Executive Chef - Salary competitive based on experience
About us:
Moderna Bar & Pizzeria is a modern craft Italian restaurant with focus on scratch-made cuisine, hand-crafted pasta, rustic bread, and wood-fired style pizzas.
Our kitchen celebrates seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and traditional Italian techniques with a contemporary edge. We are a high-volume, high-energy operation that prides itself on excellence, consistency, and creativity to give our guests a memorable experience.
Overview:
· Moderna Bar & Pizzeria - A Pizzeria - yes - but far more than that. Moderna will become the benchmark in Austin, Texas, a true chef-driven restaurant and bar, serving Artisan pizza combined with a complete selection of Italian small plates, salads, and a handful of Italian classics that includes chicken parmigiana and our scratch made selection of pastas. The pasta experience will be taken to the next level - prepared tableside for our guests - a true showstopper in the Moderna experience
· High-volume, full-service, craft Italian restaurant emphasizing from-scratch cooking, artisanal methods, and authentic flavors, with a strong focus on house-made pasta, rustic bread, and wood-fired style pizza
Restaurant Profile:
We are a high-volume, full-service, craft Italian restaurant emphasizing from-scratch cooking, artisanal methods, and authentic flavors, with a strong focus on house-made pasta, rustic bread, and wood-fired style pizza.

1. Minimum Qualifications

• Education & Training
• Formal culinary degree from a recognized institution OR equivalent hands-on professional experience in upscale Italian cuisine.
• Food safety certification (ServSafe Manager or equivalent).
• Experience
• Minimum 5 years as Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume (300+ covers/day) sit-down restaurant.
• Documented experience in scratch Italian cooking, including artisan pasta-making, bread baking, and pizza production in a wood-fired oven.
• Proven track record managing a kitchen team of 20+ staff.
• Experience in seasonal menu creation and cost management.

1. Technical Skills Criteria

• Culinary Execution
• Mastery in preparing and leading production of fresh pasta (extruded & rolled) with precise texture control.
• Expertise in long-fermentation bread baking using rustic, artisan techniques.
• Proven skill in Neapolitan-style and artisan pizza: dough fermentation, hand stretching, proper bake in high-heat open flame dome oven.
• Knowledge of traditional and modern Italian regional recipes, ingredient sourcing, and plating.
• Operations Management
• Ability to run a high-volume scratch kitchen with consistency and quality control.
• Proficient in inventory control, ordering, and vendor management with a focus on premium and specialty ingredients.
• Strong understanding of kitchen workflow, prep schedules, and batch cooking without compromising artisanal integrity.
• Menu engineering and recipe costing for profitability.

1. Leadership & Team Management

• Staff Development
• Proven ability to train cooks in artisan skills (pasta shaping, bread scoring, dough handling, etc.).
• Positive leadership style that motivates and retains talent in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication & Collaboration
• Works effectively with FOH leadership to coordinate service.
• Ability to balance creative vision with operational realities.

1. Creativity & Brand Alignment

• Demonstrates a deep respect for Italian culinary traditions while innovating within the brand’s identity.
• Seasonal menu adaptability and trend awareness without chasing fads.
• Presentation and plating skills that balance rustic charm with refined execution.

1. Business & Compliance Skills

• Deep understanding of food cost, labor cost, and P&L impact.
• Proven track record of meeting budget goals in a scratch, high-volume environment.
• Knowledge of health department regulations and ability to maintain an “A” grade kitchen.

1. Cultural Fit & Professional Standards

• Values authenticity, craftsmanship, and consistency.
• Thrives in a high-energy, high-pressure setting without sacrificing quality.
• Passionate about guest experience and culinary excellence.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In perso

Please refer the Job description for details