Executive Chef

Company DescriptionThe Ivy Hotel is a 17-room luxury boutique hotel located in Baltimore's historic Mount Vernon neighborhood. A member of Relais & Châteaux and Maryland's only Michelin Two Key property, The Ivy is consistently recognized among the region's best hotels. Thehighly inclusive room rate features made-to-order breakfast, evening cocktails, private car service, valet parking, and deeply personalized guest experiences.Magdalena is the hotel's American contemporary restaurant, rooted in the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay region. The menu is shaped by strong relationships with local farmers and purveyors, with a focus on seasonality, thoughtful sourcing, and from-scratch execution.The kitchen operates with a French brigade structure and a collaborative, close-knit team. The program includes whole animal utilization, seasonal preservation, and in-house pastry and baking.An inventive cocktail program, a Wine Spectator-recognized list, and a deep whiskey collection round out the experience.Magdalena is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with final seatings at 9pm (Tuesday-Thursday) and 10pm (Friday-Saturday). In-room dining is available seven days a week. Job DescriptionThe Executive Chef leads the culinary program across Magdalena and The Ivy Hotel. This is a hands-on leadership role-equal parts creative direction, operational discipline, and team development.The Chef is responsible for maintaining a consistently high standard of food and execution while ensuring the kitchen operates in a sustainable, well-managed way. This includes oversight of menu development, staffing, cost control, and daily operations.The Executive Chef reports to the General Manager and works closely with the Assistant General Manager, Managing Director, and Food & Beverage Director to ensure alignment across the operation.Key ResponsibilitiesOversee all culinary operations across the hotel, including Magdalena, breakfast service, in room dining, and staff mealsDevelop and evolve seasonal menus that reflect the region, the property, and the guest experienceLead, recruit, and develop a strong kitchen team; create a culture of accountability, growth, and consistencyMaintain high standards of execution, organization, and cleanliness in the kitchenManage food and labor costs, working closely with the GM and Controller to align with budget and financial goalsEstablish and maintain relationships with local farmers, purveyors, and partnersEnsure smooth collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house teamsOversee ordering, inventory, and equipment maintenanceParticipate in weekly BEO and management meetings; contribute to operational planning and executionCollaborate with Sales & Marketing and PR on events, programming, and storytellingMonitor guest feedback and respond thoughtfully, in partnership with F&B leadershipEnsure full compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standardsPersonal AttributesGrounded, thoughtful leadership style; leads by exampleHigh standards, without egoOrganized, steady, and reliable under pressureClear communicator across teams and departmentsGenuine interest in mentoring and developing othersStrong sense of ownership and accountabilityProfessional, approachable, and composedQualificationsProven experience as an Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine in a high-quality, ingredient-driven kitchenExperience overseeing multiple outlets or hotel-based culinary programs preferredStrong operational and financial acumen; comfortable managing budgets and cost controlsDemonstrated ability to build, lead, and retain a high-performing teamDeep understanding of seasonal cooking, sourcing, and kitchen organizationComfortable with standard systems (POS, inventory, scheduling, Google Workspace, etc.)Food safety certification and strong knowledge of health and safety standardsAdditional InformationPlease include a COVER LETTER outlining why you're a strong fit for the role.Authorization to work in the US is required. We offer:Competitive compensationComprehensive health and dental coverageDisability and life insurance optionsRetail and hospitality perksA high-quality daily staff mealSupport for ongoing learning and developmentPaid vacation and holidaysRetirement savings planA collaborative, supportive team environmentThe Ivy Hotel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and pre-employment drug test conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. We look forward to hearing from you!

Created: 2026-05-09