Job Description
Job Description
Executive Chef – Upscale Italian Restaurant
Location: Newton, MA
Salary: $100,000–$110,000 Annually
Performance Bonus: Up to 20%
Relocation Candidates Encouraged to Apply
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and results-driven Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations of a high-volume, upscale Italian-inspired restaurant in Watertown, MA.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced, scratch-kitchen environment and takes pride in delivering outstanding food, developing strong teams, and driving operational excellence.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in upscale, full-service dining, experience with Italian cuisine, and proven success managing food costs, labor, kitchen operations, and culinary teams.
Our client offers a competitive compensation package, outstanding benefits, career advancement opportunities, and the unique opportunity to participate in an employee-owned organization.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $100,000–$110,000 annually
- Performance Bonus: Up to 20%
- Quarterly Dining Allowance: $500
- Employee ownership opportunities
- Generous 401(k) company match
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
- Company-paid long-term disability, life, and AD&D insurance
- Flexible spending accounts and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 35% employee dining discount
- Employee referral bonus program
- Employee discount and recognition programs
- Telemedicine benefits
- Professional development and career advancement opportunities
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee all daily back-of-house operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
- Lead culinary execution in a high-volume, upscale, scratch-kitchen environment.
- Develop and execute creative, seasonal menus with an emphasis on Italian-inspired cuisine and fresh ingredients.
- Manage food costs, labor costs, inventory, purchasing, and overall kitchen financial performance.
- Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
- Establish clear performance expectations while fostering a positive, professional, and accountable kitchen culture.
- Maintain high standards of food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, and regulatory compliance.
- Oversee kitchen scheduling, staffing levels, production planning, and operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with front-of-house management to ensure seamless service and an exceptional guest experience.
- Monitor kitchen performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement effective operational solutions.
- Lead by example, remaining hands-on during service while maintaining strong culinary and operational standards.
Qualifications & Experience
- 5+ years of Executive Chef experience in an upscale, full-service restaurant.
- Italian cuisine experience required, with a strong understanding of scratch cooking and culinary techniques.
- Proven success managing high-volume restaurant kitchens.
- Strong experience leading, coaching, and developing back-of-house teams.
- Demonstrated knowledge of food cost management, labor controls, inventory, purchasing, and budgeting.
- Experience developing menus, standardizing recipes, and maintaining consistent food quality.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to remain composed and effective in demanding, fast-paced environments.
- Strong employment history demonstrating stability, career progression, and leadership success.
- Culinary Arts degree preferred but not required with equivalent professional experience.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
- Ability to stand for extended periods and lift approximately 25–50 pounds.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a hands-on culinary leader who combines creativity with strong business acumen. The successful candidate understands that exceptional restaurant performance depends on outstanding food, disciplined financial management, and a motivated, well-trained team.
You should be passionate about Italian-inspired cuisine, comfortable managing a high-volume operation, and committed to building a kitchen culture centered on teamwork, accountability, consistency, and excellence.
Take the Next Step in Your Culinary Career!
If you are an accomplished Executive Chef looking for a rewarding leadership opportunity with competitive compensation, exceptional benefits, employee ownership opportunities, and long-term career growth, we want to hear from you!
Relocation candidates are encouraged to apply.
Apply today to learn more about this exciting Executive Chef opportunity in Newton, MA!