EXECUTIVE CHEF

Richmond, Virginia | Salary up to $90,000

About the Opportunity

An established, growing foodservice operation in the Richmond market is seeking a hands-on Executive Chef to lead culinary execution across multiple high-volume production and service channels. This leadership role requires a chef who excels at scratch cooking, culinary systems, team development, food safety, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Provide culinary leadership for all kitchen operations.

Establish and maintain recipe, quality, and production standards.

Lead menu and recipe development, documentation, and execution.

Train, mentor, and develop kitchen leadership and line staff.

Oversee high-volume scratch production including meats, soups, sauces, dressings, and prepared foods.

Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, accuracy, and timeliness.

Build scalable production systems, prep procedures, and inventory controls.

Monitor food cost, labor, waste, yields, and operating efficiencies.

Maintain HACCP compliance, sanitation standards, and food safety programs.

Assist with recruiting, staffing, and succession planning.

Qualifications

7+ years of professional culinary experience.

3+ years in an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or similar leadership role.

Strong scratch cooking background.

Experience in high-volume restaurants, catering, hotel, club, commissary, or prepared foods operations.

Proven leadership and training skills.

Knowledge of food costing, purchasing, inventory, and labor management.

Strong food safety and HACCP knowledge.

ServSafe certification or ability to obtain quickly.

Stable employment history and interest in long-term career growth.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary up to $90,000 based on experience.

Performance-based bonus opportunity.

Relocation allowance to Richmond, VA

Paid time off.

Retirement benefits.

Health benefits package.

Opportunity to make a significant impact on culinary standards and operational systems.

Confidential Candidate Submission

Interested candidates should submit their resume to tombull@geckohospitality.com. All resumes will be treated with the highest level of professional confidentiality. This is a confidential search and details regarding the hiring organization will be discussed with qualified candidates during the interview process.