Executive Chef
About The Position
At Great Wolf, the Restaurant Executive Chef is responsible for all kitchen operations. The role creates and updates menus to maximize profits and minimize loss, tests and develops recipes, monitors customer satisfaction, maintains inventory of kitchen supplies and food, and ensures food and facilities meet governmental regulations. The Executive Chef manages food preparation and presentation across all Lodge venues, leads kitchen personnel, and maintains compliance with food-safety, health, and workplace requirements. The role develops menus for restaurants and special events, manages food quality and costs, and works with the Director of Food and Beverage on menu changes and budget planning.
Requirements
- High school degree or equivalent.
- At least 5 years of experience in restaurant kitchens.
- At least 1 year of experience in a restaurant supervisory or leadership role responsible for financials, menu development, and personnel matters.
- Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed based on business demands.
- Successful completion of a criminal background check and drug screen.
Nice To Haves
- Culinary education degree.
- Previous Executive Chef experience.
- Prior kitchen experience in the hotel or resort industry.
- Understanding of sanitation-related issues and precautions needed to maintain a clean food-preparation environment.
- Proven teamwork.
- Professional image that inspires trust and confidence.
- Enthusiastic and positive energy.
Responsibilities
- Manage and direct the preparation and presentation of all foods in all Lodge venues.
- Maintain and follow local Health Department food preparation codes and regulations.
- Ensure required food preparation licenses and training are maintained by all team members.
- Hire, train, supervise, schedule, and participate in the activities of chefs, cooks, and other food-preparation team members, in accordance with merchandising and productivity standards, cost controls, and forecast needs.
- Interact with guests, communicate clearly, promote food products, and direct staff activities.
- Review feedback from guests and team members and take action to implement improvement suggestions.
- Maintain a working rapport with hotel staff to support efficient operations and guest service.
- Monitor staff performance, product quality, and production flow, and foster improvement where needed.
- Create and implement menus and menu items for all outlets based on food trends, regional demographics, and revenue and profitability goals.
- Develop menu selections for special banquet themes and parties in line with client budgets and expectations.
- Confer with the Director of Food and Beverage regarding new menu selections and changes.
- Audit food storeroom items and storage, use FIFO practices, maintain product quality, and ensure health-code compliance.
- Maintain controls and tracking for high-value food items.
- Develop, implement, and monitor programs for a safe facility and work environment, including food safety, ergonomics, emergency response, injury and illness prevention, and hazard communications.
- Assist the Food and Beverage Director in estimating the annual food budget and controllable expenditures.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Health savings account.
- Telehealth resources.
- Life insurance.
- 401(k) with employer match.
- Paid vacation time off.
- Paid parental leave.
- Flexible scheduling.
- Holistic wellness program and technology.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Employee Relief Fund.
- Discounted vacations.
- Employee referral incentives.
- Cross-training, scholarship fund, and talent development programs.
- Great Wolf University on-the-job, functional, and leadership training.
- Relocation packages are available.
- Annual bonuses may be available.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
Education Level
High school or GED
