Hospitality Confidential is pleased to present an exceptional Executive Chef opportunity with an established, independently owned Italian restaurant group in Charlotte, North Carolina. This role offers the opportunity to lead the culinary vision for two adjacent, open-kitchen concepts rooted in authentic Italian tradition and seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking.

About the Role

The Executive Chef will oversee all culinary operations, steward seasonal menu development, and guide a passionate kitchen team in delivering refined yet approachable Italian cuisine. This is an exciting opportunity for a classically trained, Italian-focused chef who values craftsmanship, creativity within tradition, and collaborative leadership in a high-volume, hospitality-driven environment.

This role offers an exceptional quality of life within a respected, hospitality-driven restaurant group committed to excellence and long-term growth.

Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Vision

• Develop and execute seasonal, authentic Italian menus across both concepts

• Maintain exceptional standards of quality, consistency, and presentation

• Introduce creative specials and menu enhancements within a traditional Italian framework

• Ensure dishes consistently exceed guest expectations

Operational Management

• Oversee daily kitchen operations including scheduling, inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships

• Manage food and labor costs to meet financial targets

• Ensure compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards

• Support catering, private events, and special programming

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of approximately 8–10 culinary professionals

• Foster a collaborative, high-performance kitchen culture

• Provide ongoing coaching, accountability, and performance management

Collaboration & Guest Experience

• Partner with ownership and front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless service

• Contribute to overall guest experience, including special events and culinary programming
  Maintain visible, calm leadership during service

Requirements

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or strong Sous Chef ready to step into an Executive Chef role

• Classically trained with a strong foundation in authentic Italian cuisine 

• Demonstrated experience in high-volume, independent restaurant environments

• Expertise in pasta production, sauces, seasonal menu development, and from-scratch cooking

• Strong financial acumen, including food cost management and labor control

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills

• Passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and authentic Italian culinary traditions

• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, ownership-involved environment

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $75,000 – $110,000 

• Partial Relocation Assistance Available

• 2 weeks Paid Time Off

• Employer-Paid Health Insurance (BlueCross BlueShield of NC)

• Optional Dental and Vision Coverage

• Parking Provided

• Shift Meals Provided

• Closed Sundays and Mondays and Major Holidays

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 predisposition, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.