Executive Chef

Compass Group•Philadelphia, PA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Restaurant Associates, a leader in dining and event catering for prestigious institutions, is opening a new 140-seat New American restaurant in Philadelphia. This restaurant will feature a private dining room, a vibrant bar, and an atmosphere suitable for everyday dining and celebrations. They are seeking a local Executive Chef to build a lasting culinary vision and make a significant impact. This is a unique opportunity to be involved in menu development, kitchen layout, equipment selection, and the overall culinary direction from the ground up. The Executive Chef will also act as a community leader and a key partner in creating an exceptional guest experience.

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