Executive Chef
Recruiting Partner: Darren O'Dwyer
Traverse City, Michigan | Food & Beverage & Lodging | Not Remote | $95,000 to $125,000 | Job ID: 158998
Job Summary
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We’re launching a truly special dining destination in the scenic harbor town of Door County, Wisconsin—and we're on the hunt for a talented Executive Chef to spearhead our kitchen operations and help turn our vision into reality. This role offers the chance to craft and lead an inspired culinary program in an environment that blends refined dining with a laid-back, inviting vibe.
Our venue offers a dual experience: a lively, approachable bar on the ground level and a sophisticated, photo-worthy restaurant upstairs—both showcasing a single menu centered around wood-fired flavors and fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Collaboration, balance, and an outstanding guest experience are at the heart of everything we do.
Your Role:
- Lead kitchen operations, from concept development to flawless daily execution
- Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing back-of-house team
- Implement systems for prep work, service, inventory, and kitchen efficiency
- Manage kitchen budgets, inventory control, vendor partnerships, and staffing schedules
- Work hand-in-hand with ownership and leadership to shape our culture and brand
- Design and roll out brunch and lunch offerings from scratch
- Showcase mastery of wood-fired cooking and seasonal, farm-driven cuisine
We’re Looking for Someone Who:
- Has 3–5 years’ experience as an Executive Chef
- Holds a culinary degree or brings equivalent professional experience
- Is passionate about seasonal, farm-to-table cooking and creative menu building
- Excels at team leadership and thrives across a range of service styles
- Demonstrates excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills
- Is comfortable operating within both casual and elevated dining settings
Why You'll Be Excited to Join Us:
- Be a founding force in creating and shaping a brand-new dining experience
- Enjoy creative freedom and full ownership of the kitchen program
- Competitive compensation between $100K–$120K, depending on experience
- Work alongside supportive ownership in a culture built on quality, collaboration, and growth
- Live and work in a beautiful harbor community with a vibrant culinary future
At Goodwin Recruiting, we are committed to our core values and providing world class customer service. We are committed to helping our clients navigate and comply with the complex and ever-changing labor laws as well as help ensure that in every hiring decision, internally and with our client partners, that all viable candidates are considered, and the most qualified candidate is offered the role. We evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that meet the requirements of the position and aim to open doors and change lives. We value all people, understanding that uniqueness and diversity foster a stronger team that is innovative and brings varying perspectives to the table. We put our money where our mouth is and are proud of our efforts to identify a broad slate of candidates, with many hiring success stories to share.
JOB ID: 158998
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Darren O’Dwyer
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Additional Information
At Goodwin Recruiting we are committed to our core values. We take our value, Dedicated to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, very seriously and will never discriminate against a candidate or client based on any protected classes. Our clients seek qualified candidates, and that is what we deliver. A person’s age, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or arrest or conviction record has no bearing on whether he, she, or they are able to do the job. We evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that meet the requirements of the position and aim to open doors and change lives. We value all people, understanding that uniqueness and diversity foster a stronger team that is innovative and brings varying perspectives to the table. We put our money where our mouth is and are proud of our efforts to identify a broad slate of candidates, with many hiring success stories to share.
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Additional Information
At Goodwin Recruiting we are committed to our core values. We take our value, Dedicated to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, very seriously and will never discriminate against a candidate or client based on any protected classes. Our clients seek qualified candidates, and that is what we deliver. A person’s age, gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or arrest or conviction record has no bearing on whether he, she, or they are able to do the job. We evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities that meet the requirements of the position and aim to open doors and change lives. We value all people, understanding that uniqueness and diversity foster a stronger team that is innovative and brings varying perspectives to the table. We put our money where our mouth is and are proud of our efforts to identify a broad slate of candidates, with many hiring success stories to share.