Executive Chef - Montecito, CA - OuterTalent Recruiting

Chef Thomas Keller is seeking driven and talented individuals to join his team as Executive Chef at his newest venue in Montecito, CA. Situated in the iconic Coral Casino, with breathtaking 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean, this landmark venue provides an extraordinary setting for world-class dining and memorable events.

As Executive Chef, you will be the leading force in the restaurants pre-opening journey, playing a pivotal role in shaping the culinary team towards a successful grand opening and beyond. You will lead, inspire, and mentor a kitchen team dedicated to excellence. The ideal candidate values structured frameworks while being ready to always seek new opportunities to innovate in every aspect of the culinary experience. If you have the experience and desire to thrive in an excellence-driven environment, we invite you to become part of something truly special.

Responsibilities:

• Lead Culinary Operations: Oversee a multi-outlet operation, consistently meeting the elevated standards of the brand.
• Menu Oversight: Collaborate on menus that celebrate the finest ingredients and reflect the restaurants unique culinary approach. Constantly innovate while preserving the classical techniques that define Chef Kellers cuisine.
• Team Leadership & Development: Manage, train, and mentor culinary talent, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes skill development and excellence. Build a cohesive team that thrives on a culture of excellence and respect.
• Financial Management: Optimize costs, labor management, and inventory control, balancing profitability with the restaurant's commitment to the highest quality standards.
• Ensure Consistency & Quality: Uphold rigorous standards in taste, portioning, and presentation, ensuring a world-class dining experience for every guest. Establish protocols that ensure consistency across service, even during high-volume events.
• Health & Safety Compliance: Enforce the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and sanitation in all kitchen areas, ensuring compliance with local and federal health regulations. Lead by example to maintain a pristine and efficient kitchen.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years in a fine-dining, high-standard culinary environment, preferably within a multi-outlet and event setting.
• Proven leadership abilities with a history of training, mentoring, and managing high performing kitchen teams in fast-paced, high-standards environments.
• Expertise in menu development, cost control, and operational efficiency while upholding creativity and high culinary standards.
• A keen attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and impeccable cleanliness standards.
• A deep commitment to culinary excellence, with the ability to adapt to evolving demands while maintaining calm and effectiveness under pressure. The ideal candidate enjoys problem-solving, embraces the dynamic challenges of nightly service, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate seamlessly across departments and work in high-pressure situations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, a thorough understanding of restaurant P&L, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

Compensation:

The compensation for this role includes an annual base salary commensurate with the candidate's experience and the outlined requirements.

Chef Kellers collection of restaurants is built on a culture of mentorship, providing a solid foundation for culinary professionals to develop their craft and advance in their careers.

We are proud to offer:

• 401K plan with matching contributions up to 4% of income and no waiting periods.
• Company-sponsored medical and dental plans.*
• Voluntary plans such as vision, life and AD&D insurance, accident, hospitalization, critical illness plans, pet insurance, and long-term disability insurance.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Daily family meal.
• Scholarship programs.
• Peer mentorship program.
• Employee discounts at Chef Thomas Kellers casual properties.
• Gym membership discount.

Who we are:

Chef Thomas Keller continues to set the standard for the American culinary scene. His restaurantsThe French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se, among othersare legendary. Chef Kellers influence on culinary arts is unparalleled, making him an inspiration to chefs around the globe. His accolades include The Culinary Institute of Americas "Chef of the Year" Award and the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Chef and Outstanding Restaurateur Awards. He was also the first American male chef to be designated a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. In 2017, Chef Keller led Team USA to its first-ever gold medal at the Bocuse dOr, a prestigious competition known as the Olympics of the culinary world.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion. Chef Kellers restaurants are Equal Opportunity Employers, and we take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

*Company contribution depends on plan selection. Benefit offerings are subject to change.