Chef de Cuisine

About this position

Hayati is an exciting new Levantine and Mediterranean restaurant concept coming to San Francisco's iconic Ferry Building, with an anticipated opening in 2027.

Rooted in the rich culinary traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean, Hayati will celebrate vibrant flavors, thoughtful hospitality, and a contemporary approach to regional cuisine.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Chef de Cuisine to help bring our culinary vision to life and lead the kitchen teams at Hayati and Bar Leïla.

We are looking for a thoughtful, confident, and hands-on culinary leader who combines strong technical skills with exceptional leadership, organization, communication, and business acumen.

Working closely with our Culinary Director and management team, the Chef de Cuisine will oversee day-to-day culinary operations, establish high standards of execution, and contribute to the continued development of our culinary program.

As part of our opening leadership team, this individual will play an integral role in building a strong kitchen culture, developing operational systems, and setting the foundation for long-term success.

• Lead all aspects of daily kitchen operations, maintaining exceptional standards of quality, consistency, organization, and execution.

• Oversee food preparation, presentation, and quality across all services at Hayati and Bar Leïla.

• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and growth.

• Manage kitchen scheduling, staffing, training, and performance to ensure operational efficiency.

• Oversee food costs, labor, purchasing, inventory, and waste management while balancing financial objectives with culinary excellence.

• Collaborate closely with the Culinary Director on menu execution, recipe development, and the continued evolution of the culinary program.

• Partner with front-of-house leadership to deliver a cohesive restaurant experience and exceptional hospitality.

• Establish and maintain effective kitchen systems, procedures, and operational standards.

• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, food safety, and sanitation.

• Play an active role in pre-opening preparations, team development, and operational readiness.

• Proven experience in a Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or comparable culinary leadership role within a quality-driven restaurant.

• Strong culinary foundation and a passion for Levantine, Mediterranean, or Middle Eastern cuisine.

• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop culinary teams.

• Solid understanding of kitchen financial management, including food cost, labor, purchasing, and inventory controls.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• A hands-on, collaborative leadership style with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced restaurant environment.

• Previous restaurant opening experience is a plus.

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Dental and vision insurance options

• Paid time off

• Professional development and career growth opportunities

• Opportunity to be part of the opening leadership team of an exciting new restaurant concept

85,000 - 110,000 ++ DOE

At Hayati, we believe that exceptional restaurants are built through passionate people, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to hospitality.

If you are a talented culinary professional who takes pride in developing teams, executing exceptional food, and creating a positive kitchen culture, we would love to hear from you.

Location and commute

San Francisco, CA .

Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.

How to apply

Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3212047492.