Creative High Volume Executive Chef

Company: Goodwin Recruiting
Location: Denver
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description EXECUTIVE CHEF Creative | Hands-On Salary Range: $100,000–$110,000 This is not a clipboard chef role. This is a working Executive Chef position for a leader who lives on the line, cooks with intention, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume, creativity-driven kitchen. We’re seeking a passionate, highly creative Executive Chef to lead an energetic Mediterranean concept where bold flavors, seasonality, and authenticity come first. There is real menu freedom here — but it’s earned through execution, consistency, and leadership. If you believe simple, rustic, soulful food takes just as much (if not more) talent than over-styled plates… keep reading. What You’ll Be Doing Lead from the front — this is a hands-on cooking role Create, evolve, and execute a seasonal Mediterranean-inspired menu Cook different, exciting, and delicious food every day Plan and direct all food preparation and kitchen operations Manage food & labor costs, inventory, ordering, and waste control Recruit, train, develop, and inspire a high-performing kitchen team Hold uncompromising standards for food quality, cleanliness, and hospitality Maintain strong relationships with farmers, fishers, foragers, and purveyors Handle volume and pressure with confidence, calm, and finesse Put the final touch on every plate that leaves the kitchen Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation standards What We’re Looking For A true working chef — no clipboard chefs Deep passion for food, wine, and guest experience Proven leadership and kitchen management experience Strong understanding of Mediterranean flavors, techniques, and ingredients Ability to balance creativity with operational discipline Confident decision-maker who can problem-solve in real time Calm, professional, and humble leadership style High energy, high standards, and thick skin Thrives in busy, close-quarter kitchens Comfortable with admin duties, costing, and kitchen systems The Environment Creative, energetic, Mediterranean-inspired kitchen High standards, high volume, high expectations Menu freedom with accountability Passionately, intensely, uncompromisingly humble hospitality Food quality always comes first Physical Requirements Prolonged standing, bending, lifting (up to 45 lbs), repetitive motion Fast-paced, demanding kitchen environment If you’re a chef who wants to cook, lead from the line, push creativity, and build something special — this is the opportunity. Serious, hands-on chefs only.

Keywords: Goodwin Recruiting, Fort Collins , Creative High Volume Executive Chef, Hospitality & Tourism , Denver, Colorado