Executive Chef

Pacific Coast Hospitality is a renowned hospitality recruitment firm specializing in sourcing top-tier leadership talent for premier hospitality organizations across the western United States and British Columbia. Known for their commitment to matching skilled professionals with high-quality establishments, they partner with restaurants, hotels, and full-service operations to ensure the right fit for both employers and employees. Their client, a privately owned and locally operated full-service restaurant group based in Hillsboro, Portland, Oregon, represents the epitome of culinary excellence and hospitality innovation in the Pacific Northwest. This award-winning restaurant group exemplifies upscale elegance combined with casual pricing, providing a consistently excellent hospitality experience through scratch-made meals featuring fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients typical of the region. The establishment emphasizes sustainability, local sourcing, and delivers a unique dining experience with custom-built hardwood grills that illuminate the flavors of the Northwest through mesquite and applewood-charbroiled seafood and steaks. Their vibrant destination eatery showcases an impressive selection of 52 local craft beers on tap alongside fine cocktails and wines, making it a favorite locale for both locals and visitors alike.

They are currently seeking a seasoned Executive Chef to join their team. This role offers a significant level of responsibility and autonomy, beginning from day one, with the expectation that the candidate brings their expertise and leadership acumen to the table immediately. The Executive Chef will oversee kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality and team performance. This leader will embody the company's service philosophy "The answer is YES! What is the question?" with an enthusiastic commitment to genuine hospitality and impeccable culinary standards. As the head of the culinary department, the Executive Chef will be instrumental in recipe creation, menu development, and maintaining the integrity of the locally sourced and sustainably produced food that drives the establishment's reputation. The position requires a hands-on leader who is not only an exceptional cook but also an inspiring mentor with an eye for building and developing a top-quality kitchen team.

Beyond culinary skills, the Executive Chef must bring strong leadership qualities, including the ability to recruit, onboard, and train quality team members effectively. They will be responsible for fostering a positive work environment, supporting sous chefs and other kitchen staff in their professional growth. Communication is vital in this role, requiring open, direct, and honest dialogue with both the leadership team and culinary staff. Financial acumen is also crucial, as the Executive Chef should have a basic understanding of restaurant accounting and use data-driven approaches to enhance operations and maximize efficiency.

The successful candidate will enter a culture that promotes work-life balance, entrepreneurial thinking, and continuous personal and professional development. This role is ideal for a motivated culinary professional who is ready to lead with passion, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in a well-established, highly successful, and disciplined company. The salary package ranges from $70,000 to $76,000 annually, depending on experience, and includes generous benefits, a vacation plan, annual performance and salary reviews, and a genuinely balanced lifestyle that supports both personal and professional success. The opportunity to work within a systemized yet flexible entrepreneurial environment adds to the appeal for aspirational leaders who thrive when given autonomy and responsibility without micromanagement.