Head Chef
Upscale Casual Restaurant Group
Wilmington, DE
$90-100k per year + Bonus Potential
We're seeking an experienced and talented Head Chef to join our casual restaurant group in Wilmington, DE. As a key member of our leadership team, you'll be responsible for leading our kitchen team, driving menu innovation, and delivering exceptional culinary experiences to our guests.
About Us:
Our restaurant group is dedicated to serving high-quality, fresh dishes in a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. We're committed to using only the freshest ingredients, and showcasing creative dishes. Our team is passionate about delivering exceptional service, and we're looking for a Head Chef who shares our values and commitment to excellence.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage a team of cooks, line staff, and prep staff to ensure efficient and high-quality food production
- Develop and execute innovative menus, including seasonal specials and new menu launches
- Collaborate with our culinary team to create and implement new menu items, ensuring consistency and quality
- Manage kitchen operations, including inventory control, ordering, and cost management
- Maintain high standards of food safety, sanitation, and quality control
- Participate in restaurant events, promotions, and community outreach initiatives
- Mentor and develop kitchen staff to promote growth and excellence
Requirements:
- 5+ years of experience as a Chef de Cuisine or Sous Chef in an upscale casual restaurant
- Culinary degree or equivalent experience
- Proven track record of menu innovation and kitchen management
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain composure under pressure
- Familiarity with food safety and sanitation protocols
- Experience with inventory management and cost control
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary ($90-100k per year)
- Attainable bonus program
- Opportunities for future growth and development
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Opportunities for professional development and culinary training
- Dynamic and supportive team environment
Ideal Candidate:
You're a creative and driven Chef in the Wilmington, DE area with a passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences. You're a natural leader with strong communication skills and a commitment to excellence. You're excited to join a dynamic team and contribute to the success of our restaurant group.
Company Description
Since 2000, Gecko Hospitality has established itself as a premier recruiting partner for the hospitality and restaurant management industry, consistently connecting top-tier talent with exceptional career opportunities and supporting employers in building high‐performing leadership teams. With deep industry expertise and a nationwide recruiting network, Gecko delivers tailored, people‐focused hiring solutions that drive meaningful organizational impact.
Our professional recruiters bring a distinct advantage: they are former senior hospitality leaders who have managed operations, led teams, and delivered excellence across restaurants, hotels, private clubs, and other hospitality environments. This firsthand experience enables us to identify and engage candidates who are not only highly qualified but well‐equipped to excel in demanding leadership roles — from general managers and executive chefs to COOs and HR directors.
With more than 25 years of recruiting experience and over 45,000 successful placements across all 50 states and Canada, Gecko Hospitality has earned a reputation for integrity, credibility, and consistent results. Our core values — community, integrity, excellence, credibility, and passion — guide every interaction with both clients and candidates.
At Gecko Hospitality, we do more than fill positions. We create long‐term success for professionals and organizations by delivering strategic recruitment solutions that strengthen teams and elevate the hospitality industry as a whole.