Head Chef (Culinary Director) - Full Time
FTK Hospitality Philadelphia | Philadelphia, PA
Job Summary
FTK Hospitality Philadelphia is seeking a dynamic and hands-on Head Chef (Culinary Director) to oversee culinary operations for a well-known hospitality and entertainment group with 20+ casual dining restaurants, plus a thriving events and catering / events division. This high-impact leadership role is ideal for an experienced culinary professional who thrives in fast-paced kitchen environments, excels at team development, and is passionate about delivering consistent, high-quality dining experiences. Approximately 50% of the role involves travel to various locations, ensuring standards and supporting teams across the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Culinary Operations Leadership
- Oversee all kitchen operations for 20+ casual dining restaurants, ensuring consistency and excellence across each location
- Direct the culinary aspects of events and catering, including menu planning and large-volume execution
- Lead hands-on in kitchens, setting the standard for quality, efficiency, and hospitality
- Menu & Quality Control
- Develop, test, and roll out new menu items in collaboration with operations and marketing teams
- Create and maintain recipes, plating guides, and kitchen systems to ensure brand consistency
- Financial & Administrative Management
- Manage food cost, labor, inventory, and waste to achieve budget goals
- Work with purchasing and vendor partners on sourcing, pricing, and product quality
- Open new locations and refresh existing kitchens as the group expands
- Team Leadership & Training
- Hire, train, and develop executive chefs and kitchen managers for all locations
- Set and uphold food safety, sanitation, and health code standards
Requirements
- Proven regional culinary leadership, overseeing at least 10 locations simultaneously
- Extensive high-volume casual dining or multi-unit restaurant management background
- Events and catering experience highly preferred
- Hands-on leadership style with a demonstrated ability to build and mentor strong kitchen teams
- Solid financial acumen in food cost, labor management, and P&L
- Ability to travel approximately 50% of the time based in Philadelphia
- ServSafe certification required; culinary degree a plus
Schedule
Full-time position with approximately 50% travel to restaurant and event locations. Flexibility required to meet business needs across multiple sites.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- High-visibility leadership role within a prominent, growing hospitality group
- Opportunity to shape culinary direction across multiple restaurant and catering venues
- Dynamic, hands-on work environment with a focus on quality and innovation
- Competitive compensation package including salary, bonus, and comprehensive benefits
- Supportive team culture with opportunities for career advancement and professional growth
Join the Team
If you are a visionary culinary leader ready to take the next step in your career, apply now to become the Head Chef (Culinary Director) with FTK Hospitality Philadelphia and make an impact across a diverse portfolio of restaurants and events.
