Executive Chef $80,000-$132,000/annually

Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures • Hinckley, MN

12d • $80,000 - $132,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Chef provides management to all levels of the business operation within the kitchen and oversees the direction of the culinary team’s daily activities in accordance with Casino Resort policies and objectives to ensure Guest satisfaction, profitability and a positive, productive and compliant work environment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as an Executive Chef and/or related experience in a full-service restaurant or events venue.
• 2-year culinary degree or a 3-year A.C.F. apprenticeship
• Must have various experience levels in volume feeding, ala carte, fine dining, catering, baking and pastry, and purchasing storage and handling.
• Demonstrated and verifiable track record of meeting projected costs.
• Working knowledge of team member scheduling in a hospitality environment.
• Professional appearance and presentation required.
• Knowledge of and skill in using computer software, including MS Word/Excel/Outlook, Attendance Enterprise, MICROS/ AGILYSYS POS and Stratton Warren (or similar warehousing software).
• Must acquire and maintain a valid Tribal and or State Environmental Health Food Handlers Card, Blood-Borne Pathogens (BBP), Alcohol Awareness, and other required compliance training courses.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in a nationally recognized sanitation program.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid gaming license from the State Gaming Agency and Tribal Gaming Office prior to beginning work and must renew annually.
• Must be able to secure a license from Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA).
• Responsible for following all relevant Detailed Gaming Regulations (DGR’s).
• Demonstrates exceptional culinary creativity in menu development, presentation, and execution, aligning with the casino's brand and diverse clientele.
• Has a deep understanding of current and emerging culinary trends—locally, nationally, and globally.
• Will be expected to continually research, anticipate, and integrate innovative food concepts that enhance Guest experiences and maintain the property’s competitive edge in the market.
• Demonstrated technical proficiency and verifiable knowledge of food preparation methods.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the capacity to positively engage with diverse personalities, including co-workers, subordinates, Guests, and vendors across various work situations.
• Active listening and effective communication skills.
• Proven experience in building results-oriented teams through training, evaluation, motivation, coaching, and counseling; supports others in developing skills for job success.
• Skilled in delegating responsibilities to achieve goals and drive results.
• Resourceful and solution-oriented, with the capability to identify problems and implement creative, timely resolutions.
• Highly organized, detail-focused, and able to prioritize multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Self-motivated and dependable, with a strong sense of teamwork.
• Flexible schedule with a willingness to work nights, weekends, and extended hours as needed.
• This role requires frequent and prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, and repetitive movements. Must be able to lift, carry, and place items weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance, and safely operate kitchen equipment with appropriate dexterity.
• Vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Mille Lacs Band Member and American Indian preference will be exercised in the hiring process.

Responsibilities

• Ensure budgeted food percentages are achieved through effective control measures including portion controls, kitchen timings, food inventory rotation measures, receiving and food storage procedures, inventory controls, effective purchasing procedures, kitchen security procedures and waste control.
• Control labor costs through effective scheduling of kitchen staff, cross-training and development of team members.
• Ensure that the purchasing and preparation of all food products meet company standards of quality and consistency. Responsible for the development of menus, ensuring quality, consistency and style of concept are maintained. Monitors production of food preparation ensuring recipe specifications, portion controls and kitchen timings are met. Monitors all food served relative to appearance, temperature, sanitary and quality standards.
• Provide accurate costing on all menu items for all food areas.
• Supervises all line set-up, prep and breakdown activities. Responsible for in-service delegation of tasks to line personnel.
• Ensure the coordination of the storage, maintenance and repair of all kitchen equipment to ensure operational readiness.
• Meet with suppliers to keep abreast of changes taking place in the market.
• Responsible for kitchen staff skills training and development, including departmental orientation of new team members. Conducts subordinate performance review and counseling sessions. Provides leadership and support to the entire team; builds morale and encourages empowerment of staff.
• Maintain a positive and compliant Associate relations climate. Responsible for the staffing, training, evaluation and counseling of the culinary team. Promote support and communication. Positively interacts with front of house team. Rapidly solves problems.
• Ensure compliance with health, sanitation, safety and employment regulations by clearly communicating and reinforcing standards and procedures to kitchen team.
• Responsible for fulfilling kitchen record keeping and administrative requirements including food inventories and invoicing of food products. Responsible for organizing team members’ work schedules, ensuring appropriate coverage for all kitchen areas.
• Promote teamwork among staff through effective communication, follow-through and goal setting. Leads by example and thorough instruction to effectively obtain quality management of product, service and philosophy of concept.
• Perform other departmental duties assigned to contribute to the overall success and efficiency of the team.

Benefits

• A variety of competitively priced health benefits and supplemental insurances, parental leave, 401k, tuition reimbursement, birthday, and anniversary gifts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Associate degree