Executive Chef Upscale Italian

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.

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

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

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