Detroit | Opening Executive Chef | Italian Concept

Job Description

Job Description

DESCRIPTION:

One of Michigan’s leading hospitality groups is excited to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new brand set to debut in 2026 at one of the most prestigious restaurant locations in the Midwest. We invite a visionary leader to join us as our Opening Executive Chef Partner for the launch of what is poised to be one of the most influential Italian restaurants in the country. This unique opportunity allows you to exercise culinary excellence and leadership, guiding a flagship team from day one and playing a pivotal role in the future growth of the group across select US markets. We are seeking a partner who embodies our core values: caring about the smallest details, being kind and happy, owning decisions with pride, and maintaining a willingness to learn and teach.

Core Responsibilities —

• Collaborates closely with Culinary Leadership and Dining Room Management to lead pre-opening duties, daily culinary operations, and future culinary strategy.
• Exercises creative control over menu changes in collaboration with Executive Leadership, ensuring innovative, high-quality, and on-brand dishes.
• Builds, leads, and mentors a motivated, high-performing kitchen team while fostering an environment of respect and continuous improvement.
• Develops and documents detailed recipes and scalable Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency across the brand.
• Manages operational efficiency by ensuring food and labor costs remain within budget while minimizing waste.
• Oversees inventory management and procurement, maintaining accurate par levels and positive relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Upholds high-standard kitchen organization, sanitation, and safety procedures in accordance with company standards and law.
• Responsible for maintaining and improving profitability through effective cost controls and financial systems management.

Operational Involvement —

The Executive Chef Partner ensures excellence through a proactive and disciplined approach to daily service by:

• Leading strategic pre-opening plans for hiring, leadership selection, equipment plans, and small ware selections.
• Leading weekly culinary menu development tastings with Executive Leadership during the pre-opening phase.
• Anticipating guest needs and addressing service opportunities to ensure total satisfaction and a team-oriented environment.
• Implementing ongoing skills training to ensure the restaurant’s service excellence and culinary standards are consistently met.
• Analyzing and mitigating operational risks while seeking effective solutions in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Working from the corporate office during the development phase before transitioning to the restaurant site in late summer 2025.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of four years of culinary management experience, specifically in high-volume upscale dining.
• Proven experience with new store openings in environments blending world-class standards with high volume.
• Intense culinary focus on Italian cuisine with a diverse understanding of various culinary sets.
• Demonstrated competency in financial systems management, cost controls, and budget maintenance.
• Ability to relate to and lead people of all levels and personalities while remaining professional and resourceful.
• Exceptional organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Must possess a valid Food Handlers Certificate.
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including weekends and holidays, in a dynamic environment.

BENEFITS:

• Annual salary range of $100-140K+
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Potential performance-based bonuses
• Dining discounts across all group locations.
• Relocation assistance available for exceptional national candidates.
• EOE