Executive Chef

Executive Chef – The Crouching Lion

About us

The Crouching Lion is a destination retreat that curates a warm, aloha-filled ambiance — guiding guests to savor and share modern Hawaiian cuisine and to make everlasting, positive memories.

Position summary

The Executive Chef leads the entire back of house at The Crouching Lion. They own the menu, food quality, kitchen team and kitchen financials, and partner daily with the FOH Manager so every plate reaches the guest the way it was meant to: modern Hawaiian cuisine worth savoring and sharing.

Key responsibilities

Menu and food quality

• Develop, cost and update menus, specials and seasonal items that express modern Hawaiian cuisine
• Build and maintain standardized recipes, recipe costing, plate specs and prep lists in xtraCHEF
• Taste and check food on every shift; hold the line to consistent standards

Kitchen leadership

• Hire, train, schedule, coach and evaluate all BOH staff
• Build a respectful, accountable kitchen culture and develop the Kitchen Supervisor(s) as the shift lead who runs the line and enforces standards in the Chef's absence
• Communicate menu changes, 86'd items and allergens to the FOH Manager

Financial performance

• Hit food cost and BOH labor targets set with the Executive Management team
• Develop and run xtraCHEF for ordering, invoice processing, inventory counts and food cost reporting; manage vendor relationships, receiving and waste tracking
• Contribute to the annual kitchen budget and report results each period

Safety and compliance

• Maintain health-code compliance, food safety and sanitation at all times; lead health inspections
• Enforce allergen protocols, proper labeling, rotation (FIFO) and temperature logs
• Oversee equipment care, preventive maintenance and a clean, safe workspace

Collaboration

• Partner with the FOH Manager on ticket times, service flow, guest feedback and menu training for servers
• Plan and execute private events and catering with the event coordinator

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive kitchen experience, including 2+ years as Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine or Sous Chef
• Proven menu development, food costing and inventory management skills
• ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days)
• Experience hiring, training and leading a kitchen team
• Working knowledge of kitchen display systems, POS and inventory software (xtraCHEF experience a plus)
• Culinary degree a plus, not required

Schedule and physical requirements

• Works 4–5 days per week, including major service holidays, with days off during the week; typically 40–60 hours per week
• Able to stand for long shifts, work in hot environments and lift up to 50 lbs

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, staff meals and other perks.

How to apply

Apply on Indeed, or email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Please name the position in your subject line.

Equal opportunity employer

The Crouching Lion is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of every background and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodations are available during the hiring process on request.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Restaurant management: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Kaaawa, HI 96730 (Required)

Work Location: In person