Executive Chef | Fine Dining | Santa Fe
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.
#AA