Executive Chef

Compass Group•Hanover Township, NJ

7d•$95,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

Join Restaurant Associates as an Executive Chef at a premier corporate dining account in Whippany, NJ, serving a professional office and distribution environment with a daily population of approximately 400 guests. As Executive Chef, you will lead all culinary operations for a high-profile dining program, delivering exceptional food quality, presentation, and hospitality standards. The ideal candidate brings expertise across diverse cuisines and culinary techniques, a passion for innovation, and experience executing elevated corporate dining experiences, including weekly Chef Table programs and company-sponsored culinary initiatives. You will oversee kitchen operations, ensure a safe and sanitary work environment, develop and execute menus aligned with corporate programs and guidelines, and mentor a culinary team committed to excellence. This role requires a hands-on leader who can balance operational discipline with creativity while consistently exceeding guest expectations in a premier workplace dining setting.

Requirements

A.S. or equivalent experience
Minimum of three to five years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
Must be able to work a Monday-Friday 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM schedule, with occasional evening events and seasonal weekend support.
Must be flexible during the holiday season to support catering events.
Catering experience required
Expertise across diverse cuisines and culinary techniques, a passion for innovation, and experience executing elevated experiences
Hands-on chef experience is a must
Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
Must be experienced with computers, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Outlook, email, and the Internet

Nice To Haves

High-volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
ServSafe certified - highly desirable

Responsibilities

Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products
Complies with federal, state, and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party audits
Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting
Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate