Executive Chef
About The Position
Flik Hospitality Group is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to provide culinary leadership and operational support across its ACE Team accounts. Based in the Chicagoland area, the role will mainly support units in the Tri-State region and may include assignments at non-local locations requiring up to 25% travel. Schedules vary weekly according to business needs, with most assignments Monday through Friday and periodic evening, weekend, and holiday assignments provided with advance notice. The Executive Chef supports and/or manages Flik accounts, oversees kitchen operations, and helps ensure food quality, consistency, presentation, and guest satisfaction. The role includes developing menus, leading high-volume production and events, training culinary associates, managing purchasing and food costs, maintaining food safety and sanitation standards, and partnering with account leaders to improve operations. The position requires adaptability to different accounts, teams, and changing operational needs. The role offers variety across Chicago-area accounts, exposure to different culinary programs and leadership teams, and career growth and professional development opportunities.
Requirements
- Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional experience.
- Five or more years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience.
- Strong background in high-volume food production and complex food service operations.
- Experience with institutional dining, batch cooking, and large-scale food preparation.
- Hands-on culinary leadership experience.
- Strong knowledge of menu development, purchasing, inventory, food cost controls, sanitation, and presentation.
- Ability to adapt quickly to new environments, lead different teams, and manage changing priorities.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and general computer applications.
- Ability to travel up to 25% and work a flexible schedule based on business needs.
Nice To Haves
- Extensive catering and special event experience.
- ServSafe Certification.
Responsibilities
- Provide hands-on culinary leadership and operational support across multiple Flik accounts.
- Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure food quality, consistency, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
- Develop and execute regular and modified menus in accordance with company culinary standards.
- Lead high-volume food production, catering, and special events as needed.
- Train, coach, and develop culinary associates in food preparation, equipment operation, food safety, and sanitation.
- Maintain standardized recipes, portion controls, production records, and waste management procedures.
- Manage purchasing, inventory, food costs, and product utilization to support financial goals.
- Establish and maintain cleaning, sanitation, and equipment maintenance standards.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety, workplace safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Partner with account leadership and culinary teams to improve operational efficiency and implement culinary programs.
- Adapt to different accounts, teams, and operational needs while maintaining Flik standards.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Life insurance and AD
- Disability insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Holiday time off (varies by site/state)
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Personal Leave
- Paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Associate degree
