Position: Executive Chef

Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Concept: Fine Dining Restaurant | Established & Well-Known Restaurant Group

Overview

A highly respected and established restaurant group is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead one of its flagship fine dining restaurants in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is a premier leadership opportunity for a chef who is both creatively driven and operationally disciplined — someone who thrives in refined, guest-focused environments and understands the balance between culinary artistry and financial performance.

The ideal candidate will bring fine dining experience, strong leadership presence, and a proven ability to drive consistency, innovation, and team culture within a high-expectation restaurant environment.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Lead and inspire the culinary team to execute at the highest level of quality, consistency, and presentation
• Develop and evolve seasonal menus that reflect creativity, technique, and regional influence
• Maintain strict adherence to fine dining service standards and plating precision
• Oversee recipe development, standardization, and execution

Operational & Financial Oversight

• Full ownership of kitchen P&L including food cost, labor management, and waste control
• Drive profitability through disciplined cost controls and vendor management
• Collaborate with ownership and leadership on menu pricing and strategic planning
• Maintain all health, safety, and sanitation standards

Team Development & Culture

• Recruit, train, mentor, and retain high-performing culinary professionals
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, and collaboration
• Build succession plans and develop leadership within the kitchen team
• Partner closely with Front-of-House leadership to ensure seamless guest experience

Strategic Collaboration

• Work alongside ownership and the restaurant group’s leadership team to maintain brand standards
• Contribute to marketing initiatives, special events, and guest-driven programming
• Participate in community engagement and local sourcing relationships

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 5+ years of experience as an Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine in a fine dining environment
• Proven track record of leading high-performing culinary teams
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing food cost and labor budgets
• Experience with seasonal, ingredient-driven menus and refined plating techniques
• Strong leadership presence with a collaborative management style
• Passion for hospitality and guest-driven service

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: up to $125,000
• Annual Bonus: $5,000
• Relocation Assistance: Provided (details discussed during offer stage)
• Paid time off
• Growth opportunities within a respected restaurant group
• EOE

Why Santa Fe

Santa Fe offers a unique blend of culture, art, culinary excellence, and natural beauty. This is an opportunity to lead a celebrated restaurant within a market known for its sophisticated dining audience and strong culinary identity.

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