Restaurant Executive Chef - Chattanooga!

Location: Chattanooga, TNWe are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to join the leadership team of an exciting new restaurant opening. This is an ideal opportunity for a culinary leader who enjoys opening restaurants, building strong teams, creating efficient kitchen systems, and delivering a consistently excellent guest experience. The Executive Chef will have significant responsibility for establishing the culinary operation, developing the kitchen team, and creating a culture centered around quality, accountability, and hospitality.

The Opportunity: This role will oversee the day-to-day culinary operation and work closely with the General Manager and restaurant leadership team. The successful candidate will be comfortable balancing hands-on kitchen leadership with the operational responsibilities that come with running a high-volume restaurant. Key areas of responsibility include: Lead the culinary team through the restaurant opening and ongoing operations Recruit, onboard, train, and develop kitchen team members and future culinary leaders Establish efficient kitchen procedures and ensure consistent execution Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, cleanliness, and food safety Oversee ordering, inventory, storage, prep, production, and waste management Monitor food and labor costs and implement strategies to improve profitability Ensure recipes and specifications are executed consistently Build a strong kitchen culture based on teamwork, communication, accountability, and professionalism Partner with restaurant leadership on staffing, scheduling, training, and operational priorities Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and overall restaurant performance Serve as a key leader within the restaurant and provide operational support when needed Ideal Background We're looking for a culinary professional who has demonstrated success leading a kitchen in a busy, quality-focused restaurant environment. The ideal candidate will bring:5+ years of professional culinary experience 2+ years in an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or similar leadership position Experience working in a high-volume restaurant Strong knowledge of kitchen operations and culinary systems Demonstrated experience hiring, training, and developing culinary teams Understanding of food cost, labor, inventory, and operational controls Strong communication and interpersonal skillsA passion for quality, consistency, and hospitality The ability to lead by example while maintaining clear expectations and accountabilityA solutions-oriented approach to challenges and changing business needs Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

What You'll Bring: The strongest candidates will be hands-on leaders who can move comfortably between the line, the prep kitchen, and the administrative side of the operation. You should enjoy developing people, creating structure, solving problems, and setting high standards while maintaining a positive team environment. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to help shape a new restaurant from the beginning and grow with an expanding organization.

Physical Requirements: Ability to remain on your feet for extended periods Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401(k)Paid Time Off Career development and advancement opportunities Opportunity to be part of a new restaurant opening and growing organization Ready to grow your hospitality career? Apply today in Chattanooga, TN. Send your resume directly to cindy@geckohospitality.com for immediate consideration or apply online.#ZRTMAs part of our recruiting process, we may contact you regarding positions we feel are a good fit or engage with you via SMS text message. By clicking to submit your application, Gecko Hospitality, has your consent to communicate via SMS text message moving forward. Terms of Service are available at https://www.geckohospitality.com/terms. Privacy Policy can be found at https://www.geckohospitality.com/privacy. Message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile phone service plan. For more help reply “HELP” to your texts or you can opt-out by replying STOP