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Opening Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

buschgroupphg

OPENING Executive Chef

Phoenix, AZ

$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

$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 · 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 ...

Altius Search Group

Executive Chef

Starkville, MS · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

The hotel is slated to open in August 2027. The Executive Chef is to direct food ordering, preparation, production, and control for all food outlets and banquet facilities of the hotel. ESSENTIAL JOB ...

New

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Detroit, MI

$120K - $135K/yr

... Open to Relo A luxury boutique hotel in Detroit is seeking an experienced and creative Executive ... Minimum 5 years of Executive Chef experience in an upscale/Fine Dining Restaurant * Strong creative ...

Meiers Creek Brewing Company

Executive Chef

Lake Placid, NY · On-site

$67K - $77K/yr

Build and lead the Lake Placid kitchen team from pre-opening through ongoing operations * Hire, onboard, and train culinary staff in partnership with the Senior Executive Chef * Develop the Sous Chef ...

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+ ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Ocean City, MD

$70K - $80K/yr

Open (Coastal candidates preferred) A premier oceanfront steakhouse is seeking a hands-on Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations. Qualifications: * 3-5+ years of Executive Chef and Butchering ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Naples, FL

$120K/yr

Title: Executive Chef Salary: $120k Benefits: Yes Relocation: Yes New Mediterranean Steakhouse opening in Naples, FL. Requirements: * High volume ($10M) * Steakhouse experience * New Opening ...

Shawarma Guys

Executive Chef

San Diego, CA

$80K/yr

Executive Chef Compensation Management Training Program (First 30 Days) All Executive Chef ... Complete opening and closing procedures * Daily kitchen operations * Shawarma preparation and ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Dallas, PA · On-site

$75/hr

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 ...

Shawarma Guys

Executive Chef

San Diego, CA

$80K/yr

Executive Chef Compensation Management Training Program (First 30 Days) All Executive Chef ... Complete opening and closing procedures * Daily kitchen operations * Shawarma preparation and ...

Citrus & Salt

Executive Chef

Burlington, MA · On-site

$77K - $107K/yr

NOW HIRING - Executive Chef Citrus & Salt | Burlington, MA Chef Jason Santos is opening the newest Citrus & Salt in Burlington, MA, and we're looking for an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the ...

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Needham, MA

$110K - $115K/yr

Executive Chef New Restaurant Opening | Mediterranean Concept Needham, MA Build Something Extraordinary from the Ground Up We are seeking an innovative and entrepreneurial Executive Chef to lead the ...

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Greenville, SC

$75K - $80K/yr

Restaurant growth and new opening opportunities * Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day * Early closure on Christmas Eve * Opportunity to become an Executive Chef Partner after one year based on ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Waco, TX · On-site

$63K - $87K/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

Hillsdale, MI · On-site

$64K - $89K/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 ...

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Opening Executive Chef information

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$40K

$86.9K

$130K

How much do opening executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an opening executive chef?

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 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 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.

Do opening executive chefs get paid well?

Opening executive chefs typically earn higher salaries compared to other culinary roles due to their leadership responsibilities and experience requirements. Compensation varies based on the size and location of the establishment, but they often receive competitive wages, bonuses, and benefits. Strong leadership skills and culinary expertise can positively impact earning potential in this role.

Is an opening executive chef a stressful job?

An opening executive chef role can be stressful due to the high level of responsibility for kitchen operations, staff management, and meeting quality standards. The job often involves long hours, tight deadlines, and the need to quickly adapt to new environments and menus.

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:

Opening Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opening Executive Chef job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

OPENING Executive Chef

buschgroupphg

Phoenix, AZ

$71K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Company 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

Job Description

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.

Hiring Date May 2026

 

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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