RHEA Recrutement, a recruitment agency specialising in luxury hospitality and high-end food & beverage, is currently seeking a

HEAD CHEF / EXECUTIVE CHEF

Paris, France

THE SETTING

RHEA Recrutement is currently supporting a confidential and highly exclusive Parisian destination, conceived as a refined space for connection, culture and inspiration, set within an exceptional private mansion.

Created around a community of leading personalities from the creative, cultural, entrepreneurial and digital industries, this unique Parisian setting combines a distinctive lifestyle, creativity and the highest standards of hospitality.

At the heart of the house, food plays a central role.

Our restaurant is deeply rooted in its time, celebrating local and seasonal cuisine through generous, comforting dishes that reinterpret and twist traditional culinary codes.

A vibrant, authentic and contemporary approach to cooking, built around exceptional produce and a strong culinary identity.

The restaurant operates Monday to Friday, throughout the day with continuous service, welcoming up to 100 guests during the summer season thanks to its remarkable outdoor setting, and approximately 75 guests during the winter months.

The business also has a significant events operation, offering the Chef an exciting platform for creativity, development and culinary expression.

THE ROLE

As part of a change in leadership, we are looking for an accomplished Head Chef / Executive Chef to take full ownership of the kitchen and continue developing its culinary identity.

As the culinary leader of the operation, you will be responsible for the quality, consistency, creativity and financial performance of the overall food offering.

You will also play a key role in developing and structuring the event catering activity.

Beyond technical expertise, we are looking for a strong personality — a Chef who can embody the vision of the project, inspire and unite a brigade, and create a genuine sense of momentum and pride within the kitchen.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Culinary Direction & Identity

• Create and continuously evolve the menu in line with the identity of the house and the seasons.
• Develop a generous, contemporary and creative cuisine rooted in local produce.
• Select high-quality ingredients and build strong, trusted relationships with suppliers.
• Regularly evolve the culinary offering to maintain a high level of appeal and consistency.
• Create and develop bespoke culinary concepts for private and corporate events.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the entire kitchen operation and ensure consistently high standards across all dishes.
• Guarantee consistency, timing and smooth service execution.
• Organise production and anticipate operational requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP, food safety and traceability standards.
• Oversee kitchen equipment and identify maintenance or replacement requirements.

Financial & Operational Management

• Manage purchasing and supplier relationships.
• Oversee stock management and minimise waste.
• Develop and monitor technical recipe sheets.
• Take full ownership of food cost and kitchen margins.
• Develop proposals and costing for events and private functions.
• Work closely with the F&B Director to monitor and optimise the overall performance of the kitchen.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and develop the kitchen brigade.
• Organise schedules and allocate responsibilities effectively.
• Build a strong team culture based on high standards, trust and accountability.
• Train and share best practices with the team.
• Contribute to the recruitment and onboarding of new team members.
• Foster a positive, collaborative and demanding kitchen environment.

THE PROFILE

We are looking for an experienced Head Chef / Executive Chef, ideally with a background in luxury hospitality, fine dining, premium brasserie or a distinctive culinary concept.

You will have significant experience managing a kitchen brigade and a strong command of the fundamentals of French cuisine.

Beyond your professional background, personality will be a key consideration.

You are:

• A passionate and committed Chef with a genuine respect for exceptional produce.
• Creative, curious and capable of evolving a culinary identity without compromising its essence.
• A natural leader, able to inspire, unite and develop a team.
• Highly organised, rigorous and comfortable with financial and operational responsibilities.
• Generous, approachable and naturally strong in interpersonal relationships.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, demanding and constantly evolving environment.
• Able to combine culinary excellence, leadership and a strong business mindset.

A minimum of 5 years’ professional kitchen experience, including significant team management experience, is expected.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a particularly exciting opportunity for a Chef looking to take full ownership of a kitchen, establish their culinary identity and play an active role in the evolution of a truly distinctive Parisian destination.

You will join a house where food goes far beyond the daily restaurant service. It is an integral part of the experience offered to members and guests, while also playing a strategic role in the continued development of the events business.

Permanent contract (CDI) — Executive status / forfait jours
Fixed salary: €45,000–€50,000 gross per year, depending on experience
Performance-based bonus: up to €5,000 gross per year
Restaurant open Monday to Friday, throughout the day with continuous service
Days off: Saturday & Sunday
Start date: Mid-October 2026

RHEA Recrutement guarantees complete confidentiality throughout the recruitment process.

If you are passionate about your craft, ready to take on a new challenge within an exceptional setting, and eager to contribute to the continued development and success of a prestigious Parisian destination, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Please send your CV, cover letter, references and portfolio/book to:

rhearecrutement@gmail.com