We are seeking a passionate, experienced, and hands-on Executive Chef to lead the culinary program of a highly regarded Italian restaurant in Philadelphia. This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, culinary execution, team development, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and hospitality. The ideal candidate is a strong culinary leader with deep expertise in authentic Italian cuisine and the operational experience to manage a high-volume restaurant with significant private dining and event business. This individual should be a humble, collaborative leader who thrives in a team-driven environment and is committed to building something long-term. Executive Chef Benefits and Compensation • Bonus • Benefits • Paid Time Off • Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates • Opportunity to lead a respected Italian culinary program with significant growth potential • Supportive ownership team focused on long-term success Executive Chef Requirements & Qualifications • 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine • Strong background in authentic Italian cuisine; Northern Italian experience highly preferred • Experience working in Italy or significant exposure to Italian culinary traditions strongly preferred • Proven ability to lead and develop a kitchen team of approximately 20 employees • Experience managing high-volume operations with 150+ covers and private events • Strong understanding of: • Food cost controls • Labor management • Inventory systems • Ordering and kitchen organization • Menu execution and consistency • Ability to manage multiple simultaneous events, including large-scale buyouts • Strong leadership presence with a calm, organized, and team-oriented approach • Commitment to long-term growth and building a strong culinary culture Executive Chef Preferred Background & Skills • Experience in acclaimed Italian restaurants or refined culinary environments • Hands-on expertise with: • Wood-burning grills • Wood-fired pizza ovens • Fresh pasta production • Extruded pasta • Strong knowledge of traditional Italian ingredients, techniques, and regional cuisine • Experience balancing elevated culinary standards with operational efficiency • Ability to collaborate effectively with front-of-house leadership and ownership • Strong mentorship skills with a focus on training and developing kitchen talent • Experience overseeing private dining, events, and large-scale service execution • Low-ego, collaborative leadership style with a focus on team success • Desire to become a long-term culinary leader within the organization JOB ID: 178857 #post Elizabeth Wetherhold