Executive Chef

Job Description

Job Description

Executive Chef — Italian Restaurant - Scratch Kitchen

Location: Westwood, MA

Compensation: $100k–$125k/year + 20% Performance Bonus & Comprehensive Benefits

About the Restaurant

A modern Italian gathering place rooted in neighborhood spirit, celebrating local ingredients and inviting bar culture.

About the Position

We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead culinary operations in this hands-on leadership role. You will drive excellence, efficiency, and profitability while mentoring a talented team and fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration that ensures consistency in both food quality and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Direct all kitchen operations for two high-volume concepts
• Financial Management: Oversee labor, food costs, and budgeting to meet financial targets
• Culinary Innovation: Lead menu development and engineering, balancing creativity with profitability
• Team Development: Recruit, train, and mentor culinary staff while maintaining a positive and productive culture
• Quality Assurance: Enforce strict safety, sanitation, and quality standards

About You

You are a seasoned culinary professional who thrives in high-volume environments. Your leadership style inspires others, and you are as dedicated to the guest experience as you are to the craft of cooking.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3–5 years as an Executive Chef in high-volume, Italian-focused, full-service dining
• Education: Culinary Arts degree preferred (or equivalent proven track record)
• Skills: Exceptional communication, organization, and cost control capabilities; strong kitchen skills; people management skills with demonstrated ability to build and execute skill development plans
• Flexibility: Ability to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand for extended periods and lift 25–50 lbs

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $100,000–$125,000 annually
• Performance Bonus: 20% of base salary
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, holidays, and personal/sick days
• Comprehensive Health: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Security: Life and disability insurance
• Retirement: 401(k) with company match
• Perks: Employee dining discounts across all locations

Join an Employee-Owned Company

We are proud to be 100% Employee-Owned. Joining our team means more than just a job—it means eligibility to become an owner. We invest in our employees because they invest their talent and energy in us. Join one of the strongest hospitality teams in New England, where our common goal is simple: making people happy through great food and teamwork.

Ready to lead? Apply today.

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.