Executive Chef

Compass Group•Philadelphia, PA

32d•Onsite

About The Position

Restaurant Associates, a leading provider of dining and event catering, is opening a new 140-seat New American restaurant in Philadelphia. This restaurant aims to be a neighborhood favorite with the polish to host celebrations, featuring a lively bar, a private dining room, and an atmosphere that is welcoming, energetic, and rooted in the city’s food culture. They are seeking a Philadelphia-based Executive Chef who desires ownership, is excited to build a kitchen, shape a menu, and lead a team with pride. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact from day one and build something lasting. As Executive Chef, you will be the culinary voice of the restaurant, leading menu development, kitchen operations, and team culture, while collaborating with ownership to realize the concept. Responsibilities range from selecting equipment to hiring the opening team, emphasizing a hands-on, collaborative approach deeply connected to the guest experience. This is an active role, requiring the chef to cook, lead from the line, and be present in the dining room and the community.

Requirements

Experience leading kitchens in independent restaurants, chef-driven concepts, or elevated casual dining
A hands-on leadership style; comfortable on the line, engaged with the team
Strong understanding of New American cuisine and seasonal menu development
Practical experience managing food costs, prep systems, and service flow
Ability to balance creativity with consistency and execution
Comfort running both everyday service and events
Culinary training through experience, formal education, or a mix of both
Several years of leadership experience as a Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or Executive Chef
A collaborative, grounded approach, excited to build something with a team, not just run it
Pride in hospitality and a desire to create a restaurant the city shows up for

Responsibilities

Own all culinary operations, from daily service to long-term menu direction
Create a New American menu that highlights seasonality, approachability, and strong technique
Collaborate on kitchen layout, equipment selection, and opening-day readiness
Hire, train, and lead a kitchen team with clear standards and mutual respect
Set the tone for kitchen culture; organized, calm, accountable, and inclusive
Manage food costs, ordering, inventory, and waste with a practical, restaurant-first mindset
Build strong relationships with local purveyors and vendors
Maintain high standards for food safety, cleanliness, and execution
Work closely with the bar and front-of-house teams to deliver a cohesive guest experience
Be a visible presence in the restaurant and an active part of the Philadelphia dining community