Executive Chef - South American Cuisine
Lombardi Family Concepts
On-site
Houston, Texas, United States
Executive Chef
We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Executive Chef with expertise in South American cuisine, including but not limited to Brazilian, Salvadoran, and Peruvian culinary traditions. The Executive Chef will lead the culinary team in developing authentic, innovative, and high-quality dishes that celebrate the diverse flavors, ingredients, and techniques of South America while maintaining operational excellence and upholding brand standards.
This role requires a balance of creativity, leadership, and business acumen. The Executive Chef will be responsible for menu development, staff training, kitchen management, food cost control, and ensuring an exceptional dining experience for every guest.
Key Responsibilities
- Menu Development & Innovation
- Design, develop, and execute menus that highlight South American cuisines, with particular emphasis on Brazilian churrasco and feijoada, Salvadoran pupusas and stews, and Peruvian ceviche, anticuchos, and contemporary Nikkei influences.
- Incorporate seasonal and locally sourced ingredients while maintaining authenticity of traditional dishes.
- Regularly introduce new offerings to keep the menu dynamic and relevant.
- Culinary Leadership
- Lead, train, and mentor the culinary team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability.
- Ensure proper execution and presentation of dishes at the highest standard.
- Develop and enforce consistent recipes, techniques, and plating standards.
- Operational Excellence
- Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, including scheduling, ordering, and inventory management.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
- Manage food costs, portion control, and waste reduction to meet financial targets.
- Guest Experience & Brand Standards
- Partner with front-of-house leadership to deliver a seamless guest experience.
- Act as a brand ambassador, engaging with guests when appropriate to share knowledge of South American cuisine and culinary traditions.
- Uphold and enhance the restaurant’s reputation for quality, authenticity, and hospitality.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-volume, fine dining, or upscale casual dining establishments.
- Demonstrated expertise in South American cuisines (Brazilian, Salvadoran, Peruvian required; knowledge of Argentine, Chilean, or Colombian cuisines is a plus).
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to balance creativity with operational and financial responsibilities.
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience required.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish or Portuguese is preferred but not required.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Profit-based bonus opportunities
- Health, dental, vision benefits and 401k
- Paid time off and holidays