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!