Executive Chef

About the Role

Moss Cafe is seeking a talented, creative, and business-minded Executive Chef to lead culinary operations. This role combines cooking, menu development, and team leadership with general business and cost management. The ideal candidate is passionate about seasonal ingredients, food as a path to community building, and fostering a culture of collaboration across both the kitchen and front-of-house teams.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Creativity

• Design and execute innovative, seasonal vegetable-centric menus that reflect the restaurant’s concept and maintain customer interest.

• Develop and test new recipes and specials, including menus for holidays and events.

• Oversee food preparation to ensure consistency, quality, and presentation.

  Team Development

• Foster a collaborative leadership culture, working closely with ownership, management, and both BOH and FOH teams to ensure seamless communication and guest experience.

• When needed, train and mentor kitchen staff, cultivating a positive, respectful, and high- performing team environment.

• Align kitchen operations with service goals and brand standards.

  Operational Excellence

• Monitor culinary costs, particularly maintaining budget food margins and labor margins while upholding quality and standards.

• Develop and manage kitchen schedules to ensure coverage, efficiency, and labor control.

• Establish relationships with local vendors; oversee purchasing and inventory management.

• Work with management to execute orders for Outposts, Moss Weekends, and standing or

  one-off catering events.

• Ensure proper use, maintenance, and cleanliness of all kitchen equipment and facilities.

  Compliance & Safety

• Maintain the highest standards of sanitation and food safety in compliance with New York Department of Health regulations and must hold New York City Food Handler License.

• Enforce kitchen organization, cleanliness, and safe working practices.

• Ability to carry up to 50 pounds up and down stairs.