Executive Chef

Executive Chef – New Restaurant Opening

Fairport, New York | Confidential Search

An experienced Rochester-area restaurant group is seeking an accomplished and entrepreneurial Executive Chef to lead the culinary program for an exciting new restaurant opening in Fairport, NY.

This is a unique opportunity for the right chef to become involved before opening and help shape the culinary identity, menu, kitchen systems, and team of a new restaurant from the ground up.

The concept will feature a strong food and beverage program in an attractive, high-visibility Fairport location, with an emphasis on quality, consistency, hospitality, and a lively guest experience.

The Opportunity

Unlike stepping into an existing kitchen, this position provides the Executive Chef with the opportunity to participate in the development of the restaurant before opening.

Working closely with ownership and management, the Executive Chef will help establish:

· Menu direction and development

· Recipes, portions, and food-cost standards

· Kitchen operating procedures

· Equipment and smallwares requirements

· Vendor and supplier relationships

· Kitchen staffing structure

· Hiring and training programs

· Opening inventories and purchasing

· Prep and production systems

· Food-safety and sanitation procedures

· Service standards and kitchen culture

Following the opening, the Executive Chef will assume full responsibility for the leadership and day-to-day performance of the culinary operation.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Chef will:

· Lead and manage all kitchen operations

· Recruit, train, schedule, and develop the culinary team

· Maintain consistent food quality and presentation

· Control food cost, purchasing, inventory, portions, and waste

· Manage kitchen labor and productivity

· Develop seasonal menu items and specials

· Maintain recipe and plating standards

· Ensure compliance with sanitation and food-safety requirements

· Coordinate closely with the General Manager and ownership

· Maintain strong vendor relationships

· Establish an organized, professional, and accountable kitchen environment

· Help create a strong culture from the restaurant’s first day of operation

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a chef with:

· Proven Executive Chef, Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or comparable leadership experience

· Experience opening a restaurant or developing a new culinary program is highly desirable

· Strong culinary fundamentals and menu-development skills

· Excellent understanding of food cost and kitchen financial management

· Strong leadership and staff-development abilities

· Experience operating in a busy, quality-driven restaurant

· Excellent organizational and communication skills

· A hands-on leadership approach

· Creativity combined with strong operational discipline

· The ability to work collaboratively with ownership while taking responsibility for the kitchen

Most importantly, we are seeking someone who wants to build something, rather than simply manage an existing kitchen.

Compensation

A competitive salary and compensation package will be offered based on experience and qualifications.

For an exceptional candidate, additional performance-based compensation may be considered.

Confidentiality

This is a confidential search for a new restaurant currently in development in Fairport, New York.

Additional information regarding the restaurant, concept, location, opening schedule, and ownership group will be provided to qualified candidates during the interview process.

All inquiries and applications will be treated in strict confidence.

How to Apply

Please submit your résumé and a brief introduction describing:

· Your current or most recent culinary position

· Your experience managing kitchen teams

· Your experience with menu development and food-cost management

· Any previous restaurant-opening experience

· Why you are interested in leading the culinary program for a new restaurant

Qualified candidates will be contacted directly for a confidential conversation.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $80,000