EXECUTIVE CHEF

Apply Now

Company: Élephante

Location: Santa Monica, CA 90405

Description:

Executive Chef - lephante (Santa Monica, CA)
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Salary: $110,000 + Bonus and Benefits

About Us

lephante is a high-energy, upscale dining destination in Santa Monica, offering a vibrant, coastal Italian experience. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional cuisine, a high-volume service, and a commitment to fresh, scratch-made dishes. We are seeking a highly skilled Executive Chef to lead our back-of-house team and uphold the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and hospitality.

The Role

As Executive Chef, you will oversee all culinary operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and financial success in a very high-volume ($20M+ annual revenue) environment. You must have expertise in 100% scratch cooking, fresh pasta, and wood-fired pizza ovens, along with strong leadership skills to build and develop a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, train, and mentor the back-of-house team, fostering a culture of excellence.
  • Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring recipe accuracy, food quality, and safety.
  • Manage hiring, training, scheduling, and performance reviews for BOH staff.
  • Maintain cost control, inventory management, and P&L standards in collaboration with the General Manager.
  • Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Work hands-on in the kitchen, expediting service, and maintaining consistency.
  • Oversee catering, take-out, delivery, and private event execution.
  • Ensure all kitchen equipment and mechanical systems are well-maintained.
  • Lead daily pre-shift meetings and staff training sessions.
  • Maintain a professional and positive work environment while setting clear expectations.
What We're Looking For
  • Experience: Minimum 8 years as an Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine in a high-volume, upscale setting.
  • High-Volume Expertise: Proven success in a $20M+ annual revenue kitchen.
  • Italian Cuisine Mastery: Strong experience in fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and scratch-made dishes.
  • Leadership Skills: Ability to build, mentor, and manage a top-tier culinary team.
  • Financial Acumen: Knowledge of P&L statements, labor models, and cost controls.
  • Organization & Attention to Detail: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
  • Tech-Savvy: Proficiency in kitchen management systems, POS, and Microsoft Office.
  • Physical Stamina: Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Flexible Schedule: Availability to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Why Join lephante?
  • Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
  • Work in a dynamic, high-energy, upscale kitchen.
  • Opportunity to innovate and shape the culinary direction of a top restaurant.
  • Supportive leadership and career growth opportunities.
  • Comprehensive benefits package.


Salary Description

$110,000 + Bonus and Benefits

Similar Jobs