience as an Executive Chef in a demanding, fast-paced dining environment.
• A detail-oriented professional with the resilience and focus required to successfully execute a kitchen turnaround.
• Strong financial acumen with a clear track record of managing food costs and returning profits during challenging economic times.
• A true commitment to long-term success, team stability, and relationship-building within the community.

What We Offer

• The creative freedom to develop signature dishes within our established market identity.
• A professional, respectful, and fully compliant work environment.
• A pathway to potential business ownership for the right candidate who demonstrates exceptional dedication and operational results.

Ready to elevate our culinary team and take the next step in your hospitality career? Contact us today to submit your application.

Company Description

Gecko Hospitality in New England is a premier North American recruitment firm. Covering MA, NH, ME, VT, RI, and CT, the branch connects top-tier management and executive talent with leading hospitality organizations.

Led by experienced former hospitality operators, including Franchise Partners Evan Kaplan and Brian Blum, the New England team leverages their firsthand industry knowledge to carefully assess candidates for both operational competency and cultural fit.

Key Focus Areas:

Target Sectors: Restaurants (quick service to fine dining), hotels, resorts, private clubs, casinos, catering, and corporate dining.
Roles Placed: Executive and senior leadership, including General Managers, Executive Chefs, Directors of Operations, and C-suite executives.
Core Services: Executive search, talent strategy, organizational design, and leadership pipeline development.

Operating exclusively within the hospitality niche, the firm provides customized, relationship-driven recruitment solutions that accelerate business performance and advance professional careers.

Company Description

Gecko Hospitality in New England is a premier North American recruitment firm. Covering MA, NH, ME, VT, RI, and CT, the branch connects top-tier management and executive talent with leading hospitality organizations.\n\nLed by experienced former hospitality operators, including Franchise Partners Evan Kaplan and Brian Blum, the New England team leverages their firsthand industry knowledge to carefully assess candidates for both operational competency and cultural fit.\n\nKey Focus Areas:\n\nTarget Sectors: Restaurants (quick service to fine dining), hotels, resorts, private clubs, casinos, catering, and corporate dining.\nRoles Placed: Executive and senior leadership, including General Managers, Executive Chefs, Directors of Operations, and C-suite executives.\nCore Services: Executive search, talent strategy, organizational design, and leadership pipeline development.\n\nOperating exclusively within the hospitality niche, the firm provides customized, relationship-driven recruitment solutions that accelerate business performance and advance professional careers.