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Opening Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pacific Hospitality Group

Opening Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

... The Executive Chef is the culinary visionary and operational leader responsible for defining ... Key Responsibilities Pre-Opening & Concept Development * Lead culinary planning and execution for ...

buschgroupphg

OPENING Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

... The Executive Chef is the culinary visionary and operational leader responsible for defining ... Hiring Date May 2026 Key Responsibilities Pre-Opening & Concept Development * Lead culinary ...

buschgroupphg

OPENING Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

... The Executive Chef is the culinary visionary and operational leader responsible for defining ... Hiring Date May 2026 Key Responsibilities Pre-Opening & Concept Development * Lead culinary ...

Pacific Hospitality Group

OPENING Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

... The Executive Chef is the culinary visionary and operational leader responsible for defining ... Hiring Date May 2026 Key Responsibilities Pre-Opening & Concept Development * Lead culinary ...

Goodwin Recruiting

Executive Chef

Naples, FL ยท On-site

$67K - $92K/yr

A soon-to-open steakhouse in Naples is seeking a skilled Executive Chef to lead the opening and ongoing culinary direction of this ambitious new restaurant. Backed by a respected hospitality group ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Midland, MI

$110K - $130K/yr

Midland, MI - open to relocating Salary : $110k-$130k Benefits : Bonus, PTO, MDV, 401K, relocation assistance A upscale hotel in Midland, MI is looking for an Executive Chef! Requirements : * 5+ ...

Mintex Technology

Executive Chef

Corpus Christi, TX ยท On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

Executive Chef Location : Corpus Christi, TX Salary : $68k-$78k + Benefits Mid $70k depending on ... New Restaurant Openings & Growth. Support the culinary readiness of new unit openings, including ...

Goodwin Recruiting

Executive Chef

Tampa, FL ยท On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

One of the area's fastest-growing Restaurant Groups is seeking a qualified, professional Executive Chef for an immediate opening. This is an AMAZING opportunity for a chef who wants to flex their ...

Cain Partners

Executive Chef

West Palm Beach, FL ยท On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

๐ŸŒŸ Executive Chef - High-Profile New Opening ๐Ÿ’ฐ Salary: up to $150,000 + package + bonus ๐Ÿจ Luxury hospitality setting | Flagship restaurant opening Our client is launching a standout, high ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Sewickley, PA ยท On-site

$68K - $94K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Bristol, TN ยท On-site

$60K - $83K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Richfield, OH ยท On-site

$66K - $92K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Jacksonville, FL ยท On-site

$62K - $86K/yr

Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and Leadership. We are seeking a Culinary Leader, with a passion ...

D&K Restaurant Concepts

Executive Chef

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

We are a multi-concept restaurant company opening up a new full-service concept in the Tucson foothills. We will look to our Executive Chef to work with our preliminary menu ideas and recipes and ...

Bar Harry

Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$70K - $82K/yr

Executive Chef - Restaurant, Bar & Lounge | Toluca Lake A highly anticipated new Restaurant, Bar & Lounge opening in the heart of Toluca Lake is seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef ...

Goodwin Recruiting

Executive Chef

Sunnyvale, CA

$120K/yr

Executive Chef Benefits & Compensation * Base salary starting at $120,000+ (commensurate with ... Open-minded, collaborative leadership style * Experience in menu development and creative design ...

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All JobsOpening Executive Chef Jobs

Opening Executive Chef information

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$40K

$86.9K

$130K

How much do opening executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for opening executive chef in the United States is $86,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does an executive chef get paid?

An executive chef's average salary varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. In larger establishments or high-cost areas, salaries can exceed $100,000, especially for those with advanced culinary skills and management experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Opening Executive Chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opening Executive Chef, you need expertise in culinary arts, menu development, kitchen management, and typically a degree in culinary studies or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory software, and food safety certifications (like ServSafe) is essential. Leadership, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for guiding teams and establishing kitchen culture. These competencies enable successful restaurant launches, consistent food quality, and efficient operations from day one.

What is the difference between Opening Executive Chef vs Executive Chef?

AspectOpening Executive ChefExecutive Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experience, leadership skillsCulinary degree, experience, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentPre-opening planning, menu development, team hiringOverseeing daily kitchen operations, staff management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed during restaurant or hotel openingsUsed for ongoing kitchen management
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles during restaurant launchesManaging existing kitchen operations

The Opening Executive Chef focuses on preparing a new restaurant or kitchen for launch, including menu creation and team setup. The Executive Chef manages daily kitchen operations once the establishment is open. Both roles require culinary expertise and leadership, but their focus differs based on the stage of the restaurant's lifecycle.

What is the highest paying chef job?

The highest paying chef job is typically that of an Executive Chef or Head Chef in high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, or private clubs, with salaries often exceeding six figures. Executive Chefs oversee kitchen operations, menu development, and staff management, and their compensation reflects experience, location, and the establishment's prestige.

What is the path to becoming an executive chef?

To become an executive chef, individuals typically start as line cooks or kitchen staff, gain experience and culinary skills, and often pursue formal culinary education or certifications. Progression involves advancing to roles like sous chef before reaching the executive chef position, which requires leadership, management skills, and knowledge of kitchen operations.

What is an Opening Executive Chef?

An Opening Executive Chef is a culinary professional responsible for launching the kitchen operations of a new restaurant, hotel, or food establishment. They develop menus, hire and train kitchen staff, set up kitchen workflows, and ensure that all culinary standards are met before and during the opening. Their goal is to establish high-quality food service from day one and set the foundation for long-term success. This role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to work under tight deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by an Opening Executive Chef during the launch of a new restaurant?

An Opening Executive Chef often faces challenges such as creating and standardizing a new menu, training a brand-new kitchen staff, and establishing efficient kitchen workflows under tight deadlines. Additionally, they must collaborate closely with management, suppliers, and front-of-house teams to ensure seamless coordination for a successful opening. Balancing high-quality food preparation with cost control and adapting quickly to unforeseen issues are also key aspects of this dynamic role.

What does Gordon Ramsay pay his executive chef?

Gordon Ramsay's executive chefs typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the restaurant's size. Compensation may also include bonuses, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement within his restaurant group.
More about Opening Executive Chef jobs
What cities are hiring for Opening Executive Chef jobs? Cities with the most Opening Executive Chef job openings:
What states have the most Opening Executive Chef jobs? States with the most job openings for Opening Executive Chef jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Opening Executive Chef jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Opening Executive Chef jobs are:
Opening Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opening Executive Chef job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Opening Executive Chef

Opening Executive Chef

Pacific Hospitality Group

Phoenix, AZ โ€ข On-site

$71K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead culinary planning and execution for the hotel opening, including kitchen design input, equipment selection, and menu development.

  • Manage day-to-day kitchen operations across all outlets, maintaining rigorous standards for food safety, sanitation, and compliance.

  • Oversee all banquet and catering culinary operations, ensuring flawless execution of high-volume events while maintaining food quality and consistency.

Job description

Pacific Hospitality Group provides a unique value proposition to investors and team members through our owner/operator approach. We are a family focused company committed to long term holds that enable us to grow our business and our team members. Our vision is to enrich people's lives by offering memorable experiences, giving back to our communities and honoring God in all that we do. We are focused on long-term value creation and sustainable growth.
Our Guiding Principles:
Integrity, Compliance, Value Creation, Principled Entrepreneurship, Customer Focus, Knowledge, Change, Humility, Respect, & Fulfillment
Position Overview
The Executive Chef is the culinary visionary and operational leader responsible for defining, launching, and executing the food program at Denu Hotel & Spa. This role requires deep expertise in high-volume banquet and catering operations, alongside strong restaurant leadership, menu development, and team building for a brand-new independent hotel.
Outlet oversight in addition to Banquets & Catering, In Room Dining, and Cafeteria is:
  • Sartรฉn Kitchen & Bar is the hotel's flagship all-day restaurant and culinary centerpiece, offering a refined yet approachable menu built around contemporary technique, seasonal ingredients, and balanced flavor. Sartรฉn also features a private dining room serving as a premier venue for executive dinners and VIP events.
  • Nidos Rooftop Bar brings Latin-Mediterranean flavors to a dramatic skyline setting, pairing artisan cocktails with a curated food menu built around regional ingredients. Evenings at Nidos are elevated with live music and DJ programming, making it one of downtown Phoenix's most anticipated social destinations.
  • Blend Cafรฉ serves as the hotel's street-level cafรฉ, offering specialty espresso, artisan teas, house-made pastries, and wellness-focused grab-and-go selections for guests and the surrounding downtown community.

Together, these outlets reflect Denลซ's commitment to thoughtful, locally rooted hospitality - and represent an exceptional opportunity for a culinary leader to help shape the food and beverage identity of one of Phoenix's most anticipated hotel openings.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Opening & Concept Development
  • Lead culinary planning and execution for the hotel opening, including kitchen design input, equipment selection, and menu development
  • Create cohesive culinary concepts across restaurants, bars, banquets, catering, and in-room dining
  • Establish recipes, plating standards, production systems, and quality controls
  • Recruit, train, and develop the full culinary team from the ground up

Banquet & Catering Mastery
  • Oversee all banquet and catering culinary operations, from large-scale events to high-end social functions
  • Design banquet menus that balance creativity, efficiency, cost control, and scalability
  • Ensure flawless execution of high-volume events while maintaining food quality and consistency
  • Partner with sales and events teams to support revenue growth and guest satisfaction

Daily Operations & Leadership
  • Manage day-to-day kitchen operations across all outlets
  • Maintain rigorous standards for food safety, sanitation, and compliance
  • Control food costs, labor, and inventory to meet financial objectives
  • Mentor and develop sous chefs and culinary leaders to build long-term bench strength

Qualifications & Experience
  • Minimum 8-10 years of culinary leadership experience in full-service hotels or luxury hospitality
  • Demonstrated mastery of banquet and large-scale culinary operations within a hotel environment
  • Prior experience participating in or leading new hotel or major restaurant openings
  • Strong knowledge of Southwest or regionally inspired cuisine preferred, with flexibility for global influences
  • Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred

Culinary & Leadership Style
  • Operationally disciplined with a creative edge
  • Confident leading large teams under pressure
  • Collaborative partner to operations, events, and ownership
  • Passionate about consistency, mentorship, and execution

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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