What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Restaurant Chef position at DC Global Talent Inc.?
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Job Title: Executive Restaurant Chef
Location: Philadelphia
Employment Type: Full Time
Start Date: ASAP
Position Summary
A flagship, high-profile restaurant in Philadelphia is seeking an exceptionally talented Executive Restaurant Chef with a strong Michelin background to lead its culinary vision. The incoming chef will take full creative and operational ownership of the kitchen with the goal of achieving a Michelin Star.
This opportunity is ideal for a current Executive Chef with Michelin-rated experience or a highly skilled Sous Chef from a Michelin-starred kitchen who is ready to step into their first major leadership role.
The position also oversees a high-volume, three-meal-period dining operation, requiring exceptional leadership skills, refined technique, and the ability to manage a large and dynamic team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all culinary operations for a flagship restaurant with Michelin ambitions
- Drive menu development, culinary innovation, and the execution of sophisticated, high-standard dishes
- Maintain Michelin-level precision in technique, consistency, and presentation
- Oversee and mentor a large kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence and professionalism
- Manage a high-volume, multi-outlet, three-meal-period dining environment without compromising quality
- Create and enforce culinary SOPs, recipe standards, and quality control systems
- Collaborate with senior leadership on brand vision, menu evolution, and guest experience enhancements
- Ensure strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards
- Train and develop sous chefs and junior chefs to support long-term talent growth
- Manage food cost targets, ordering, and supplier relationships
- Maintain strong communication between BOH and FOH leadership teams
- Represent the culinary identity of the restaurant with creativity, discipline, and passion
Qualifications & Experience
- Michelin-rated restaurant experience required (1, 2, or 3 star kitchens strongly preferred)
- Background as an Executive Chef OR a Sous Chef ready to step into a first Executive Chef role
- Expertise in modern, refined cuisine and advanced cooking techniques
- Proven leadership experience in high-volume, fast-paced environments
- Strong interpersonal, coaching, and team-building skills
- Ability to remain composed under pressure and deliver consistent excellence
- Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail
- Business and financial acumen including food cost management and vendor negotiations
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Ambitious, Michelin-driven, and eager to lead a restaurant toward its first star
- Hands-on leader who thrives in both fine dining and high-volume service settings
- Confident communicator with strong emotional intelligence and team leadership skills
- Creative, disciplined, and committed to continuous growth and innovation
- Ready for a transformative next step in their culinary career