Executive Chef

Bring Authentic Italian Cuisine to Life in the Heart of Portsmouth.Our upscale Italian restaurant in Portsmouth, NH blends classic technique with seasonal New England ingredients to deliver a refined, heartfelt dining experience. We are seeking a passionate Executive Chef to lead our kitchen and shape a culinary program rooted in tradition, creativity, and excellence.Executive Chef Benefits and Compensation:Base salary of $70,000 to $90,000, based on experience20% bonus, paid quarterly, tied to performance metricsEmployer-sponsored health and dental insuranceFree on-site parkingGenerous Paid Time OffSponsorship for continuing education and culinary developmentFull creative input on menu development and seasonal offeringsStrong support from ownership and FOH teamWork-life balance prioritized in a professional, respectful kitchen cultureExecutive Chef Requirements & Qualifications:Minimum 5 years' experience in a leadership role within a full-service or fine dining kitchenStrong understanding of Italian cuisine - from regional classics to modern interpretationsProven experience with inventory management, ordering, food and labor cost controlHistory of managing BOH teams of 8-12 staff membersCurrent ServSafe certification or equivalentMust Haves:Lead all aspects of kitchen operations, including daily prep, line execution, and closing proceduresCollaborate with ownership to develop and rotate seasonal Italian menus, with a focus on fresh pasta, antipasti, and wood-fired entreesMentor, train, and inspire your team to deliver high-quality, consistent plates every nightMaintain direct relationships with local farms, seafood vendors, and specialty Italian importersConduct regular tastings and kitchen meetings to ensure quality and alignment across BOH and FOHEnsure all food safety and sanitation standards are followed rigorouslyExecutive Chef Preferred Background & Skills:Hands-on experience with pasta-making, butchery, and traditional Italian techniquesFamiliarity with New England seasonality and local sourcingCulinary degree or formal training preferred but not requiredWorking knowledge of food costing platformsAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-focused service environmentStrong communication and leadership skills to foster a positive kitchen cultureThis is more than a job - it's a chance to define one of Portsmouth's premier Italian dining experiences.If you're passionate about Italian cuisine and ready to lead with heart and skill, we want to meet you.Apply now and bring your vision to our kitchen.

Created: 2025-09-27