Head Chef

Head Chef – Modern Persian Restaurant Location: Newport Beach, CA Help lead the next chapter of modern Persian cuisine. VATAN is an upscale, chef-driven Persian restaurant opening in Newport Beach. Our menu and culinary vision have already been thoughtfully developed, and we’re looking for a talented Head Chef to bring that vision to life while helping us continuously refine and elevate it. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Executive Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Senior Sous Chef who is ready to lead a kitchen and grow into a long-term leadership role. About VATAN VATAN offers a modern interpretation of Persian cuisine through refined small plates, premium California ingredients, and elegant presentation. We are committed to honoring traditional Persian flavors while continuously improving every aspect of the guest experience. Your Role As Head Chef, you will work directly with the owners to: Execute our menu with exceptional consistency and attention to detail. Continuously refine recipes, plating, and presentation. Develop seasonal features and chef specials that complement our concept. Build efficient prep systems and kitchen workflows. Manage food cost, inventory, ordering, and labor. Recruit, train, mentor, and inspire the kitchen team. Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and food safety. Help shape the future of VATAN through collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement. We’re looking for someone who naturally asks, “How can we make this even better?” Qualifications Currently an Executive Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Senior Sous Chef, or an experienced Head Chef. Fine dining, upscale casual, luxury hotel, or chef-driven restaurant experience. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Passion for beautiful presentation and exceptional guest experiences. Experience managing food costs, purchasing, inventory, and scheduling. Curiosity about Persian cuisine and enthusiasm for learning and contributing to its evolution. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary based on experience. Paid vacation. Medical expense reimbursement benefit. Significant creative input into future menu development. Opportunity to grow with an independent, chef-driven restaurant. Why VATAN? Most chef positions ask you to maintain an existing kitchen. At VATAN, you’ll lead one. You’ll join a passionate ownership team that values collaboration, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement. If you’re ready to lead a talented kitchen, help refine a distinctive culinary concept, and build something you’ll be proud of, we’d love to meet you. Please submit your resume, a brief introduction, and—if available—photos of dishes you’re most proud of creating.