We are seeking a highly accomplished and driven Executive Chef to lead the culinary program for a premier upscale lifestyle hotel in Southern Vermont. This is a rare opportunity for a dynamic culinary leader to oversee a thriving 200-seat full-service restaurant while also directing the culinary operations for a robust weddings, events, and private dining business.

The ideal candidate is a high-performing chef with exceptional culinary talent, a passion for hospitality, and the leadership presence required to inspire and develop a top-tier kitchen team. This individual must thrive in a fast-paced environment where restaurant service and high-volume events operate simultaneously while maintaining uncompromising standards of quality, creativity, and consistency.

This role requires a chef who is equally comfortable leading the line during a busy dinner service, designing seasonal menus that reflect regional ingredients, and managing the financial performance of the culinary department. The Executive Chef will work closely with senior leadership to ensure culinary operations drive guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and strong financial results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations for a highly regarded 200-seat upscale restaurant, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Oversee all banquet and event culinary operations, including weddings, private functions, and large-scale celebrations, with the ability to execute flawless high-volume service.
• Develop innovative seasonal menus that showcase local and regional ingredients while maintaining strong guest appeal and profitability.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing kitchen team while creating a positive, professional, and accountable culinary culture.
• Maintain strong collaboration with front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless guest experiences across restaurants, events, and private dining.
• Drive operational excellence through disciplined systems for purchasing, inventory control, food cost management, labor management, and waste reduction.
• Maintain superior financial performance, including food cost, labor cost, and overall culinary department profitability.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards.
• Participate in strategic planning for culinary programming, special events, weddings, and seasonal experiences that enhance the overall guest offering.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in an upscale full-service restaurant, luxury/full-service hotel, or resort environment.
• Demonstrated success leading culinary operations in high-volume restaurants of 150 seats or more.
• Strong experience executing large-scale events, banquets, and wedding culinary programs.
• Exceptional culinary technique with a passion for seasonal ingredients and refined yet approachable cuisine.
• Proven leadership ability with experience building, mentoring, and retaining strong culinary teams.
• Superior financial acumen with a deep understanding of food cost controls, labor management, budgeting, and inventory systems.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple outlets and events simultaneously without sacrificing quality.
• Passion for hospitality, creativity, and continuous improvement.
• A true culinary leader who combines creativity with operational discipline.
• A chef who thrives under pressure and leads from the front during high-volume service.
• Someone who understands both the artistry of cuisine and the business of running a successful kitchen.
• A leader who builds strong teams, develops talent, and creates a culture of accountability and excellence.
• This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Executive Chef to take ownership of a high-profile culinary program within a beautiful New England hospitality setting known for its restaurant, events, and weddings.

Qualifications

• Strong base salary + bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• STD and LTD insurance coverage
• 401K + Matching
• PTO
• Relocation - Housing Stipend