Head Chef

Overview

We are recruiting on behalf of a growing luxury hospitality group that operates a portfolio of upscale resorts, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The company is in a period of aggressive expansion, with a strong emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and delivering world-class guest experiences.

This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished culinary leader to take the helm of a dynamic food and beverage program — spanning fine dining, casual eateries, and quick-serve concepts — at a premier resort destination. The Head Chef will play an integral role in shaping the culinary identity of a venue that hosts some of the most exclusive events in the country, while leading and developing a high-performing kitchen team.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and inspire a team of kitchen professionals to consistently deliver exceptional culinary experiences.
• Foster a respectful, drama-free kitchen culture through clear communication and proactive conflict resolution.
• Manage the full employee lifecycle: hiring, onboarding, scheduling, performance management, coaching, and exit processes.
• Prepare and manage weekly payroll and staffing reports.

Menu Innovation & Culinary Excellence

• Develop and execute inventive seasonal menus aligned with brand identity and guest expectations across multiple dining concepts — from formal fine dining to casual fare.
• Ensure consistency in food quality, taste, and presentation that reflects the brand's premium visual identity.
• Maintain high standards for plating and presentation, ensuring each dish delivers a world-class dining experience through both flavor and aesthetic appeal.

Operational & Business Management

• Oversee kitchen budgeting, inventory management, and food cost controls to support profitability and sustainability.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and manage procurement effectively.
• Uphold food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards in full compliance with local health regulations.
• Develop and implement robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for kitchen operations for current and future staff.
• Collaborate closely with front-of-house management to ensure seamless service delivery.

Communication & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Communicate clearly and proactively across departments to align with company goals and service standards.
• Maintain open communication with the executive team, demonstrating the ability to receive constructive feedback and implement changes to teams, menus, and processes.
• Oversee multiple restaurant concepts simultaneously, managing the diversity of service styles from formal to casual.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in high-volume, upscale, or fast-paced culinary environments.
• Demonstrated experience across a variety of culinary environments, ranging from luxury fine dining to casual or street food concepts.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Advanced knowledge of kitchen operations, food costing, and menu development.
• Solid experience managing business aspects of kitchen operations: training, payroll, scheduling, inventory control, and disciplinary processes.
• Proven ability to build relationships with suppliers.
• Working knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Exceptional time management, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and remain on your feet for extended periods.
• Commitment to working respectfully within diverse communities, with a genuine appreciation for and commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusive environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Culinary degree from an accredited institution.
• Relevant industry certifications, such as ServSafe Food Manager Certification.
• Experience managing culinary operations across multiple locations or outlets simultaneously.

Base Salary

$65,000 – $70,000 per year. Additional performance-based bonus eligibility.

Benefits Package

• Company-paid health, vision, and dental insurance.
• Basic life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Sick Leave.
• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

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Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.

Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.

New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.