How do I describe leadership expectations 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 clearly outline the leadership expectations. This includes detailing how they should manage the kitchen, interact with staff, and uphold standards. For example, you might expect the Executive Chef to lead by example, maintain high culinary standards, and manage the kitchen team effectively.

Common misunderstanding: Leadership skills are the same across all roles.

Leadership in a kitchen differs significantly from other environments due to the fast-paced nature and specific challenges of culinary work. It's important to specify that you need someone who can handle pressure well and make quick decisions.

Common misunderstanding: Being a good cook is enough to be a good leader in the kitchen.

While culinary skills are crucial, effective leadership also requires excellent communication, the ability to motivate and inspire a team, and strong organisational skills. These should be highlighted as essential leadership qualities in the job description.

How can I detail leadership style and qualities for an Executive Chef?

Detailing the leadership style and qualities for an Executive Chef involves describing how they should interact with the team and manage daily operations. You should look for qualities like decisiveness, ability to inspire, and effective communication. Mention that the ideal candidate should be capable of fostering a positive work environment and be proactive in problem-solving.

Common misunderstanding: Any management style works in the kitchen.

Not all management styles are suitable for the dynamic and high-pressure environment of a kitchen. It's important to specify that you need a leadership style that is adaptable and supportive, to ensure smooth kitchen operations and staff development.

Common misunderstanding: Leadership qualities are inherent and cannot be learned.

While some people may naturally possess strong leadership qualities, many aspects of effective leadership can be developed through experience and training. Be open to candidates who have demonstrated potential and a willingness to grow into the leadership role.

What should I say about mentoring and developing the kitchen team?

In the job description, emphasize the Executive Chef's role in mentoring and developing the kitchen team. This includes providing regular feedback, facilitating training opportunities, and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement. State that the Executive Chef should be committed to the professional growth of their team members, helping them advance their skills and career.

Common misunderstanding: Mentoring is only about teaching cooking techniques.

Mentoring in the kitchen goes beyond just culinary skills. It also involves teaching teamwork, time management, and problem-solving skills. Make sure the job description reflects this broader scope of development.

Common misunderstanding: Development of the team is not a priority in fast-paced kitchens.

Even in a fast-paced environment, ongoing development is crucial for maintaining high standards and innovation. Highlight in the job description that the Executive Chef must prioritize team development despite the busy nature of the job.