Executive Chef

Location: 535 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60654
Salary: $80,000 annually
Job Type: Full-Time | Salaried
Company: Éxodo Hospitality Group

Matilda is a vibrant dining destination in Chicago's River North neighborhood, bringing together the bold flavors and culinary traditions of Mexico and Peru. Part of Éxodo Hospitality Group, Matilda combines creative cuisine, genuine hospitality, and an energetic dining atmosphere.

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and hands-on Executive Chef to lead our culinary team, maintain exceptional food standards, and drive operational excellence.

The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, including food quality, consistency, team leadership, inventory management, food costs, sanitation, and culinary execution.

The ideal candidate is a strong leader who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant environment, understands financial accountability, and takes pride in developing a disciplined, motivated kitchen team.

Culinary Excellence

• Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation, consistency, and execution.

• Ensure all dishes meet established recipes, portion standards, and presentation guidelines.

• Collaborate with corporate culinary leadership on menu development, seasonal offerings, and improvements.

• Maintain high standards during lunch, brunch, dinner, and special events.

Kitchen Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, train, coach, and develop all back-of-house employees.

• Establish clear expectations for performance, professionalism, cleanliness, and accountability.

• Conduct daily pre-shift meetings and ongoing culinary training.

• Oversee kitchen scheduling, staffing, and labor productivity.

• Foster a positive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.

Financial & Operational Management

• Manage food purchasing, inventory, waste, and portion control.

• Maintain food costs within company-established targets.

• Monitor BOH labor costs and adjust scheduling based on business volume.

• Conduct regular inventory counts and maintain accurate purchasing records.

• Work closely with the General Manager and corporate leadership to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

• Ensure proper receiving, storage, rotation, and handling of all products.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Ensure full compliance with Chicago and Illinois health department regulations.

• Maintain excellent kitchen cleanliness, organization, and equipment standards.

• Enforce proper food handling, temperature control, labeling, and FIFO procedures.

• Conduct regular kitchen inspections and ensure corrective actions are completed.

Collaboration & Guest Experience

• Partner with front-of-house leadership to ensure smooth service execution.

• Maintain strong communication between kitchen and service teams.

• Address guest feedback and continuously improve the dining experience.

• Represent Éxodo Hospitality Group's commitment to culinary excellence, teamwork, and hospitality.

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or senior kitchen leader.

• Experience in high-volume, full-service restaurant operations.

• Strong knowledge of Mexican and/or Peruvian cuisine preferred.

• Proven experience managing food costs, inventory, labor, and kitchen budgets.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation requirements.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

• Current food sanitation certification or ability to obtain required certification.

Annual Salary: $80,000

Full-time salaried leadership position with opportunities for professional growth within Éxodo Hospitality Group.

At Matilda, we believe exceptional restaurants are built through great food, strong leadership, attention to detail, and genuine teamwork.

As Executive Chef, you will have the opportunity to lead an established culinary operation, develop talented professionals, and contribute to the continued growth of Éxodo Hospitality Group.

Apply today and become part of the Matilda culinary leadership team.