What skills are essential to include in an Executive Chef job description?

Date modified: 22nd September 2025 | This FAQ page has been written by Pilla Founder, Liam Jones, click to email Liam directly, he reads every email.

Executive Chef Job Description Template

This job description template provides a full working exmaple using our six step approach. Open the template in the Pilla app and customise each section to make it specific to your role and business.

We operate a prestigious multi-concept hospitality group serving 500+ covers daily across multiple venues with emphasis on culinary excellence, innovation, and market leadership. Our executive chef provides strategic culinary direction while overseeing kitchen operations across our portfolio. This senior executive role combines high-level culinary expertise with business leadership, developing culinary strategy while managing multiple kitchen teams and driving profitability across all food operations. You'll work across state-of-the-art facilities with premium ingredients, leading culinary innovation and brand development. The position offers exceptional career opportunities including equity participation, business partnership, and potential expansion into new markets, with significant influence over menu development, concept creation, and culinary brand positioning within the competitive hospitality market.
• Develop comprehensive culinary strategy across multiple venues including concept development and brand positioning • Lead multi-site kitchen operations managing 25+ culinary professionals across various locations and concepts • Create innovative menu portfolios balancing creativity, market appeal, and financial performance across all venues • Oversee complex food cost management including multi-site purchasing, supplier negotiations, and profit optimization • Establish and maintain exceptional quality standards across all kitchen operations and food service points • Manage strategic supplier partnerships, ingredient sourcing, and quality assurance across entire operation • Implement comprehensive HACCP, food safety, and operational systems across all kitchen facilities • Collaborate with senior management on business development, expansion planning, and concept development • Handle executive responsibilities including P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning • Lead culinary team development including recruitment, training programs, and succession planning • Represent company at industry events, media appearances, and culinary competitions • Drive innovation through research and development, trend analysis, and market positioning strategies
Essential Skills: Exceptional culinary mastery across multiple cuisine styles with proven ability to create innovative, profitable menu concepts; extensive leadership experience managing large, multi-site culinary operations; advanced business skills including P&L responsibility, strategic planning, and financial management; comprehensive understanding of food service operations, supply chain management, and quality control systems; outstanding communication abilities for executive team collaboration, media representation, and stakeholder management; proven track record in concept development, brand building, and market positioning. Preferred Qualifications: Culinary degree from prestigious institution plus extensive industry experience; 8+ years executive chef experience in multi-site or large-scale operations; wine and beverage expertise for complete F&B program development; experience with restaurant technology, supply chain systems, and operational analytics; media training and public speaking experience; business or MBA qualification; industry recognition through awards, competitions, or media coverage.
We're looking for exceptional culinary leaders with minimum 8 years executive chef experience in large-scale or multi-site operations, demonstrating outstanding culinary creativity, proven business acumen, and ability to drive strategic growth initiatives. Candidates must possess comprehensive understanding of hospitality business including financial management, operations strategy, and market development, gained through senior executive roles with full P&L responsibility and team leadership experience. This executive position offers significant business influence, equity participation opportunities, and potential expansion into new markets or concepts. Career advancement includes culinary director, business partnership, and ownership opportunities within our expanding hospitality portfolio.
We're looking for someone who combines exceptional culinary artistry with strategic business leadership, creating innovative dining concepts while driving sustainable business growth and market differentiation. The ideal candidate will possess entrepreneurial vision for concept development, analytical expertise for performance optimization, and inspirational leadership abilities for building world-class culinary teams across multiple locations. We value culinary innovation, strategic thinking, and transformational leadership, seeking someone who elevates our market position while building scalable operations and developing next-generation culinary talent.
Competitive executive salary of £60,000-£75,000 annually plus substantial performance bonus structure based on multi-site profitability, brand development, and strategic objectives (potential additional £15,000-£25,000 annually). Comprehensive executive package includes: equity participation in business growth and expansion opportunities; unlimited professional development including international culinary experiences and industry leadership programs; 35 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays and professional time. Business partnership opportunities including new concept development, franchise opportunities, and potential ownership stakes in expansion ventures. Executive benefits including company vehicle, expense accounts, and industry leadership opportunities through our established market position and growth trajectory.

When writing a job description for an Executive Chef, it's important to list skills that are crucial for the daily operations and success of your kitchen. Essential skills often include advanced culinary techniques, leadership and team management, kitchen workflow and operational efficiency, as well as budget and stock management. These skills ensure the chef can handle both the creative and administrative aspects of the kitchen.

Common misunderstanding: All chefs have similar skills, so specific mentions are not necessary.

Each kitchen and culinary style requires specific skills. For example, a fine dining restaurant might need someone skilled in classical cooking techniques, whereas a large catering operation might require expertise in high-volume production. It's important to specify the skills needed in your particular setting to attract suitable candidates.

Common misunderstanding: Including too many detailed skills might scare off potential candidates.

While it might seem like listing many specific skills could deter applicants, it actually helps in attracting those who are truly fit for the role and can meet the demands of your kitchen. It ensures candidates understand what is expected of them and can self-assess their suitability for the position.

How can I determine the must-have skills for an Executive Chef?

To determine the must-have skills for an Executive Chef, start by reviewing the key responsibilities of the role within your operation. Ask yourself what expertise or proficiency is required to execute these responsibilities effectively. For instance, if the chef needs to develop menus, culinary creativity and a deep understanding of food trends are essential. If they are managing a team, strong leadership and communication skills are crucial.

Common misunderstanding: Basic cooking skills are enough for an Executive Chef.

While fundamental cooking skills are necessary, an Executive Chef's role goes beyond just cooking. They need to manage the kitchen's entire operation, which includes menu planning, staff management, and budgeting. These responsibilities require specific advanced skills.

Common misunderstanding: Experience substitutes for specific skills.

Experience is valuable, but specific skills are often necessary to perform effectively in a particular environment. For example, experience in a casual dining setting might not fully prepare a chef for the rigorous demands of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Specific skills relevant to the operational needs and culinary style of your kitchen are crucial.

What nice-to-have skills should I consider including for an Executive Chef?

Nice-to-have skills are those that enhance a candidate's capability but are not essential from the start. These might include familiarity with international cuisines, experience with modern culinary technology, or advanced presentation skills. Including these skills can attract candidates who may offer additional value and innovation potential to your kitchen.

Common misunderstanding: Nice-to-have skills are unnecessary luxuries.

While not immediately crucial, nice-to-have skills can significantly contribute to a kitchen's evolution and can set your establishment apart from competitors. They allow for creativity and innovation, which can enhance your menu and dining experience.

Common misunderstanding: Nice-to-have skills can be ignored in the selection process.

Even though they are not essential, considering these skills during the hiring process can provide insight into a candidate's potential for growth and their ability to contribute to long-term goals. It's beneficial to consider how these skills might positively impact your team and service quality in the future.