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Opening Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Corecruitment

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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 ...

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Greenville, SC

$75K - $80K/yr

... 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 performance • ...

New

Gecko Hospitality

Executive Chef

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Executive Chef - Salary $90,000 to $110,000 New Restaurant Opening | Atlanta GA We're opening an exciting new polished casual dining restaurant in Atlanta GA, and we're searching for a talented ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Scranton, PA · On-site

$70K - $97K/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

Allentown, PA · 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 ...

SQUAREONE HOLDING COMPANY

Executive Chef

Chattanooga, TN

$65K - $89K/yr

Open patios, communal tables, and welcoming bar areas invite guests to stay longer and connect more ... Executive Chef responsibilities include: • Hiring, training, and development of hospitality ...

Crawford's | Bar & Grill

Executive Chef

Sioux Falls, SD

$71K - $98K/yr

Executive Chef - New Concept Opening Location: Sioux Falls, SD Compensation: Competitive salary + performance incentives Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role We are launching an exciting new ...

the Chef Agency

Corporate Executive Chef

Los Angeles, CA

$120K - $130K/yr

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, and Relocation Assistance Available The Corporate Executive Chef will ... Proven success with restaurant openings, training, and concept development. * Experience in upscale ...

Big Fish

Executive Chef

Myrtle Beach, SC · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

This is a pre-opening role you'll help build the kitchen, the menu, and the BOH team from scratch. The Role The Executive Chef owns everything that comes out of our kitchen menu development, food ...

Piatti San Antonio, Quarry

Executive Chef

San Antonio, TX

$64K - $88K/yr

We are seeking a Executive Chef to join our management team! Are you passionate about culinary ... This position requires open availability depending on the needs of the restaurant. Prior experience ...

Piatti San Antonio, Quarry

Executive Chef

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$77K - $82K/yr

We are seeking a Executive Chef to join our management team! Are you passionate about culinary ... This position requires open availability depending on the needs of the restaurant. Prior experience ...

Gecko Hospitality VA/DC

Executive Chef

Washington, DC · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Executive Chef Location: Washington, DC Area Salary: $90,000 - $105,000 Availability: Immediate We ... Spearhead the new unit opening, establishing BOH systems, training protocols, and production ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$78K - $108K/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 ...

New

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Jacksonville, FL · 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 ...

The Tampa Club

Executive Chef

Tampa, FL · On-site

$65K - $89K/yr

Executive Chef - The Tampa Club Tampa, FL | Full-Time | On-Site A Rare Culinary Leadership ... This is a rare opening at the top--an opportunity to step into one of the most visible and ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Wichita, KS · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Our Executive Chefs develop and lead team members by coaching and providing feedback on job ... New store openings- several growth opportunities for all team members! * Holiday closures- closed ...

Piatti

Executive Chef

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$77K - $82K/yr

We are seeking a Executive Chef to join our management team! Are you passionate about culinary ... This position requires open availability depending on the needs of the restaurant. Prior experience ...

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Opening Executive Chef information

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$130K

How much do opening executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 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.

Executive Chef

Corecruitment

Florida City, FL • On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

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 lead the opening of a high-volume Japanese restaurant projected to exceed $25M+ annually.

This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who understands both elevated dining standards and large-scale operations. While there is a strong management structure in place, this role still requires someone willing to jump into service, cook alongside the team, and lead from the front.

What We’re Looking For

  • Strong Executive Chef experience in high-volume restaurants – venue 25million+ ideally
  • Background in Japanese cuisine required
  • Fine dining experience is a must
  • Bilingual in Spanish is a BIG plus
  • Proven leadership of large BOH teams and complex operations
  • Strong understanding of labor, food cost, systems, and execution – very financial savvy!
  • Hands-on, operational leadership style

Company Description

COREcruitment are experts in recruiting for the service sector. We currently have over 700 live roles across the UK, Middle East, Europe, North America, South East Asia, Africa and Australia. To view other great opportunities please check out our website at www.corecruitment.com
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