Ex Chef - Italian Modern Restaurant

apply here or email us directly at:

[email protected]

EXECUTIVE CHEF – NEW MODERN ITALIAN OPENING

SoHo | Q1 / Spring 2026 Opening

Base Salary: $130,000–$140,000 + Competitive Benefits

A highly successful, fine-dining restaurant group is preparing to launch a new modern Italian flagship restaurant in SoHo in Spring 2026, and we are seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision from pre-opening through national recognition.

This is a rare opportunity to helm a high-profile opening with full creative influence, strong financial backing, and the support of a proven ownership and operations team. The concept will celebrate the soul of classic Italian cuisine through a refined, modern lens—seasonal, ingredient-driven, and executionally precise.

THE CONCEPT

• Modern Italian fine dining with deep roots in classic regional Italian technique
• Seasonal, market-driven menu with elevated plating and refined execution
• Strong focus on house-made pastas, pristine proteins, and thoughtful vegetable-forward dishes
• Designed for critical acclaim, destination dining, and long-term brand growth

THE ROLE

As Executive Chef, you will be the creative and operational leader of the entire culinary program. You will oversee all kitchen operations from pre-opening development through full execution, while building, mentoring, and leading a high-performing BOH team. This role requires a chef who is both artist and operator—someone who balances culinary vision with financial discipline, systems, and team culture.

You will work closely with ownership, design, operations, and FOH leadership to ensure a seamless and world-class guest experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Opening & Concept Development

• Lead all menu development and recipe testing
• Establish food cost targets, kitchen systems, recipes, and standards
• Collaborate on kitchen design, equipment selection, and workflow
• Build opening BOH leadership team and hiring strategy
• Create training programs, opening manuals, and SOPs

Culinary Leadership & Operations

• Oversee all daily BOH operations with excellence and consistency
• Ensure product quality, presentation, and execution are maintained at the highest level
• Lead ordering, inventory, vendor relationships, and cost controls
• Maintain food cost, labor, and waste within budgeted targets
• Uphold all DOH, food safety, and sanitation standards

Team Building & Culture

• Hire, train, and develop a best-in-class BOH team
• Foster a positive, disciplined, and high-performance kitchen culture
• Mentor Sous Chefs and CDC-level talent for long-term growth
• Lead with integrity, accountability, and clear communication

Financial & Strategic Performance

• Manage P&L in partnership with ownership and operations
• Drive profitability through disciplined execution and smart menu engineering
• Support long-term growth plans within the restaurant group

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Proven Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine experience in NYC
• Strong background in both classic Italian and modern Italian cuisine
• Opening experience highly preferred
• Experience working in similar high-end, chef-driven, modern fine-dining concepts
• Deep understanding of seasonal sourcing, pasta production, and regional Italian traditions
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-development skills
• Financially savvy with proven success managing food cost, labor, and profitability
• Organized, driven, and calm under pressure
• Passion for excellence, hospitality, and long-term brand building

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base Salary: $130,000–$140,000
• Competitive Benefits Package (medical, dental, vision, and additional offerings)
• Paid Time Off
• Potential bonus and long-term growth opportunities within a successful restaurant group
• Full creative ownership with the support of an experienced corporate infrastructure

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY STANDS OUT

• Lead the opening of a high-profile modern Italian restaurant in SoHo
• Backed by a successful, well-capitalized fine-dining restaurant group
• True creative and operational ownership
• A platform for career-defining recognition and long-term advancement

READY TO LEAD A FLAGSHIP OPENING?

If you are a passionate Italian-focused chef with both classic roots and modern vision, and you’re ready to lead a destination opening in one of NYC’s most dynamic culinary neighborhoods, we want to connect with you.

apply here or email us directly at:

[email protected]

personenyc.com