Executive Chef

Compass Group•Philadelphia, PA

28d•$110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

Become part of Restaurant Associates, the industry’s leading provider of dining and event catering for some of the nation's most prestigious museums, performing arts centers and corporations! Voted Glassdoor's Employee Choice Awards- Best Places to Work, This is R/A !Job SummaryBe the Culinary Visionary Behind a New Neighborhood Destination! We’re opening a new 140‑seat New American restaurant in Philadelphia, complete with a private dining room, vibrant bar, and an atmosphere that feels like an everyday go‑to but still perfect for celebrations. We’re looking for a local Executive Chef who wants to leave a mark and build something lasting with us. This is a rare opportunity to shape a restaurant from the ground up: collaborate on menu development, kitchen layout, equipment selection, and overall culinary vision. You’ll also serve as a visible leader in the community and a key partner in crafting an unforgettable guest experience. About the Role As the Executive Chef, you’ll oversee all culinary operations and bring the restaurant’s vision to life. You’ll lead and develop a kitchen team, guide menu creation, ensure operational excellence, and help build a warm, welcoming space rooted in Philadelphia’s food culture.

Requirements

Background in culinary management, ideally in high‑volume or elevated casual dining
Experience leading kitchen teams and fostering a positive, inclusive culture
Strong skills in cost control, menu engineering, and kitchen operations
Comfort with both everyday dining and special‑occasion culinary expectations
Creativity, curiosity, and a passion for New American cuisine
Culinary degree or equivalent training
Three to five years of culinary leadership experience
Experience in high‑volume production or catering environments
Collaborative mindset—excited to build something alongside a team
Energy to be a public‑facing representative of the restaurant
Desire to grow with a forward‑thinking hospitality group

Responsibilities

Lead all culinary operations with a focus on quality, creativity, and consistency
Collaborate on menu development for a New American concept, including seasonal updates
Partner on kitchen design, layout, equipment decisions, and operational flow
Manage food cost targets, budget oversight, and waste reduction strategies
Oversee purchasing, inventory control, and vendor relationships
Maintain high standards of safety, sanitation, and compliance
Support new culinary program rollouts in partnership with the broader culinary and marketing teams
Build, train, and coach a collaborative kitchen team
Serve as a visible ambassador for the restaurant within the Philadelphia community