Executive Chef for New Restaurant Opening

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Flexible
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee Discounts
Professional development opportunities
flexible scheduling

Job Description

We are currently seeking a visionary and highly skilled Executive Chef to lead the culinary direction for this new restaurant opening. This hands-on leadership role is pivotal in shaping the culinary identity of the restaurant, as well as overseeing the culinary execution for the hotel’s meeting and banquet spaces and the rooftop bar. The Executive Chef will be responsible for building and mentoring a high-performing kitchen team, establishing efficient kitchen systems and workflows, and maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety, and guest satisfaction.

This position requires an individual with a passion for culinary innovation, strong ownership, and proven success in pre-opening restaurant environments. The Executive Chef will have the opportunity to create innovative menus, manage food costs and vendor relationships, and ensure seamless kitchen operations in a high-pressure, fast-paced setting. The role demands leadership skills that inspire and retain talent, attention to detail, and strategic thinking to consistently deliver exceptional food and memorable dining experiences.

If you are a motivated chef excited by the prospect of launching a cutting-edge culinary concept and growing within an emerging hospitality project, this role offers a rewarding pathway to make a significant impact in San Diego’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Job Requirements

  • Culinary degree, apprenticeship, red seal, or equivalent professional training preferred
  • 5+ years of experience as an executive chef
  • experience overseeing hotel banquet or large-scale catering operations
  • serveSafe certification
  • open availability
  • strong culinary expertise in Mediterranean cuisine

Job Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience as an executive chef
  • experience overseeing hotel banquet or large-scale catering operations
  • proven success with menu creation, recipe costing, and food costs
  • serveSafe certified
  • open availability
  • strong culinary expertise in Mediterranean cuisine
  • preferred culinary degree
  • proven success in building and managing high-performing teams
  • solid financial acumen, including food cost control, budgeting, and inventory management

Job Duties

  • Develop innovative, memorable menus for both the restaurant and banquet operations
  • recruit, train, and inspire a cohesive and high-performing kitchen team
  • establish kitchen systems, standards, and workflows during the pre-opening phase
  • maintain exceptional quality, consistency, and presentation across all dishes
  • manage food costs, inventory, and vendor partnerships effectively
  • ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation standards
  • oversee seamless day-to-day kitchen operations in a high-volume environment

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


Job Location

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