Opening Executive Chef Partner

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $70,800.00 - $97,500.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
401(k) Plan
Relocation assistance
Employee Discounts
Professional development opportunities

Job Description

Heirloom Hospitality, Michigan's leading hospitality group, is embarking on a groundbreaking culinary venture with the launch of a new flagship Italian restaurant set to debut in Summer 2026. This exciting new brand will anchor one of the most prestigious restaurant locations in the Midwest and represents Heirloom Hospitality's most ambitious project to date. With a vision that extends beyond this initial location, Heirloom plans to expand the brand across select US markets, positioning itself as a major influencer in the American dining scene.

Heirloom Hospitality is renowned for its commitment to creativity, passion, and community within the hospitality industry. The company’s purpose, "Cultivating Relationships & Experiences through the fanatic pursuit of Enlightened Hospitality," underscores its dedication to service excellence and innovative culinary experiences. As a group, Heirloom fosters an environment where employees are empowered to grow professionally while contributing to a culture of respect, kindness, and pride in craftsmanship.

The Executive Chef Partner role is a unique and strategic leadership opportunity for an experienced culinary professional eager to play a pivotal role in the launch and growth of this new Italian restaurant brand. Reporting directly to Heirloom Executive Leadership and working closely with Dining Room Management, the Executive Chef Partner will lead the culinary team from pre-opening preparations through daily operations and future expansion strategies. Key responsibilities include developing and executing innovative menus with strong creative control to ensure the culinary offerings reflect the highest quality and culinary trends, especially in Italian cuisine.

This role requires a visionary leader who can cultivate a motivated, high-performing kitchen team, maintain operational efficiencies, and uphold rigorous health and safety standards. The Executive Chef Partner will also oversee financial performance, managing food costs and labor within budget, while driving sales growth and brand development. The position offers the chance to be an integral part of a dynamic team, shaping the brand’s identity and enhancing guest experiences through food innovation and top-tier service standards.

Candidates will start working from Heirloom Hospitality Group's corporate office, transitioning to the new restaurant once it opens. The position is full-time and may require relocation for the right candidate. Embracing Heirloom’s core values — caring about the smallest details, kindness, ownership with pride, willingness to learn and teach, and recognizing that every second counts — is essential to thriving in this role. The ideal Executive Chef Partner will demonstrate exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, the ability to lead in a fast-paced environment, and a deep passion for culinary excellence and hospitality.

Job Requirements

  • Minimum of four years of culinary management experience
  • Experience with new store openings
  • Strong Italian culinary skills
  • Food Handlers Certificate
  • Ability to work varied schedules including weekends and holidays
  • Ability to relocate if necessary
  • Strong leadership and communication skills
  • Proactive problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to maintain high standards of health and safety
  • Organizational skills for managing food costs and labor
  • Ability to create and implement SOPs
  • Must be punctual and professional
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-changing environment
  • Commitment to Heirloom Hospitality's core values

Job Qualifications

  • Minimum of four years of culinary management experience
  • Experience in high volume upscale dining
  • Past new store opening experience
  • Strong culinary expertise in Italian cuisine and diverse culinary styles
  • Entrepreneurial spirit with proactive decision-making
  • Demonstrated leadership skills including team mentoring and conflict resolution
  • Exceptional organizational and communication skills
  • Competency in financial management and cost controls
  • Ability to create and document efficient SOPs
  • Food Handlers Certificate required
  • Punctual, resourceful, and able to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Flexibility to work varied schedules including weekends and holidays
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate

Job Duties

  • Develop strategic plans for hiring, leadership selection, OSE selections, equipment plans, and smallware selections
  • Lead culinary menu development through pre-opening tastings with executive leadership
  • Build, lead, mentor, and maintain a motivated and high performing kitchen team
  • Create and foster an environment prioritizing guests' experiences and teamwork
  • Exercise creative control over menu changes ensuring innovative, high-quality dishes
  • Contribute to operational efficiency including managing food costs, labor, and waste
  • Maintain compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and food safety standards
  • Manage inventory and procurement ensuring accurate par levels and vendor relationships
  • Lead day-to-day kitchen operations providing necessary tools and training
  • Control expenses against budget while maintaining culinary excellence
  • Maintain quality assurance and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Collaborate with dining and executive leadership for seamless restaurant operations

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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