Opening Executive Chef – French-Vietnamese Fine Dining

Job overview

The Opening Executive Chef – French-Vietnamese Fine Dining role is onsite in Palo Alto, CA. Compensation is $140,000–$165,000 per year. The role launches a new 175-seat French-Vietnamese restaurant concept. The chef leads back-of-house preparation and operations through the restaurant’s opening and ongoing service, establishing systems and consistent execution of the established menu. The role supports quality, financial performance, food safety, and team development while coordinating service with front-of-house leadership.

What you'll do

• Lead pre-opening and launch operations
• establish kitchen systems, prep schedules, and line workflows
• recruit, hire, train, and mentor a back-of-house team of 30+
• ensure consistent execution of the established menu
• manage food costs, labor scheduling, waste, inventory, vendors, and procurement
• maintain sanitation and food safety
• coordinate service pacing
• conduct line checks and pre-service briefings
• make minor seasonal menu adjustments and daily specials.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

opening executive chef

french-vietnamese cuisine

fine dining

restaurant opening

kitchen operations

team leadership

food safety

palo alto ca

madison collective

$140k–$165k/year

quarterly bonus

relocation assistance

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• Quarterly KPI-driven performance bonus
• medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• two weeks of paid time off and paid holidays
• monthly phone stipend
• relocation assistance for qualified national candidates
• path to multi-unit oversight.

Why this role

Opening leadership for a 175-seat concept with a back-of-house team of 30+; quarterly KPI-driven performance bonus; relocation assistance available for qualified national candidates; visa sponsorship is not available.

About the employer

Madison Collective is hiring for this role. Industry: Full-Service Restaurants. Sector: 72.