Job Description

Hospitality Confidential is pleased to present an exciting Executive Chef opportunity with a beloved, long-standing restaurant in Santa Fe, approaching 50 years of culinary excellence. This iconic destination is known for its refined approach to modern American cuisine with French influences, strong community presence, and commitment to hospitality at the highest level.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced culinary leader who brings both creative vision and operational expertise, with a passion for mentorship, consistency, and continuous improvement.

About the Position

The Executive Chef will oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, operational efficiency, and alignment with the restaurant’s vision. This role works closely with ownership and leadership to drive culinary excellence while maintaining the highest standards of hospitality and execution.

This position requires a hands-on leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about building strong teams, refining systems, and delivering a consistently elevated dining experience.

Skills & Requirements

• 3–5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, ideally within Michelin-starred, James Beard-level, or similarly acclaimed kitchens

• Strong foundation in fine dining, with expertise in French techniques and modern American cuisine

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing back-of-house teams

• Demonstrated financial acumen, including food cost control, inventory management, and P&L oversight

• Experience with purchasing, vendor management, and operational systems

• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and solutions-driven approach to leadership

• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with ownership and leadership teams

• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and kitchen operations

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment while fostering a positive and professional team culture

Compensation & Benefits

• $100,000 – $120,000 base salary

• Health insurance stipend

• Relocation assistance available

• Paid Time Off

• Annual team trips & educational outings

• Dining discounts

Our client is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, ancestry, national origin, alienage or citizenship, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, or other protected status.