Executive Chef | Southern Italian Opening | Boston

A premier hospitality group is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the opening of an ambitious Southern Italian restaurant poised to become one of Boston's most exciting dining destinations.This flagship concept will feature 300–400 seats, a dynamic bar program, expansive private dining, an extensive fresh pasta program, and a large wood-burning oven that serves as the centerpiece of the culinary experience. The menu will celebrate the bold flavors and traditions of Southern Italy through handmade pasta, premium seafood, exceptional meats, and the highest quality seasonal ingredients. This is a rare opportunity for a culinary leader who enjoys building restaurants from the ground up while creating a culture rooted in excellence, collaboration, and hospitality.

The Executive Chef will play a critical role in every stage of the opening—from menu development and kitchen design to hiring, training, financial performance, and establishing the culinary identity of what promises to become one of Boston's premier dining destinations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all culinary operations from pre-opening through launch and ongoing service.
• Develop and execute a refined Southern Italian menu featuring an extensive fresh pasta program, premium seafood, exceptional meats, seasonal ingredients, and a signature wood-burning oven program.
• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing BOH leadership team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and culinary excellence.
• Establish kitchen systems, SOPs, recipes, prep procedures, and quality standards to ensure consistency across all services.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, scheduling, food cost, labor management, and overall kitchen financial performance.
• Partner closely with ownership and FOH leadership to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
• Oversee culinary execution for private dining and special events.
• Ensure the highest standards of sanitation, food safety, organization, and operational excellence.

What We're Looking For

• Proven Executive Chef experience within an upscale or fine dining restaurant.
• Extensive experience with handmade pasta programs and Southern Italian cuisine.
• Experience leading high-volume kitchens with 300+ seats preferred.
• Strong financial acumen including food cost, labor management, purchasing, and inventory.
• Demonstrated success opening restaurants or leading large-scale culinary operations.
• Inspirational leadership style with a passion for mentoring and developing culinary talent.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and operational discipline.

Compensation: Competitive salary, performance bonus, comprehensive benefits, and significant long-term growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding hospitality group.