Corporate Executive Chef

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (OMB) is Charlotte, North Carolina's original independent brewery and a nationally recognized destination known for its quality and authentic craft beer culture. Established in 2009, OMB has become widely acclaimed as USA Today's Best Biergarten in America and is synonymous with quality, authenticity, and community engagement. The brewery operates multiple locations, including its flagship site in Lower South End and a more recent expansion in Ballantyne, with additional plans for Mount Holly and Cornelius in the near future. OMB's dedication to producing beer in strict adherence to the German Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot of 1516) signifies its commitment to craftsmanship and tradition, serving up handcrafted lagers and ales that have earned a strong, loyal following.

OMB focuses not only on brewing exceptional beers but also on fostering a vibrant beer garden culture that emphasizes hospitality, local pride, and community connection. Their venues provide welcoming spaces where guests can enjoy quality food and beverages in a casual yet refined atmosphere, making each location a significant destination for both locals and visitors. With planned growth and expansion over the coming years, OMB is positioning itself for long-term success by integrating culinary excellence into its brand experience.

The role of Corporate Executive Chef at OMB is a unique leadership opportunity designed for an accomplished culinary professional who will oversee and elevate OMB's expanding food service operations across multiple locations. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this position is based in Charlotte, NC, with responsibilities that include intercity travel to various OMB locations such as Lower South End, Ballantyne, Mount Holly, and Cornelius.

As a strategic and hands-on culinary leader, the Corporate Executive Chef will be responsible for shaping the food experience throughout the brewery portfolio, which currently includes two operational sites with two additional biergartens opening within the next three years. The ideal candidate brings a deep passion for culinary arts combined with decades of experience managing high-volume or multi-unit food operations. They must have the ability to develop, innovate, and lead culinary teams, crafting menus that balance tradition and innovation while enhancing the brand's identity and guest experience.

This leadership role involves providing strategic oversight of all culinary activities, managing kitchen profit and loss accounts to optimize financial performance, and ensuring that all kitchen operations comply with rigorous health and safety standards. The Corporate Executive Chef will collaborate closely with General Managers and Operations leadership to align culinary execution with overall business goals and company values, maintaining OMB's reputation for quality and hospitality.

In addition to managing current culinary operations, the executive chef will play a key role in driving growth and scalability by designing new kitchen layouts, selecting appropriate equipment for future sites, and developing operational systems and training programs to support the company's expansion. They will lead quarterly performance reviews, audits, and regular team meetings to foster high standards and continuous improvement.

A significant part of this role includes mentoring and inspiring a team of sous chefs and culinary professionals, recruiting and retaining talent, and cultivating an inclusive kitchen culture grounded in teamwork, accountability, and professionalism. The executive chef will also lead menu development and culinary innovation, overseeing recipe costing, food presentation, product sourcing, and integration of culinary trends to maintain premium quality and efficiency.

OMB champions a culture founded on core values such as quality, integrity, service, pride, leadership, and teamwork, and the Corporate Executive Chef will embody and advocate these values through collaboration with cross-functional teams and participation in company strategy sessions.

For the right candidate, OMB offers a competitive salary paired with a quarterly performance-based incentive plan, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, employer-paid long-term disability insurance, 401(k) plan with company matching, generous paid time off, and employee perks like a beer stipend and discounts on food, merchandise, and beer. This role is ideal for culinary leaders who thrive in dynamic, evolving environments and are eager to play a pivotal role in a beloved local craft beer brand's continued success and culinary excellence.