Job Description
Executive Chef - lephante (Santa Monica, CA) Location: Santa Monica, CA
Salary: $120,000 - $130,000 + Bonus and Benefits
About Us lephante is a high-energy, upscale dining destination in Santa Monica, offering a vibrant, coastal Italian experience. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional cuisine, a high-volume service, and a commitment to fresh, scratch-made dishes. We are seeking a highly skilled
Executive Chef to lead our back-of-house team and uphold the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and hospitality.
The Role As
Executive Chef , you will oversee all culinary operations, ensuring consistency, quality, and financial success in a
very high-volume ($20M+ annual revenue) environment. You must have expertise in
100% scratch cooking, fresh pasta, and wood-fired pizza ovens , along with strong leadership skills to build and develop a high-performing team.
Key Responsibilities - Lead, train, and mentor the back-of-house team, fostering a culture of excellence.
- Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring recipe accuracy, food quality, and safety.
- Manage hiring, training, scheduling, and performance reviews for BOH staff.
- Maintain cost control, inventory management, and P&L standards in collaboration with the General Manager.
- Ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Work hands-on in the kitchen, expediting service, and maintaining consistency.
- Oversee catering, take-out, delivery, and private event execution.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment and mechanical systems are well-maintained.
- Lead daily pre-shift meetings and staff training sessions.
- Maintain a professional and positive work environment while setting clear expectations.
What We're Looking For - Experience: Minimum 8 years as an Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine in a high-volume, upscale setting.
- High-Volume Expertise: Proven success in a $20M+ annual revenue kitchen.
- Italian Cuisine Mastery: Strong experience in fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and scratch-made dishes.
- Leadership Skills: Ability to build, mentor, and manage a top-tier culinary team.
- Financial Acumen: Knowledge of P&L statements, labor models, and cost controls.
- Organization & Attention to Detail: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
- Tech-Savvy: Proficiency in kitchen management systems, POS, and Microsoft Office.
- Physical Stamina: Must be able to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Flexible Schedule: Availability to work days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Why Join lephante?- Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
- Work in a dynamic, high-energy, upscale kitchen.
- Opportunity to innovate and shape the culinary direction of a top restaurant.
- Supportive leadership and career growth opportunities.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
Salary Description
$120,000 - $130,000 + Bonus and Benefits lephante
Job Tags
Holiday work, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Weekend work,