Executive Chef

Job Summary:

The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing and managing all culinary operations within the hotel, ensuring the preparation and delivery of exceptional food offerings that meet both quality standards and guest satisfaction. This includes leading kitchen staff, developing innovative and seasonal menus, ensuring food safety and cost controls, and fostering an environment of creativity and excellence in the culinary team. The Executive Chef collaborates closely with other hotel departments to align culinary operations with the overall guest experience and business goals.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Culinary Operations Leadership:
• Lead all culinary operations with a focus on maintaining the highest quality standards and consistency across all food offerings.
• Develop and enforce operational procedures to ensure efficient kitchen functioning, from food preparation to final plating and service.
• Oversee kitchen production during peak hours to ensure timely service while maintaining quality.
• Innovate and drive culinary initiatives that keep the property at the forefront of the market while maintaining cost-effective operations.
• Foster a culture of teamwork and high performance, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and a positive working environment for kitchen staff.
• Menu Development & Innovation:
• Design and create dynamic, seasonal menus that reflect current culinary trends, local flavors, and the hotel's brand identity, while ensuring appeal to diverse guest preferences.
• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage Director and other key stakeholders to develop new food concepts that align with overall hotel objectives and guest experience strategies.
• Analyze guest feedback, market trends, and food costs to drive menu adjustments that improve profitability without compromising quality.
• Ensure menu items are designed to maximize kitchen efficiency and minimize food waste, while continuing to deliver excellent dining experiences.
• Staff Management & Development:
• Recruit, train, and retain a high-performing culinary team that is aligned with the hotel's standards of service and quality.
• Provide ongoing mentorship and professional development opportunities for all kitchen staff, ensuring they are equipped with the skills needed to succeed.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, offering constructive feedback, and managing development plans to advance team members' careers.
• Manage team morale by creating an environment that fosters creativity, respect, and professionalism, while aligning with hotel values and operational goals.
• Handle staffing requirements, ensuring the kitchen is fully staffed for high-demand periods and that the team works cohesively.
• Food Safety & Quality Control:
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety and cleanliness in compliance with all local health codes and regulations, ensuring a safe and hygienic kitchen environment.
• Conduct regular inspections of kitchen operations, equipment, and storage areas to ensure that health and safety protocols are strictly followed.
• Ensure that all food handling, preparation, and storage practices meet or exceed safety guidelines and standards.
• Implement regular training for all kitchen staff on safety procedures and food safety best practices.
• Monitor food quality on an ongoing basis to ensure consistency in taste, presentation, and portion control.
• Budget & Cost Management:
• Work closely with the Food & Beverage Director to develop and manage the kitchen's operating budget, ensuring alignment with the hotel's financial goals.
• Control food costs by managing inventory, negotiating with suppliers, and optimizing ingredient usage to minimize waste and maximize profitability.
• Analyze food and labor cost reports regularly, making strategic adjustments as necessary to maintain or exceed financial objectives.
• Implement cost-effective purchasing and inventory control systems to ensure adequate supplies without overstocking, reducing waste and spoilage.
• Control portion sizes, monitor ingredient usage, and adjust the menu as needed to maintain financial performance without sacrificing quality.
• Guest Experience & Satisfaction:
• Ensure that the culinary offerings align with guest expectations and the hotel's brand, striving for a memorable, exceptional dining experience for every guest.
• Collaborate with front-of-house and events teams to tailor menus and presentations for special events, large groups, and VIP guests, ensuring a seamless integration of the kitchen and guest-facing services.
• Address guest feedback or concerns promptly and professionally, taking necessary action to ensure guest satisfaction with food quality and service.
• Monitor online reviews and social media to stay informed about guest opinions and satisfaction levels, using insights to improve culinary offerings and service.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
• Partner with the Food & Beverage Director, Events Manager, and other key hotel departments to develop and execute promotional events, seasonal offerings, and special packages.
• Maintain effective communication with the front-of-house staff to ensure smooth transitions between kitchen and dining room operations, fostering teamwork and seamless service.
• Work collaboratively with sales and marketing teams to create culinary promotions and advertising campaigns that elevate the hotel's brand and offerings.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure kitchen needs are met and that the culinary team is supported during events, banquets, and high-traffic periods.
• Market Analysis & Reporting:
• Stay abreast of industry trends, market conditions, and competitor offerings, adapting culinary strategies to maintain competitive advantage and innovation.
• Provide regular reports to senior management on food cost performance, inventory, labor, and operational metrics.
• Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of menu offerings, kitchen operations, and overall guest satisfaction to identify areas for improvement and growth.
• Conduct regular kitchen performance reviews, setting goals and identifying opportunities for improvement in both operational processes and culinary creativity.

Education and/or Experience

• Culinary degree or equivalent experience in high-volume kitchen operations.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in a leadership role, with at least 2-3 years as an Executive Chef or in a similar capacity.
• Proven success in managing kitchen operations, food quality control, and profitability in a high-volume hospitality setting.
• Extensive knowledge of food safety regulations, kitchen management, menu development, and cost control practices.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Excellent leadership and management skills, with a proven ability to inspire, mentor, and develop a diverse team.
• Strong expertise in culinary techniques, food preparation, and kitchen operations.
• Deep understanding of food cost management, inventory control, and budget forecasting.
• Ability to design innovative menus that blend creativity with operational efficiency.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with both kitchen staff and other hotel departments.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift and carry heavy materials, and operate kitchen equipment.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, based on business needs.
• Ability to work in varying temperatures, including hot kitchen environments and cold storage areas.

Company Overview

Proper Hospitality is made up of a diverse group of passionate individuals who share a common love for hotels and the art of hospitality. Our philosophy is simple: There is a right way to do things and anything less just isn't proper. We are seeking out the best of the best from inside and outside of the industry to work alongside us as we grow a new kind of lifestyle Hospitality Company inspired by a centuries-old tradition. The work is challenging and fast-paced but rewarding above all.

Proper Hospitality provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.

Proper Hospitality will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.