How do I specify the required experience for an Executive Chef in a 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 state the type and level of experience needed. Instead of just listing years, describe the specific environments or roles the candidate should have experience in, like leading a fine dining kitchen or managing large-scale catering operations.

Common misunderstanding: More years of experience always means a better candidate.

It's not just about the number of years. What matters more is the relevance and quality of the experience. A candidate with fewer years in a highly relevant role could be more suitable than someone with many years in less relevant positions.

Common misunderstanding: Any type of kitchen experience is suitable.

Be specific about the type of kitchen or culinary environment. Experience in a fast-food setting might not be relevant for a fine dining executive chef role. Specify the kind of culinary experience that aligns with your restaurant's style and needs.

What context should I provide about past experience for an Executive Chef role?

Provide context by detailing the environments in which the candidate has worked, such as high-pressure kitchens, types of cuisine, or the size of the team they managed. This helps to paint a clearer picture of their capabilities and how they align with your specific needs.

Common misunderstanding: All cooking experience is the same.

Not all cooking experiences transfer equally across different types of kitchens. Specify whether you need someone who has thrived in a high-volume catering environment, a boutique hotel, or a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Common misunderstanding: A good chef can work in any type of kitchen.

While adaptability is a valuable trait, certain kitchens require very specific skills and temperaments. Make sure to describe the kind of past experience that would best fit the dynamics and challenges of your kitchen.

How do I communicate guidance and training availability for an Executive Chef?

Clearly state in the job description if your establishment provides training or mentorship opportunities. This can be a major attraction for candidates who are looking to grow and develop further in their careers. Mention specific types of training, such as leadership development or advanced culinary courses.

Common misunderstanding: Training is only for entry-level positions.

Even at executive levels, ongoing training is crucial for adapting to new trends and technologies in the culinary world. Highlighting this can attract candidates who are eager to evolve and embrace new challenges.

Common misunderstanding: Experienced chefs do not need further training.

Continuous learning is vital in the culinary field, regardless of experience level. Emphasize the value your establishment places on growth and learning to attract ambitious professionals.