Executive Chef | Wayland

Terrain is a chef-driven garden-to-table destination defined by a commitment to technical discipline and product pride. We prioritize the marriage of high-caliber products with exacting execution. Our philosophy is built on the belief that great food is crafted with purpose by a team that takes pride in every component.

We are seeking an Executive Chef to lead our fifth location. This role manages a high-performance scratch kitchen supporting a dual-service model including the Terrain Café for a la carte dining and Terrain Events for banquet and catering formats. Success in this role requires a relentless focus on maintaining standards through every service and the ability to lead a management team that executes with intention.

Culinary Leadership

• Maintain technical skill as the foundation of the kitchen ensuring every sear, emulsion, and knife cut is performed with accuracy and respect for the ingredient.
• Lead the creative development and execution of monthly seasonal specials defined by crisp clean flavors and perfectly balanced seasoning.
• Own the product by understanding sourcing origins and ensuring that every component in the walk-in meets high standards for quality.
• Utilize and train staff on modern kitchen technology including Rational Combi-Ovens, iVario Pro, and Blast Chilling systems to optimize consistency yield and food safety across all service lines.

Team Leadership and Development

• Directly oversee and mentor a leadership team including the Chef de Cuisine, Banquet Chef, and Sous Chefs to uphold the brand standard of excellence.
• Manage and develop the hourly culinary team and dish room staff.
• Provide hands-on training to ensure culinary consistency and career advancement within the team.
• Conduct daily line checks and manager sign-offs to verify that all stations are clean, properly stocked and ready for service.

Operations and Kitchen Culture

• Manage distinct operational flows for both a la carte dining and banquet formats ensuring consistency is the non-negotiable hallmark of every dish.
• Serve as a strong partner to all front of house and sales team partners fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual success.
• Promote a calm intentional kitchen environment that values focus and professional pride.
• Lead by example to maintain an organized workspace while fostering respectful clear communication between the Cafe and Events teams.

Safety Hygiene and Administration

• Act as the designated point person for health inspections maintaining an ongoing commitment to internal audits to exceed all regulatory benchmarks.
• Implement rigorous hygiene protocols including regular handwashing allergen-awareness and First-In First-Out rotation and labeling methods.
• Ensure all staff strictly adhere to uniform and hygiene standards representing the brand professionally during all guest-forward meetings and tastings.
• Manage Culinary Budgets, Food COGS, labor percentages, and procurement for all BOH operations.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 5 years of kitchen management in a high-volume scratch-cooking environment or comparable event space.
• Demonstrated experience managing other kitchen managers and developing leadership talent.
• Proficiency with or a strong desire to master modern kitchen technology like Rational iVario and Blast Chillers.
• Proven ability to balance a la carte service alongside banquet and catering volume.
• Active ServSafe Manager Certification.
• Massachusetts Allergen Awareness Certification.
• Choke Saver or Choking Hazard Certification.
• A professional approach to mentorship and a commitment to providing hands-on training for career advancement.
• Ability to stand or walk for up to 10 hours and lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Why Work With Us?  

• Work in beautiful, creative settings rooted in craftsmanship and supported by a collaborative, hospitality-focused team culture  

• Become part of the URBN family (Terrain, Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters) with opportunities for growth, cross-training, and advancement   

• Enjoy employee perks, discounts & benefits across all URBN brands  

Benefits  

Eligible full-time employees enjoy access to URBN’s competitive benefits package, including:  

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance  

• Paid Time Off (PTO)  

• 401(k) with retirement savings plans  

• ➡ Learn more: urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits 

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.