Executive Chef

Forbici Modern Italian is seeking an inspired and visionary Executive Chef to lead the culinary launch of our newest location in St. Petersburg.

Built on a culture of hospitality, Forbici blends traditional Italian flavors with modern creativity—showcasing house-made pastas, hand-crafted pizzas, and innovative cocktails. Our dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients and exceptional culinary execution has made Forbici a standout in the upscale casual dining scene.

Opening in early 2026, Forbici St. Pete will bring the energy and success of our Hyde Park location to the newly reimagined Sundial. This prime setting offers high visibility, a diverse mix of locals and visitors, and a thriving culinary landscape hungry for elevated experiences. With a spacious kitchen, refined dining room, vibrant bar, outdoor patio, and private dining space, this new location is designed to support creativity, collaboration, and excellence.

We're searching for a culinary leader who is passionate about Italian cuisine, committed to consistency and innovation, and excited to shape the culinary identity of Forbici St. Pete from day one. If you're ready to take the helm and make your mark, we'd love to connect.

• Overall management of restaurant's culinary operations, including supervising Sous Chefs, schedules, operations and monitoring food and labor cost.
• Ensure all products used in the preparation of menu items meet our high standards.
• Establishes quality standards for menu items and for food production.
• Approves requisitions for supplies and food items.
• Oversees the hiring, training, and supervision of the culinary team. Evaluate performance, give guidance and discipline as necessary.
• Coaches and trains Team Members by observing, providing feedback, modeling specific tasks or procedures, communicating expectations, and following up to increase their performance and morale.
• Monitors all food preparation and kitchen activities to ensure compliance with Health Department regulations.
• Writes, costs, tests, maintains, and updates all menu specifications, recipes and pictures, production forecasts, and ensures same are being followed.
• Adheres to and enforces inventory and labor control measures.
• Ensures all workstations, storerooms, coolers, and freezers remain clean, sanitized, safe and in proper working order at all times.
• Ensures consistent execution of food and timely flow of service by directing the team and effectively expediting service.
• Maintains, supports, and promotes our company standards, policies, and procedures.
• Understands and protects the financial assets of the company at all times.
• Understands and follows all policies, procedures and laws related to employment, food handling, sanitation, and alcohol service within a restaurant.
• Holds team accountable to following all recipes and presentation specifics including but not limited to standard portion sizes, cooking methods, quality standards and ingredients.
• Ensure all menu changes are updated and communicated to FOH/BOH staff prior to service.
• Maintain effective and timely communication with General Manager.
• Maintain positive working relationship with dining room leaders and line staff throughout service periods.
• Ensure a safe work environment by being alert and taking action regarding safety hazards.

Skills and Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working as an Executive Chef in a high volume, upscale restaurant.
• Experience in creating innovative menu items.
• Excel at building strong teams and inspiring Team Members to reach their full potential.
• Can manage budgets and inventory efficiently, optimizing profitability while ensuring food quality remains exceptional.
• Ability to demonstrate discretion and leadership in complex employee relations matters
• Strong computer skills. Experience with Microsoft Office, events/catering software, timekeeping/scheduling systems and point-of-sale (POS) systems.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating and communicating across all levels of an organization.
• Strong communication skills. Written and verbal (1:1 and in a group setting).
• Able to understand, speak and follow written and verbal instruction in English.
• Flexible and dependable to work full-time day or night shifts, weekends and holidays.

What We Offer:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Sick days
• Paid time off
• Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days
• Flexible Schedule
• Growth Potential
• Complimentary Shift Meals
• Dining Comp Card

Next Level Brands is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or genetic information.