Culinary Executive Sous Chef

Seneca Gaming Corporation•Buffalo, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Culinary Executive Sous Chef is responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day culinary operations in a multi-outlet four diamond environment, ensuring that all standards and practices are executed to the highest level. This role supports the Director of Food & Beverage and assumes all responsibilities in their absence. The ideal candidate is a creative, passionate individual who can elevate current operations strategically and meticulously, actively participating in the formation and fruition of new concepts, projects, and initiatives. This position is accountable for the financial performance and cost controls of all culinary operations while ensuring the utmost guest experience and quality standards. Responsibilities include overseeing menu planning and design, costs, and production across multiple properties, while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment. The Culinary Executive Sous Chef is also responsible for all culinary personnel matters, from pre-employment to team development and morale, adhering to Seneca Gaming Corporation’s policies and procedures, Internal Control Standards, and objectives.

Requirements

Must be 18 years of age or older upon employment.
Associate’s Degree in culinary arts or a certificate from a recognized training program from a national association required.
Five (5) years executive level restaurant chef experience, successfully leading a 4 or 5 Diamond luxury property with a combination of fine dining, 24-hour high volume, buffet, banquet and/or quick service dining options and overseeing operations with a minimum of 100 culinary staff.
Excellent interpersonal, customer service, communication, coaching, team building, and problem-solving skills required.
Computer literate in all Microsoft Office applications and automated restaurant systems.
Must possess good communication skills including the ability to read, write, and speak effectively to employees as well as customers.
Understand and comply with policies and procedures, daily memos, chemical labels, and other instructions.
Must be able to stand, walk, and move freely for extended periods of time.
Moderate physical activity is required along with the handling of objects up to fifty (50) pounds.
Work environment involves some exposure to physical risk, which requires following basic safety precautions.

Responsibilities

Control and analyze all departmental costs in multiple outlets to ensure spending is within budget and participate in annual goals and objectives to further enhance revenue and reduce costs.
Control food costs in multiple outlets by establishing purchasing specifications, storeroom requisition systems, product storage requirements, standardization recipes, and waste control procedures; ensure food costs stay within set operating budgetary constraints.
Control labor costs and operating expenses in multiple outlets by monitoring kitchen efficiencies and productivity, as well as equipment, inventory, and supplies.
Conduct regular cover count, check average, food and beverage cost, and projection analysis to maximize profitability.
Develop and execute unique products and differentiated services in multiple outlets that will set us apart from our competitors.
Ensure and maintain the highest level of culinary visibility; informed, professional, and present, interacting with guests. Uphold the premier standards of hygiene, behavior, and grooming for all personnel.
Execute all menu categories and specific recipes for each menu item, including timing, quality, temperature, portion, and presentation.
Train kitchen personnel in food production principles and practices. Establish quality standards for all menu items and food production, and ensure all products are prepared consistently and meet departmental appearance and quality specifications.
Maintain an extensive knowledge of fine seafood, beef, protein, and poultry, and comprehensive product knowledge including ingredients, equipment, suppliers, markets, and current trends, making appropriate adjustments to kitchen operations accordingly.
Plan and price menus in multiple outlets. Establish portion sizes and standards of service for all menu items. Prepare food cost reports regularly. Schedule and conduct product taste panels with F&B management as needed.
Work closely with the Director of Food and Beverage and the Director of Catering and Special Events in menu development, product selection, and recipe creation.
Create and revise menus as required for holidays, special events, and VIP functions with a focus on seasonality and local business; review, adjust, and approve recipes.
Coordinate with support departments for the acquisition of needed goods and services. Review and approve food orders from the warehouse for delivery.
Participate in the selection and requisition of new kitchen equipment in multiple outlets; ensure all equipment is properly maintained and in working order in accordance with Health Department standards; maintain clean work areas, utensils, and equipment.
Maintain and enforce all sanitation policies in multiple outlets by conducting daily walk-through inspections of all outlets to check staffing, cleanliness, product quality, and all food storage areas for rotation, dot color, and cleanliness. Ensure HACCP documentation compliance.
Develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies and procedures for food safety through a ServSafe program.
Train kitchen personnel in safe operating procedures of all equipment, utensils, and machinery. Train all staff to prepare food in a safe manner dictated by company standards and policies.
Perform all aspects of human resources and training functions, including attracting talent, hiring, performance appraisals, counseling, coaching, training, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
Provide direct and honest feedback to staff regarding individual performance, while assuring morale is maintained at the highest level.
Develop training plans and material and implement training with salaried and hourly team members.
Maintain a current understanding of all policy and guidelines regarding information security, including the Seneca Gaming Corporation Acceptable Use Policy. Understand and comply with all information security policies and procedures at all times.
Provide exceptional customer service to all patrons and communicate in a pleasant, friendly, and professional manner at all times. Maintain a professional work environment with supervisors, managers, and staff.
Meet the attendance guidelines of the job and adhere to regulatory, departmental, and company policies.
Complete all required SGC Training programs within nine (9) months from commencement of employment.
Attend all necessary meetings.
Duties, responsibilities, requirements, and expectations pertaining to this job are subject to change as needed. Hours are determined by a 24-hour schedule.