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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 ...

the Chef Agency

Executive Chef

Midland, MI · On-site

$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+ ...

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 ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Richfield, OH · 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 ...

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 ...

Bar Harry

Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$77K - $106K/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 ...

COREcruitment Ltd

Executive Chef

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Executive Chef - Premium Casual Restaurant New Orleans, LA Up to $100,000 + Incentives + Benefits ... openings or overseeing multiple kitchens as the company continues to grow. We're looking for a ...

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 ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Cranberry Township, PA · On-site

$69K - $95K/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 ...

Corecruitment

Be Seen First

Executive Chef

Florida City, FL · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Executive Chef Confidential New Opening | Elevated Japanese Concept Miami, FL - Relocation Available $150,000 - $165,000 + Benefits We're partnered on a confidential search for an Executive Chef to ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Henderson, TN · On-site

$50K - $68K/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 ...

Corecruitment

Be Seen First

Executive Chef

Florida City, FL · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Executive Chef Confidential New Opening | Elevated Japanese Concept Miami, FL - Relocation Available $150,000 - $165,000 + Benefits We're partnered on a confidential search for an Executive Chef to ...

Corecruitment

Be Seen First

Executive Chef

Florida City, FL · On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Executive Chef Confidential New Opening | Elevated Japanese Concept Miami, FL - Relocation Available $150,000 - $165,000 + Benefits We're partnered on a confidential search for an Executive Chef to ...

City Winery International

Executive Chef

Manhattan, NY

$78K - $108K/yr

Support new property openings, leadership transitions, and operational improvement initiatives ... Partner with the National R&D Executive Chef to evaluate menu profitability and recommend ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Amityville, NY · On-site

$73K - $101K/yr

Experience in healthcare or senior living dining is a plus Metz Culinary Management is growing and we have an opening for Rock Star Executive Chef who shares our passion for Food and Service and ...

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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 Jul 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.

How much does an executive chef get paid?

An executive chef's salary varies based on experience, location, and establishment size, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. In high-end restaurants or large hotels, salaries can exceed $100,000, and additional compensation may include bonuses and benefits.

What is the hourly rate for an executive chef?

The hourly rate for an executive chef typically ranges from $20 to $50 per hour, depending on factors such as location, experience, and the size of the establishment. Many executive chefs are salaried, but those paid hourly usually work 40 hours or more per week and may receive overtime pay for additional hours.

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 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.

Can you make 100k a year as a chef?

An opening executive chef can potentially earn $100,000 or more annually, especially in high-end restaurants or large hospitality operations, where salaries often include bonuses and profit sharing. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and often working in major markets or upscale establishments. Salary ranges vary based on location, restaurant size, and individual credentials.
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

Other

Re-posted 10 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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