Executive Chef | Upscale Seafood Restaurant | $100K+

Location: Cambridge, MA

Are you an experienced Executive Chef looking to lead a high-performing culinary team in a chef-driven, hospitality-focused restaurant environment?

We are seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to oversee kitchen operations for a nationally recognized upscale seafood restaurant concept known for exceptional food quality, seasonal menus, and a strong commitment to hospitality.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, develops talented teams, and takes ownership of both daily execution and long-term kitchen success.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background managing high-volume kitchens, scratch cooking, seasonal ingredients, and elevated seafood-focused cuisine while maintaining strong financial discipline and team culture.

Executive Chef Responsibilities:

• Lead all back-of-house operations, ensuring consistent execution of exceptional food quality, presentation, and guest experience.
• Build, coach, and develop a talented culinary team through mentorship, accountability, and hands-on leadership.
• Partner closely with the General Manager and leadership team to drive restaurant performance and operational excellence.
• Manage food costs, labor, inventory, purchasing, and kitchen financial performance.
• Oversee menu execution with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative culinary offerings.
• Maintain the highest standards for food safety, cleanliness, organization, and kitchen efficiency.
• Create a positive, respectful kitchen culture focused on teamwork, growth, and hospitality.
• Collaborate with ownership and culinary leadership on future menu direction and restaurant initiatives.

Executive Chef Qualifications:

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or Culinary Director in an upscale restaurant, seafood restaurant, fine dining, hotel, or chef-driven concept.
• Strong leadership experience managing and developing culinary teams.
• Experience overseeing high-volume kitchen operations with strong attention to detail.
• Solid understanding of food cost, labor management, inventory control, and financial performance.
• Passion for seasonal ingredients, scratch cooking, and creating memorable dining experiences.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• A true hospitality leader who enjoys mentoring teams and elevating standards.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary: $100,000 based on experience

Additional benefits include:

• Quarterly performance-based bonuses
• Paid vacation (2 weeks annually, increasing with tenure)
• Medical insurance through Cigna after 90 days
• Dental, vision, accident, and disability insurance
• Paid sick time
• 401(k) program with company match
• Parking included
• Employee dining benefits
• Opportunities for professional growth and culinary brand exposure

If you are a passionate culinary leader ready to take ownership of a thriving restaurant operation, we would love to connect.

Please submit your resume for confidential consideration.

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.