Executive Chef

Early Bird Night Owl•Durham, NC

18d•$0 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

As the Executive Chef, you will be leading all culinary programs for The Durham Hotel which includes our Coffee Bar, and The Roof, as well as catering and private dining spaces. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of the culinary department by establishing standards for menu content and execution, achieving food and labor cost goals, managing cash flow, training, mentoring the back of house team, and being responsible for the overall guest perception of the food.

Requirements

At least three (3) years holding an Executive Chef or Chef de Cuisine title
At least two (2) years in a leadership role overseeing multiple business units or properties
Seven (7) + years of culinary experience
Exceptional leadership skills
Stable and progressive work history
Strong work ethic and integrity
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including days, evening, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to communicate clearly in English both written and verbal

Nice To Haves

Degree or training in Culinary Arts, Hospitality or related field, or culinary certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

Design, prepare, and update all three food menus (coffee bar, roof, catering) based on customer feedback, business needs, culinary trends, and seasonality.
Create, test, cost, and maintain recipes for all menu items, ensuring food costs remain within established guidelines.
Work with Group Sales and Management to create and prepare special menus for tasting dinners, private events, banquets, and other special functions.
Train the culinary team on recipes, preparation methods, culinary techniques, and presentation standards while continually identifying opportunities to introduce new culinary techniques.
Ensure excellence and consistency in recipe execution, food quality, flavor, and plate presentation.
Perform all duties required to support the day-to-day culinary operations of the property.
Directly supervise kitchen staff members, including the Sous Chefs, cooks, prep cooks, and dish room staff; clearly communicate responsibilities and expectations for each role.
Direct and oversee the day-to-day activities of the kitchen, ensuring effective communication, organization, and execution.
Resourcefully resolve operational issues and take control of problematic situations to ensure the continued success of the operation.
Work the line and actively manage Expo as needed by managing orders, ticket times, quality, presentation, and dietary needs.
Identify employee strengths and development opportunities; provide intentional mentorship, coaching, and training to support professional growth.
Hire and onboard employees with intentionality to increase the probability of success, longevity, and growth within the company.
Monitor inventory and manage the purchasing of food, beverages, and kitchen supplies from approved vendors, maintaining appropriate product levels and considering quality, availability, pricing, and operational needs.
Perform monthly inventory and weekly ordering while continually monitoring and updating food and recipe costs to maintain established food cost and budget guidelines.
Monitor forecasts and business levels to guide staffing, purchasing, and production decisions, including kitchen scheduling within established labor and budget guidelines.
Identify opportunities to minimize waste, improve purchasing efficiency, and maximize profitability without compromising food quality or the guest experience.
Comply with all sanitation regulations, health requirements, and safety standards while ensuring consistent adherence to food quality, recipe, sanitation, safety, and service standards.
Ensure proper storage, handling, labeling, dating, and rotation of all food and kitchen products.
Monitor produce, meat, seafood, and other food products for quality and freshness.
Maintain the organization, cleanliness, and proper rotation of the walk-in, dry storage, freezers, and all back-of-house areas.
Maintain a positive and professional approach with ownership, coworkers, customers, guests, vendors, and other departments.
Lead the team by example with professionalism, integrity, accountability, and commitment to excellence.