ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Opening Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Greenville, SC

$67K - $92K/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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Greenville, SC

$67K - $92K/yr

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food ... New store openings-- several growth opportunities for all team members! * Holiday closures-- closed ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Dania Beach, FL

$70K - $96K/yr

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food ... New store openings-- several growth opportunities for all team members! * Holiday closures-- closed ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Wichita, KS

$75K - $80K/yr

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food ... New store openings-- several growth opportunities for all team members! * Holiday closures-- closed ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Dania Beach, FL

$70K - $96K/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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Plano, TX · On-site

$75K - $85K/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 ...

Metz Culinary Management

Executive Chef

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$65K - $90K/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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Morrisville, NC · On-site

$75K - $85K/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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Plano, TX · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Our Executive Chefs are responsible for all back of house team members, operations, and food ... New store openings-- several growth opportunities for all team members! * Holiday closures-- closed ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Dania Beach, FL · On-site

$70K - $96K/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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Greenville, SC · On-site

$67K - $92K/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 ...

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 ...

APARIUM HOTEL GROUP

Executive Chef

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Executive Chef Premiere Restaurant & Entertainment Venue opening in 2026 Santa Monica, CA THE VENUE A one-of-a-kind destination at the intersection of hospitality, performance, and storytelling, we ...

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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Dania Beach, FL

$70K - $96K/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 ...

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill

Executive Chef

Greenville, SC · On-site

$67K - $92K/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 ...

Altius Search Group

Executive Chef

Sun Valley, ID · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Our client, a new Asian Fusion restaurant opening in September, known for its modern Vietnamese ... The Executive Chef will combine strong operational leadership with culinary creativity ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOpening Executive Chef Jobs

Opening Executive Chef information

See salary details

$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.
Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Gecko Hospitality VA/DC

Washington, DC • On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Executive Chef

Location: Washington, DC Area
Salary: $90,000 - $105,000

Availability: Immediate

We are actively sourcing an Executive Chef for a rapidly expanding, multi-concept restaurant group in the Washington, DC area. This immediately available position places you at the helm of a high-volume scratch kitchen. You will lead the culinary operations for a highly anticipated new unit opening. We need a proven culinary leader with premium casual or casual-themed dining experience to drive back-of-house (BOH) excellence and deliver consistent, high-quality results.

As the Executive Chef, you will direct a $5 million culinary operation. You will manage and mentor a BOH team of 30 to 40 employees, including Sous Chefs and Assistant Kitchen Managers (AKMs). Your leadership will provide operational stability and ensure precise food execution from day one. Candidates with successful New Restaurant Opening (NRO) experience have a distinct advantage.

Core Responsibilities

  • Direct all daily kitchen operations to ensure seamless service and superior food quality.
  • Spearhead the new unit opening, establishing BOH systems, training protocols, and production schedules.
  • Manage a team of 30 to 40 culinary professionals, developing Sous Chefs and AKMs through continuous coaching.
  • Oversee inventory management, portion control, and waste reduction to consistently hit food cost targets.
  • Enforce strict compliance with local health department regulations, sanitation standards, and food safety protocols.
  • Maintain peak operational efficiency during high-volume services within a demanding scratch kitchen environment.

Qualifications

  • Extensive Executive Chef experience within premium casual or casual-themed restaurant concepts.
  • Deep expertise operating high-volume, 100% scratch kitchens.
  • Proven track record managing $5M+ culinary operations and large BOH teams.
  • Previous new unit opening (NRO) experience is highly preferred.
  • Strong financial acumen to manage kitchen labor and food costs effectively.
  • Exceptional communication and leadership skills to build a cohesive, retention-focused BOH culture.

Compensation & Benefits

We provide our culinary leaders with the resources and rewards they deserve to succeed.

  • Competitive base salary ranging from $90,000 to $105,000.
  • Extensive health and wellness benefits program.
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to support your lifestyle.
  • Immediate availability to start and make an impact.

How to Apply

Secure your next leadership role with a premier hospitality group. Send your professional resume directly to tombull@geckohospitality for immediate consideration.

Company Description

Gecko Hospitality, named to Forbes list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms, offers the largest selection of restaurants, catering, grocery store, corporate dining, senior living, healthcare foodservice, K-12 foodservice, and higher education foodservice positions. Our hospitality-exclusive team covers all 50 states and Canada and offers professional placement services with over 120 dedicated hospitality experts.
With Gecko's extensive list of hospitality recruiter services, we get you and your resume in front of the hospitality industry's leading decision-makers! Better yet, Gecko has exceptional national, regional, and local relationships and is well respected in the hospitality industry for enhancing hospitality careers.
Our national network consists of 80 regional offices driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. From fast food to fine dining and grocery stores to senior living, Gecko recruits chef and management positions for all facets of the hospitality industry. Gecko boasts generations of hospitality recruiting experience, consisting of over 1,900 collective years, that furthers the careers of those seeking professional management positions. Contact us today and we will get you in touch with one of our experts to discuss your opportunities.