Executive Chef

Position Summary

The Barnett is seeking an innovative, passionate, and highly collaborative Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision for one of New Orleans' premier lifestyle hotels. This is an opportunity to shape a distinctive dining experience that reflects the city's rich culinary heritage while embracing creativity, seasonality, and modern hospitality.

The Executive Chef is responsible for all culinary operations, including restaurant outlets, banquets, catering, and in-room dining. This leader will inspire and develop a talented culinary team, drive financial performance, maintain the highest quality standards, and create memorable dining experiences that elevate both guest satisfaction and the hotel's reputation.

What You'll Do

• Lead all culinary operations, including restaurants, banquets, catering, special events, and room service.
• Develop innovative, seasonal menus that balance creativity, quality, profitability, and guest appeal.
• Recruit, mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing culinary team while fostering a positive and collaborative culture.
• Partner closely with Food & Beverage leadership to create exceptional guest experiences and drive revenue growth.
• Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, and execution across all dining venues.
• Manage food, beverage, and labor costs while achieving departmental financial goals.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, vendor relationships, and product quality.
• Maintain compliance with all health, safety, sanitation, and brand standards.
• Collaborate with Sales and Events teams to execute exceptional meetings, weddings, and special events.
• Continuously evaluate culinary trends and identify opportunities to enhance menus, offerings, and guest experiences.
• Lead by example through a hands-on management style and visible presence in the kitchen.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience within an upscale hotel, luxury, lifestyle, or high-volume restaurant environment.
• Strong experience leading multiple culinary outlets and banquet operations.
• Demonstrated success managing food cost, labor, budgets, purchasing, and inventory.
• Proven ability to recruit, develop, and retain high-performing culinary teams.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and coaching skills.
• Passion for hospitality and creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Culinary degree preferred, but equivalent experience will be considered.
• ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a chef who is more than an exceptional cook—we're looking for a leader who:

• Inspires and develops people.
• Thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Balances creativity with operational excellence.
• Is passionate about hospitality and memorable guest experiences.
• Leads with humility, accountability, and integrity.
• Enjoys being present in the operation, coaching the team, and setting the standard every day.

Why The Barnett & HRI Hospitality?

At HRI Hospitality, our people are our greatest asset. We believe exceptional hotels begin with exceptional teams. As part of our growing portfolio of lifestyle hotels, restaurants, and resorts, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while building a rewarding long-term career.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Life Insurance
• Professional development and leadership growth opportunities
• Opportunities for advancement throughout HRI Hospitality

Join Our Team

If you're a passionate culinary leader who values creativity, teamwork, and delivering unforgettable dining experiences, we'd love to hear from you. Join The Barnett and help shape one of New Orleans' most exciting hospitality destinations.