Executive Chef

Maya Hospitality Group • Charlotte, NC

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager – Dear Charlotte Charlotte, NC | Steele Creek 4936 Trojan Dr., Charlotte, NC 28278 $70,000–$80,000/year + Bonus Opportunity | Full-Time Reports to: Ownership Group / General Manager About Dear Charlotte Dear Charlotte is a new, high-energy Mediterranean-inspired rooftop restaurant, bar, and event destination coming to Charlotte’s Steele Creek area. The concept will feature a cocktail-forward beverage program, vibrant indoor/outdoor rooftop setting, and a dynamic dinner, brunch, and private events business. This is a true ground-floor culinary opportunity. We’re building the kitchen and culinary program from scratch and are looking for a chef who wants creative ownership, operational control, and the opportunity to shape the menu, team, systems, and kitchen culture from day one.

Requirements

• 5+ years of Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or senior kitchen leadership experience
• Experience leading high-volume restaurant operations
• Prior new restaurant opening experience strongly preferred
• Proven ability to build and lead a kitchen team from the ground up
• Strong understanding of food cost, labor, inventory, and kitchen P&L
• Experience in elevated casual, upscale, or high-energy dining environments
• Strong leadership presence and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm and solutions-focused during high-pressure service
• Passion for Mediterranean, globally inspired, or elevated cuisine
• Strong creative and operational mindset

Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations and execution for the restaurant
• Develop and execute a Mediterranean-inspired menu designed for high-volume rooftop service
• Build the BOH team through recruiting, hiring, training, coaching, and development
• Establish kitchen standards, recipes, SOPs, prep systems, and service procedures
• Manage a unique kitchen operation with a downstairs prep kitchen and rooftop finishing line
• Own food cost, inventory, ordering, receiving, waste, and vendor relationships
• Maintain consistency, speed, quality, and presentation across dinner, brunch, and events
• Establish plating and presentation standards
• Partner closely with FOH and bar leadership on menu alignment and execution
• Manage kitchen labor and scheduling to support profitability and service
• Drive operational efficiency while maintaining culinary creativity and quality
• Create a positive, accountable, and high-performing kitchen culture
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation requirements

Benefits

• Competitive compensation + bonus opportunity
• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, PTO, health and wellness benefits, and dining perks
• Opportunity for long-term growth with a new concept

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed