Culinary 

EXECUTIVE CHEF (FINE DINING / SCRATCH KITCHEN)  - DETROIT, MI

Lead the Culinary Program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe

Harper Associates is conducting a confidential search for an accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe, one of Metro Detroit's premier fine dining restaurants, cocktail lounges, and live music venues.

Founded by the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade, a passionate supporter of the arts and jazz, Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe was created to provide an intimate atmosphere where exceptional hospitality, chef-driven cuisine, and world-class jazz come together. With strong ties to the Detroit Jazz Festival, the restaurant has become one of Michigan's most respected dining destinations.

This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader to oversee a high-performing scratch kitchen while preserving the standards that have made Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe an institution.

What You'll Do

• Lead all culinary and back-of-house operations
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop a talented kitchen team
• Create seasonal menus, features, and chef-driven specials
• Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation
• Manage food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, and vendor relationships
• Partner with the General Manager to deliver an outstanding guest experience
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization
• Drive continuous improvement in kitchen culture, systems, and financial performance

Qualifications

• 5+ years as an Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Executive Sous Chef
• Experience in fine dining, upscale casual, luxury hospitality, chef-driven restaurants, or private clubs
• Strong scratch kitchen background
• Expertise in menu development, food cost control, labor management, inventory, purchasing, budgeting, and P&L management
• Proven leader with a passion for mentoring teams and creating exceptional guest experiences
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and health department compliance

Why Join Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe?

• Lead the kitchen at one of Metro Detroit's premier dining and jazz destinations
• Work alongside an experienced hospitality leadership team
• Showcase your creativity in a chef-driven, scratch kitchen
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid holidays, 15 days PTO, and paid restaurant shutdowns in July and January

About Harper Associates

For over 60 years, Harper Associates has specialized in recruiting executive hospitality professionals for many of Michigan's leading restaurants, hotels, clubs, and hospitality organizations.

Send resume in a Word format attachment to kevin@harperjobs.com

EXECUTIVE BANQUET CHEF - DOWNTOWN DETROIT, MI

Banquet Chef | Convention Hotel | Up to $85,000 + Outstanding Benefits

Lead Large-Scale Banquet Operations at One of Michigan's Premier Convention Hotels

A leading full-service convention hotel is seeking an experienced Banquet Chef to help lead a high-volume banquet culinary operation serving conventions, corporate meetings, weddings, galas, and special events.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a chef who enjoys the excitement of large-scale production while maintaining exceptional food quality, organization, and execution. You'll work alongside an experienced culinary leadership team to deliver memorable dining experiences for events ranging from intimate gatherings to functions serving thousands of guests.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day banquet kitchen operations
• Execute high-volume plated meals, buffets, receptions, and special events
• Supervise, train, and motivate banquet cooks and culinary team members
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation meet hotel standards
• Assist with menu execution, production planning, and event preparation
• Manage food production timelines for multiple simultaneous events
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
• Help control food cost, waste, labor, and inventory
• Collaborate with Banquet Operations and Catering teams to ensure flawless event execution

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of Banquet Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Sous Chef, or high-volume hotel culinary leadership experience
• Experience in a convention hotel, resort, casino, country club, or large banquet operation preferred
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Passion for developing culinary talent and delivering exceptional guest experiences

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual compensation up to $85,000
• Excellent Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off
• Career growth with an established hospitality organization

If you're an organized, hands-on culinary leader who enjoys executing exceptional banquet events on a large scale, we'd love to hear from you.

Send resume in a Word format attachment to kevin@harperjobs.com

PRIVATE FAMILY CHEF - BIRMINGHAM, MI

Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm

Weekends and evenings required when Principal in residence

Search by Harper Associates

We are seeking a dedicated and talented Chef to join the household team in a private residence. Ideal candidate will work closely with the House Manager handling cooking and managing food and beverages for all properties. This is a unique opportunity to work in an intimate, fast paced environment where attention to detail and a passion for food is highly valued. Position will be primarily Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Due to the nature of the position, flexible availability on weekends, nights and holidays is required. Will oversee Sous Chef.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Culinary: Responsible for meal planning, grocery shopping and preparations of all meals, while maintaining high standards of taste and presentation. Source and order high-quality ingredients, keeping track of inventory and ensure freshness.
• Cleanliness and Organization: Always prioritize kitchen hygiene and food safety. Maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment, adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Communication: Maintain clear and open lines of communication with the Culinary Team and other staff members
• Inventory management: Assist with managing inventory of food and beverages throughout all properties.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to new techniques, recipes, client preferences and requests.
• Passion for Culinary Arts: Stay passionate about cooking and continuously seek ways to improve your skills and knowledge.

Qualifications:

• Culinary: Applicant should have a basic understanding of various cuisines, ingredients, and cooking techniques. Applicant should have basic butchery, baking and pasta making skills.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, nights and holidays.
• Education: Culinary Degree or ACF apprenticeship, Foodie who enjoys hands-on

$120,000 - $175,000 plus benefit package.

Send resume in a Word format attachment to ben@harperjobs.com

SOUS CHEF / CULINARY TEAM MEMEBER (UPSCALE/FINE DINING RESTAURANT) - BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI AREA

We are an established upscale restaurant in the Birmingham / Bloomfield Hills area seeking experienced culinary professionals to join our kitchen team.

We are looking for passionate, disciplined, and team-oriented chefs who take pride in executing high-quality food in a fast-paced fine dining environment.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as a Chef or Sous Chef in an upscale or fine dining restaurant
• Strong understanding of cooking techniques, plating, and kitchen organization
• Ability to work cleanly, efficiently, and professionally under pressure
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to consistency
• Positive attitude and strong teamwork skills
• Passion for hospitality and guest experience

Position Details

• Full-time position
• 5-day / approximately 50-hour workweek
• Salary range: $65,000–$78,000 annually depending on experience
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Professional and respectful kitchen culture

Responsibilities

• Prepare and execute menu items to restaurant standards
• Maintain cleanliness and organization throughout service
• Assist with prep, station setup, and closing duties
• Work collaboratively with the culinary team to ensure smooth service
• Follow all food safety and sanitation standards

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Stable year-round employment
• Growth opportunities within a respected restaurant group
• Staff dining benefits

If you have fine dining experience and are looking to join a professional culinary team that values quality, consistency, and hospitality, we would love to hear from you.

Send resume in a Word format attachment to kevin@harperjobs.com

PASTRY AND BAKERY CHEF - LIVONIA, MI AREA

Our client, an upscale gourmet market, is searching for a hands-on Pastry Chef to oversee production of all scratch made cakes and desserts. Must have supervisory experience. 5 day work week, 50 hours, off Sunday and Monday. Bread experience a plus.

Specialty Items Include:

• Fruit Tarts, Italian Macarons
• Wedding Cakes
• Muffins, Cookies
• Tiramisu, Cannoli’s
• Quiche, Cheesecakes
• Brownies, Sfogliatelle
• Mousse, Specialty Desserts

Salary range $70,000 - $75,000++ Health Care Benefits.

Send resume in a word attachment to: ben@harperjobs.com

EXECUTIVE BANQUET CHEF (OFF PREMISE CATERING) - METRO DETROIT, MI

Search by Harper Associates

Executive Banquet Chef role with a high volume, Off Premise Catering and Restaurant Group. Our client is an approved caterer at many of the Detroit area’s landmark venues and entertainment locations. The ideal candidate enjoys large scale catering and is a proven leader of a talented culinary team.

• Lots of creativity and interaction with clients for tastings.
• Ability to organize and execute multiple events at the same time.
• Experience at a venue with over $5M+ in catering sales
• Prefer education / training to include Culinary Degree or ACF Certification

Excellent benefit package! $80,000 - $100,000, plus bonus.

Send resume in a Word format attachment to ben@harperjobs.com

BANQUET CHEF (PRIVATE COUNTRY CLUB) - DETROIT SUBURBS, MI

Search by Harper Associates

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Banquet Chef to lead and execute exceptional culinary experiences for our private country club members and guests. This role is responsible for overseeing all banquet kitchen operations, with a strong focus on large-scale weddings and high-volume events. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment and has a proven track record of delivering outstanding cuisine for events ranging from intimate gatherings to large weddings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, prepare, and execute high-quality banquet menus for weddings, social events, and club functions
• Lead culinary operations for large-scale weddings (150–600+ guests), ensuring consistency, timing, and presentation
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef, event coordinators, and front-of-house teams to ensure seamless event execution
• Supervise, train, and schedule banquet kitchen staff
• Maintain high standards of food quality, sanitation, and safety in compliance with all health regulations
• Manage inventory, ordering, and cost control for banquet operations
• Develop and standardize recipes, plating guides, and production timelines
• Ensure all dietary restrictions and special requests are executed accurately
• Oversee setup, execution, and breakdown of banquet events, including off-site events if applicable
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience as a Banquet Chef or Sous Chef in a high-volume environment
• Extensive experience executing large weddings and formal events (required)
• Experience in private clubs, luxury hotels, or upscale catering operations preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple events simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Solid understanding of food costing, purchasing, and inventory control
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred
• Knowledge of diverse cuisines and modern banquet presentation styles

Key Competencies:

• High-volume production expertise
• Attention to detail and consistency
• Strong time management and multitasking abilities
• Team leadership and staff development
• Creativity in menu planning and presentation
• Commitment to exceptional member and guest experiences

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary $80,000 ++
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off
• Professional growth opportunities
• Prestigious private club environment

Send resume in a Word format attachment to: ben@harperjobs.com

SENIOR SOUS CHEF - WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI

Private Country Club position with a long term Harper Associates client.

Join a great team with a talented Executive Chef

Searching for a hands-on creative A La Carte Dining Chef for their very busy member grille rooms. This very successful private golf and country club also has extensive banquet facilities. Responsible for ala carte dining rooms along with assisting with weddings, member club events, and graduation parties. Usually off Monday and Tuesday. This is a 50+ hour, 5 day work week schedule in a spacious, fully equipped kitchen. Arrive at noon or 1:00pm. During busy summer months, a sixth day may be required at times. Great salary, benefits, and work/life balance. $70,000 - $75,000

Highlights

• Creativity and interaction with members for Chef Specials
• Ability to organize and execute a very busy club venue
• Prefer education / training to include Culinary Degree or ACF Certification

Send resume in a Word format attachment to: ben@harperjobs.com

EXECUTIVE CHEF - ROYAL OAK, MI

If you are an accomplished Executive Chef looking to showcase your exceptional culinary talent, this may be what you’ve been looking for. The Executive Chef will take the helm of a highly awarded, upscale restaurant in the Royal Oak area.

We are searching for a highly talented, hands-on Executive Chef with high-volume experience in an upscale, scratch kitchen. Will oversee culinary operations and handle menu development, leading the culinary team, managing financials, and collaborating with the front-of-house managers to deliver exceptional classical cuisine. Must be highly skilled in managing a very busy kitchen and have proven success at leading a team of culinary professionals.

Ideal candidates will have: 

• Culinary Degree from CIA, Schoolcraft, Johnson & Wales, or a similar level culinary school
• High-volume, scratch Kitchen Manager, Executive Sous Chef, or Executive Chef experience
• Expertise in ordering, inventory management, labor management, and scheduling
• Experience in menu development and menu costing
• Experience creating and managing the back-of-house budget
• Experience with classic American steakhouse-style restaurant

 Benefits:

•  Very competitive base salary
• Outstanding health benefits
• Paid vacation

 Send resume in Word format attachment to kevin@harperjobs.com

CULINARIANS

Looking for culinary professionals with 3-5 years of experience as a Line Cook, Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Kitchen Manager. Want to bring your talent to a chef-driven restaurant group with menus that only offer high-end, scratch-made cuisine? If so, we're looking for your culinary talent. 

We have several opportunities available for Line Cooks, Chefs, Sous Chefs, and Kitchen Managers with high-volume experience in an upscale, scratch kitchen. Will work as part of a team of chefs to supervise culinary operations and assist in menu development, scheduling, creating specials, and working the line in a high-volume restaurant. Must have leadership experience in a very busy kitchen and have a track record of success. 

Requirements: 

• Culinary Degree from CIA, Schoolcraft, Johnson & Wales, or a similar level culinary school preferred 
• High-volume, scratch Line Cook, Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef, or Executive Chef experience 
• Expertise in ordering, inventory management, labor management, and scheduling 
• Experience in menu development and menu costing 
• Experience creating and managing the back-of-house budget 
• ServSafe Certification 

Benefits: 

• Very competitive compensation based on experience 
• Health benefits 
• Paid vacation 

 Send resume in a Word format attachment to: kevin@harperjobs.com