Job Title: Executive Chef
Location: Salina, KS

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Chef to lead culinary operations at one of Kansas’ most recognized upscale dining destinations.

We are a European-inspired restaurant known for its wood-fired cuisine, elevated hospitality, and commitment to creating memorable dining experiences. Combining Old World influences with contemporary culinary techniques, we've built a reputation for exceptional food quality, outstanding service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is dedicated to sourcing quality ingredients, delivering consistent excellence, and fostering a culture where both guests and team members thrive.

The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations while ensuring exceptional food quality, operational efficiency, financial performance, and team development. This role requires a hands-on culinary leader who can inspire kitchen teams, drive innovation, and maintain the highest standards of execution in a fast-paced upscale dining environment.

We are seeking a leader who thrives on creativity, accountability, and excellence. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable developing new menu offerings, managing food costs, mentoring culinary talent, and leading by example during service. Success in this role requires a strong operational mindset, a passion for hospitality, and a commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences through food.

The Executive Chef will play a key role in shaping the restaurant’s culinary direction, maintaining brand standards, and fostering a culture of professionalism, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Strong leadership, organization, communication, and financial management skills are essential, but a genuine passion for food and developing people is what truly defines success in this position.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision benefits (where applicable)
• Paid vacation and time off
• Free Harley Davidson after 15 years of service
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Opportunity to lead an established and respected culinary program
• Collaborative leadership environment focused on excellence and growth
• Career advancement opportunities within an expanding hospitality organization

Day in the Life:

• Lead all daily kitchen operations in a high-volume upscale dining environment
• Develop seasonal menus, specials, and innovative culinary offerings
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution
• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and develop culinary team members
• Create schedules and ensure appropriate staffing levels for all shifts
• Manage food costs, inventory levels, purchasing, and vendor relationships
• Monitor labor costs and operational efficiencies to achieve financial goals
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations
• Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to deliver exceptional guest experiences
• Conduct regular quality control inspections and maintain kitchen cleanliness standards
• Drive a positive, professional, and accountable kitchen culture
• Lead by example with a hands-on management style during all services
• Oversee equipment maintenance and coordinate repairs as needed
• Analyze performance metrics and implement strategies for continuous improvement

Requirements:

• 3+ years of Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience in upscale dining, fine dining, or chef-driven restaurant environments
• Strong knowledge of European cuisine and contemporary culinary techniques
• Proven experience managing food costs, labor costs, and kitchen profitability
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing culinary teams
• Strong understanding of inventory management, purchasing, and vendor negotiations
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
• Experience with menu development, recipe costing, and kitchen systems
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectation hospitality environment
• Professional presence with strong leadership confidence and emotional intelligence
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as business demands require
• Passion for culinary excellence, hospitality, and creating memorable guest experiences
• Growth mindset with a commitment to continuous learning and team development