Executive Chef

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations of a new high-end Indian restaurant opening in Cary, North Carolina. This is a rare opportunity for a talented culinary professional to join a concept focused on authentic Indian cuisine, elevated dining experiences, and outstanding hospitality.

The Executive Chef will oversee all back-of-house operations, including kitchen leadership, staffing, food quality, inventory management, cost controls, training, and operational excellence. While prior Indian cuisine experience is preferred, we are also open to accomplished chefs from other culinary backgrounds who possess strong leadership skills, restaurant-opening experience, and a genuine passion for learning.

A unique aspect of this role is the opportunity to train directly under a Master Chef from India, who will provide extensive instruction on the restaurant's recipes, cooking techniques, flavor profiles, presentation standards, and culinary philosophy. The Executive Chef will be expected to embrace this mentorship opportunity and become the long-term guardian of the brand's culinary standards.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Learn, execute, and maintain all menu items and recipes developed by the Master Chef.
• Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Lead daily kitchen operations with a hands-on management style.
• Uphold authentic Indian culinary standards while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Assist with future menu enhancements and seasonal offerings.

Team Development

• Recruit, hire, train, and develop BOH team members.
• Create a culture of accountability, teamwork, and excellence.
• Conduct ongoing coaching and performance evaluations.
• Train kitchen staff on recipes, techniques, sanitation, and execution standards.

Restaurant Opening & Training

• Participate in all pre-opening activities, including kitchen setup and systems development.
• Train extensively with the Master Chef to master the menu and culinary execution.
• Assist with recipe documentation, training materials, and operational procedures.
• Lead opening-week culinary execution and team readiness.
• Ensure all standards are consistently maintained after the training period concludes.

Financial & Operational Management

• Manage food cost, labor cost, inventory, and purchasing.
• Develop schedules and staffing plans that support service standards and profitability.
• Establish relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Monitor waste, product utilization, and kitchen productivity.
• Maintain all health, sanitation, and food safety standards.

Guest Experience

• Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to deliver an exceptional dining experience.
• Respond to guest feedback and continuously improve culinary performance.
• Support private dining events, catering opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• 5+ years of Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Kitchen Manager, or comparable leadership experience.
• Proven success managing high-volume restaurant operations.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Experience with food cost control, labor management, and inventory systems.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced opening environment.
• ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain.
• Experience with Indian cuisine, tandoor cooking, or global flavors.
• Fine dining or upscale casual experience.
• Experience opening new restaurants.
• Strong understanding of scratch kitchens and elevated food presentation.
• Multi-unit or large-volume culinary leadership experience.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an accomplished culinary leader who enjoys building teams, creating systems, and driving operational excellence. They are humble enough to learn from a Master Chef, confident enough to lead a high-performing team, and passionate about delivering an unforgettable dining experience. Whether coming from an Indian culinary background or another cuisine, this individual must possess a strong desire to master authentic Indian cooking and become a long-term culinary leader for the organization.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to be part of something special from day one. You will help launch one of Cary's premier dining destinations while receiving hands-on training from a renowned Master Chef from India. If you have a passion for culinary excellence, restaurant openings, team development, and continuous learning, we would love to hear from you.

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