Executive Chef - Upscale Italian

Goodwin Recruiting
Cornelius, NC, United States
  • Hospitality
  • Full-time
Our job summary
Lead a high-volume, chef-driven Italian kitchen with employer-paid medical and structured bonuses. Executive Chef, full-time, hands-on culinary leadership in Charlotte; permanent role managing a scratch-made Italian restaurant; high-volume (>$4M sales) operations; base $85k–$95k + monthly performance bonus; PTO after 6 months; employer-paid medical/dental; company life insurance. - 4+ years as Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine - Proven experience in Italian cuisine and high-volume kitchens (>$4M sales) - Track record in ordering, inventory, scheduling, COGS and labor control - Tenure stability: ≥2 years per role; ≤3 jobs in 5 years
Full description

A respected, locally owned restaurant group in Charlotte is hiring an Executive Chef to lead a high-volume, scratch-made Italian kitchen. This group is known for consistent quality, chef-driven food, and a professional culture focused on standards, systems, and true hospitality.


This is a hands-on culinary leadership position for a chef who excels in Italian cuisine, thrives in fast-paced kitchens, and consistently develops stable, high-performing teams.


Executive Chef Salary and Compensation

• Base salary $85,000 to $95,000

• Structured monthly performance bonus

• 100 percent employer-paid medical and dental benefits

• PTO available after 6 months

• Company-paid life insurance

Executive Chef Requirements and Qualifications

• 4 years of leadership experience as an Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine

• Background in Italian Restaurants; Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine, sauces, and foundational techniques

. High volume environment experience- must have worked with Sales Volumes of Greater Than $4M

• Loyalty- must have work history of tenures of at least 2 years in each previous role; no more than 3 jobs in 5 years• Proven success with ordering, inventory, scheduling, COGS, and labor controls


Executive Chef Preferred Background and Skills

• Authentic Italian or Italian-American culinary background

• High-volume scratch-kitchen experience

• Solid tenure history with two years or more in most prior roles

• Proven ability to stabilize, strengthen, and develop back-of-house teams

• Strong business acumen and a focus on cost management and consistent execution

• Leadership style that blends standards, accountability, coaching, and calm under pressure

• Comfortable working with involved ownership that values structure and performance



Location restriction