THE OPTIMIST EXECUTIVE CHEF – UP TO $120K/yr. + BONUS (Germantown)
About The Position
The Optimist in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood is seeking an Executive Chef passionate about sustainable, fresh seafood. The Executive Chef leads the culinary team and directs day-to-day kitchen operations, including production and preparation, special events, purchasing, and receiving. The role focuses on maximizing efficiency and productivity to achieve guest satisfaction, while reviewing and evaluating daily guest feedback. The Executive Chef oversees menu changes and education for culinary and service staff, develops seasonal specials and event menus, directs food production and plating from the pass during service, trains line cooks, and costs menus to meet or exceed budgeted percentages. The role also fosters an educational environment to develop culinary staff for future advancement.
Requirements
- Five years of experience in senior culinary management is required.
- Ten years of progressive culinary experience is preferred.
Nice To Haves
- Passion for sustainable, fresh seafood.
- Ten years of progressive culinary experience.
Responsibilities
- Lead the entire culinary team and direct day-to-day operations across kitchen areas, including production and prep, special events, purchasing, and receiving.
- Ensure culinary employees maximize efficiency and productivity to achieve total guest satisfaction.
- Review and evaluate daily guest feedback.
- Oversee menu changes and educate culinary and service staff about them.
- Develop seasonal specials and event menus.
- Direct food production and plating from the pass during service.
- Train line cooks properly and efficiently.
- Cost menus to meet or exceed budgeted percentages.
- Foster an educational environment to support culinary staff development and future advancement.
Benefits
- Competitive salary of $85,000–$120,000 per year, depending on experience, plus a quarterly bonus program.
- Eligibility for major medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits after 30 days of employment.
- Supportive culture and ethical work environment.
- Performance-based raises and promotions.
- Paid time off, childbirth recovery leave, and parental leave.
- Long-term retention bonuses.
- Time off on most major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
- 50% discount at Rocket Farm Restaurants locations.
- Rocket Farm University leadership classes and personalized career-advancement support.
- Employee-led mentorship programs, Advisory Council, and Safety Committee.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
