Culinary Operations Assistant
About The Position
Quest Food Management Services is seeking a passionate, exceptionally talented, and motivated Corporate Executive Chef to lead our culinary team. This position is responsible for safeguarding our culinary standards, driving culinary innovation, and supporting best-in-class field operations. The Corporate Executive Chef will directly oversee regional chefs and culinary directors, and lead Quest's newly created Culinary CIRCLE, a dynamic collection of culinarians from across our portfolio. This role is key to positioning Quest as the premier foodservice provider in the Midwest. We are looking for someone who is unafraid of grandiose ideas and unbounded by industry norms, with a relentless drive to push the boundaries of culinary excellence.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior culinary leadership role, preferably within a large food service or hospitality organization.
- A visionary mindset with the courage to take risks and the resilience to see ideas through to fruition.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with a servant-leader mentality.
- Exceptional culinary skills with a passion for innovation and quality.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and culinary management software.
- ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety certification required.
Nice To Haves
- Certified Executive Chef (CEC) or equivalent certification preferred.
Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop the culinary team, including regional chefs and culinary directors.
- Oversee and partner closely with the Culinary CIRCLE, ensuring effective collaboration and innovation in culinary practices.
- Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement within the culinary team.
- Inspire the team with your passion for culinary arts and innovation, encouraging creative thinking and innovative ideas.
- Establish and safeguard Quest’s culinary standards across all locations.
- Drive culinary innovation, stay abreast of industry trends, and incorporate new techniques and ingredients.
- Develop and implement new recipes, menus, and food concepts that align with Quest’s mission and vision in collaboration with the Procurement and Ops Support Teams.
- Challenge the status quo by exploring unconventional ideas and pushing the limits of what is possible in the culinary world.
- Provide culinary support to field operations, ensuring high-quality food service delivery.
- Conduct regular site visits to ensure compliance with culinary standards and operational excellence.
- Collaborate with operations teams to address and resolve culinary challenges.
- Contribute to the development and execution of Quest’s strategic culinary initiatives.
- Assist in positioning Quest as the premier foodservice provider in the Midwest through innovative and high-quality culinary offerings.
- Support business development efforts by participating in presentations and leading tastings for potential clients.
- Manage the culinary department budget.
- Establish culinary best-practices for field operators ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising quality.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
