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Opening Executive Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Private Listing

Executive Chef

Fishkill, NY · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Executive Chef - Mexican Restaurant Location: Fishkill, NY Compensation: $80,000-$100,000 salary ... Experience opening or repositioning restaurant concepts - Strong sourcing relationships with ...

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 ...

ResourceOne

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Executive Chef

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Looking for an Executive Chef that wants to grow your career with a Successful, Upscale Casual ... We focus on your needs and present real job openings to you that our clients are hiring for that ...

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 ...

Crave Kitchen

Executive Chef

Salem, SC · On-site

$57K - $78K/yr

Now Hiring Executive Chef You will be responsible for building strong teams - through development ... ordering, managing (opening/closing) shifts and hiring. Requirements: * 5+ years of prior ...

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 ...

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

$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 ...

Numa Mediterranean

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Executive Chef

Shrewsbury, NJ · On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

Executive Chef NUMA Modern Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar Shrewsbury, NJ NUMA Modern Mediterranean ... Help establish opening systems, kitchen manuals, training materials, and standard operating ...

Urgent

Oak View Group

Executive Chef

Maryland Heights, MO

$64K - $74K/yr

Executive Chef | Full-Time | Centene Community Ice Center Location: US-MO-Maryland Heights. Job ID ... Open availability, professional presentation, outstanding interpersonal skills and self-direction ...

RCS Hospitality Group

Executive Chef

Canon City, CO · On-site

$130K/yr

Antithesis is open for lunch and dinner. The property runs year-round alongside the Royal Gorge ... This is not a traditional Executive Chef role. This is a rare opportunity to build a flagship ...

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

Plano, TX

$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

Richmond, VA · 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 ...

RCS Hospitality Group

Executive Chef

Canon City, CO

$64K - $89K/yr

Antithesis is open for lunch and dinner. The property runs year-round alongside the Royal Gorge ... This is not a traditional Executive Chef role. This is a rare opportunity to build a flagship ...

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$86.9K

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How much do opening executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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 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 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.
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What cities are hiring for Opening Executive Chef jobs? Cities with the most Opening Executive Chef job openings:
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Opening Executive Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opening Executive Chef job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,886 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Executive Chef

Private Listing

Fishkill, NY • On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision

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

Job description

Executive Chef – Mexican Restaurant

Location: Fishkill, NY
Compensation: $80,000–$100,000 salary + performance incentives (based on experience)

About Restaurant
Well-established restaurant in Fishkill, NY entering an exciting new chapter under new ownership. Known for its vibrant cuisine, lively atmosphere, and strong local following, It is positioned to become one of the Hudson Valley’s most compelling dining destinations. We are looking for a talented and driven Executive Chef to lead our kitchen, elevate our culinary program, and help shape the next phase of the restaurant’s growth.

This is a leadership opportunity for a chef who enjoys both creative development and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will bring strong culinary skills, team leadership experience, and a passion for delivering consistently exceptional food.

Position Overview
The Executive Chef will oversee all kitchen operations including menu development, food quality, staff leadership, cost management, and vendor relationships. This role requires a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced restaurant environment and takes pride in building a strong, disciplined kitchen team.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead all day-to-day kitchen operations
- Develop and evolve seasonal menus while maintaining signature dishes
- Maintain high standards for food quality, consistency, and presentation
- Manage food cost, inventory, and ordering
- Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff
- Establish systems for prep, service execution, and quality control
- Maintain strict health, safety, and sanitation standards
- Collaborate with ownership and management on business strategy, events, and specials
- Oversee kitchen scheduling and labor management
- Build strong vendor relationships and ensure product quality

Qualifications

- 5+ years of leadership experience in a high-volume restaurant kitchen
- Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Sous Chef ready to step into an Executive role
- Strong understanding of food cost, labor management, and inventory systems
- Experience developing menus and leading culinary teams
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced service environment
- Strong communication and leadership skills
- Passion for hospitality and delivering a memorable guest experience

Preferred

- Must be fluent in Spanish
- Experience with Latin or globally inspired cuisine
- Experience opening or repositioning restaurant concepts
- Strong sourcing relationships with regional farms and suppliers

What We Offer

- Competitive salary + incentives
- Opportunity to shape the culinary vision of an established restaurant
- Leadership role in a growing hospitality platform
- Creative freedom with a supportive ownership team
- Opportunity for long-term growth

If you are a motivated chef who wants to lead a kitchen, build a strong team, and create an exciting dining experience, we would love to hear from you.

To Apply
Please send your resume and a brief introduction outlining your culinary background and leadership experience.