Fine Dining Executive Chef - Full-time

Are you a passionate culinary leader who takes pride in delivering exceptional dining experiences? An established, fine dining restaurant in the Winston-Salem area is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead all back-of-house operations and continue a tradition of culinary excellence.

This is an opportunity to join a respected restaurant known for outstanding hospitality, premium ingredients, and a loyal guest following. We are looking for a hands-on leader who enjoys developing people, maintaining the highest culinary standards, and creating an exceptional team culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead all kitchen operations, ensuring consistent execution, quality, and presentation.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
• Manage food cost, labor cost, purchasing, inventory, scheduling, and overall kitchen financial performance.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization.
• Collaborate with ownership and front-of-house leadership to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
• Develop seasonal features and menu enhancements while maintaining the restaurant's culinary identity.
• Oversee banquet, private dining, and special event execution.
• Build strong vendor relationships and ensure consistent product quality.

Qualifications

• Executive Chef experience in a fine dining restaurant, luxury hotel, or chef-driven concept.
• Strong background in premium steaks, seafood, scratch cooking, and seasonal menu development.
• Proven ability to manage food and labor costs while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Experience leading high-volume dinner service in a polished dining environment.
• Passion for coaching, mentoring, and developing future culinary leaders.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Stable career progression with a reputation for building strong kitchen teams.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $100,000–$110,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Performance bonus opportunity
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Paid vacation
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates

If you're an Executive Chef who thrives in a hospitality-driven culture and is looking to make a lasting impact with an established fine dining restaurant, we'd welcome a confidential conversation.