Executive Chef

Charlotte, NC

Lead One of Charlotte's Premier Scratch Kitchens

Are you an Executive Chef who believes great food starts with great people?

Do you thrive in a made-from-scratch kitchen where quality, hospitality, and leadership matter just as much as the food leaving the window?

If you're looking for more than just another Executive Chef position—if you're looking for a company where you can build a long-term career, develop your team, and make a real impact—we'd love to talk with you.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

Outstanding Compensation & Benefits

• $85,000-$95,000 base salary (DOE)
• Annual performance bonus up to $10,000
• Full benefits
• Paid Time Off 
• Five-day work week averaging approximately 55 hours
• Real career growth with an expanding restaurant company

A Kitchen You Can Be Proud Of

This is a true 100% scratch kitchen built around wholesome, premium ingredients and chef-inspired contemporary American cuisine.

Every dish is prepared with consistency, quality, and execution in mind—from fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks to burgers, salads, and seasonal features.

You'll have the opportunity to lead a talented culinary team while maintaining the highest standards for food quality, safety, cleanliness, and execution.

Your Role

This position is about leading people and running an exceptional kitchen.

You'll be responsible for:

• Leading and developing a high-performing culinary team
• Coaching, mentoring, and growing future leaders
• Driving food quality, consistency, and execution
• Managing food cost, labor, inventory, and kitchen performance
• Maintaining the highest food safety and sanitation standards
• Building a positive, accountable culture where people enjoy coming to work

Menus and recipes are already established, allowing you to focus on leadership, execution, and developing your team.

What We're Looking For

We're searching for an Executive Chef who brings:

• Experience leading a high-volume ($5M+ annual sales), scratch kitchen
• A passion for premium ingredients and exceptional hospitality
• Strong back-of-house operational experience
• Outstanding communication and organizational skills
• The ability to coach, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
• A positive, solutions-oriented leadership style
• A commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace culture

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of Executive Chef or high-volume Kitchen Manager experience
• ServSafe Certification
• Experience leading upscale, polished casual, or fine dining operations

More Than a Job

This is an opportunity to join a company that invests in its leaders, believes in promoting from within, and understands that happy, fulfilled teams create extraordinary guest experiences.

If you're ready to lead a best-in-class scratch kitchen while building a long-term career with an exceptional restaurant company, we'd love to have a confidential conversation.

Send resumes to kimber@geckohospitality.com