PLEASE READ - This opportunity is based in UPSTATE NEW YORK. Our clients will relocate the right person. Please do not apply if you are not willing to relocate.
Exceptional food begins with exceptional leadership.
An established, chef-driven fine dining restaurant is seeking an Executive Chef to lead a talented culinary team and continue elevating an already outstanding dining experience. This is an opportunity for a Chef who is passionate about refined cuisine, beautiful presentation, seasonal ingredients, and creating memorable guest experiences through food.
We're looking for someone who believes every plate should tell a story; balancing creativity, technique, color, texture, and flavor while maintaining consistency and operational excellence.
If you're a culinary leader who thrives in an environment where craftsmanship matters and details are never overlooked, we'd love to speak with you.
What You'll Be Responsible For- Lead all day-to-day kitchen operations while setting the culinary vision for the restaurant.
- Develop and execute refined seasonal menus featuring premium, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
- Create visually stunning dishes that showcase creativity, balance, and exceptional technique.
- Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
- Maintain the highest standards of food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and execution.
- Oversee ordering, inventory, food cost, labor, scheduling, and overall kitchen financial performance.
- Build relationships with local farms, artisans, and specialty purveyors to source exceptional ingredients.
- Foster a positive, professional kitchen culture built on respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with ownership to continually enhance the guest experience and maintain the restaurant's reputation for excellence.
- Executive Chef experience in an upscale or fine dining restaurant
- Passion for seasonal, ingredient-driven cuisine
- Strong background in scratch cooking and refined culinary techniques
- Exceptional plating skills with an artistic eye for presentation
- Experience developing seasonal menus and tasting features
- Strong leadership and team development abilities
- Financial acumen, including food cost, labor management, inventory, and purchasing
- Calm, organized leader who thrives in a high-expectation environment
- A genuine passion for hospitality, mentorship, and culinary excellence
- Competitive compensation
- Health / Dental / Vision benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Relocation assistance available
- Creative freedom within an established culinary vision
- Opportunity to work with premium seasonal ingredients
- Long-term career growth with an established, independently owned restaurant group that is actively expanding.
This opportunity is ideal for a Chef currently working in fine dining, luxury hotels, chef-driven restaurants, Michelin-caliber kitchens, or other elevated culinary environments who is looking to lead a respected operation while continuing to grow creatively and professionally.
If you're passionate about creating unforgettable dining experiences through exceptional food, we'd love to have a confidential conversation.
More detail about Recruit Hospitality, please visit