Executive Chef | Upscale High-Volume Elevated Japanese | Charlotte, NC

Role Overview

A high-volume, upscale restaurant celebrating modern Asian cuisine in the Greater Charlotte Area, NC is seeking a hands-on Executive Chef. This position leads all kitchen operations, drives culinary execution, and fosters a collaborative, hospitality-focused work environment. The ideal candidate combines high-volume culinary experience with strong financial management skills to maintain quality standards, control costs, and achieve P&L objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, line management, and food preparation during peak service hours.
• Procure premium products to create high-quality dishes, maintaining strict standards for food presentation, quality control, inventory, and health and safety compliance.
• Manage culinary financials, including labor budgets, food costs, inventory management, and P&L target achievement in partnership with general management.
• Lead, mentor, and develop kitchen staff to build a positive, supportive team environment and promote internal professional growth.
• Support hands-on kitchen work during active service while driving culinary innovation and local product integration.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• 6 years of experience managing line operations in high-volume, upscale, food-focused restaurants.
• 2 years of experience as an Executive Chef preferred.
• Specific culinary background or experience in elevated Asian cuisine or upscale seafood programs.
• Demonstrated track record managing restaurant financials, food costs, labor budgets, and profit-and-loss targets.
• Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and operational communication skills.

Mandatory Non-Negotiables

• Minimum 6 years of kitchen management/line experience within upscale, high-volume dining environments.
• Direct experience managing kitchen food costs, labor budgets, and operational P&L performance.
• Ability and willingness to work 50 to 55 hours per week across flexible schedules, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $80,000 – $85,000 annually
• Bonus Potential: Performance-based bonuses paid quarterly
• Working Hours: 50 to 55 hours per week
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with a 50% match on the first 6% invested, with Roth options
• Paid Time Off: PTO benefits after 90 days
• Family Leave: 4 weeks of paid PTO for maternity and paternity leave
• Housing Loan Program: Access to a zero-interest housing loan program to assist with home ownership
• Discounts: Employee discounts across associated restaurant concepts and boutique hotels

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.