EXECUTIVE CHEF-EMT

COMANCHE•Lawton, OK

43d•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Chef serves as the culinary leader and creative force for Comanche Nation Entertainment’s food and beverage operations. This position is responsible for driving culinary excellence, food innovation, guest satisfaction, operational performance, and Team Member development across all assigned dining outlets and food service operations. The Executive Chef is expected to create a high-quality dining experience that reflects exceptional hospitality, consistency, presentation, and flavor while supporting the overall brand, reputation, and financial goals of CNE. This role combines hands-on culinary leadership with strategic operational oversight in a fast-paced Tribal gaming and hospitality environment. The Executive Chef will be required to work at all of the Comanche Nation Casinos, but will initially work at Comanche Red River and move to other locations following a successful overhaul of the Comanche Red River food program.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Culinary degree, formal culinary training, or apprenticeship required, or show successful completion of similar culinary training or program.
Advanced knowledge of culinary techniques, food trends, kitchen operations, sanitation standards, and food safety practices.
Strong understanding of food costing, labor management, inventory control, purchasing, and kitchen financial operations.
Proven leadership, coaching, Team Member development, and performance management skills.
Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and applicable culinary, inventory, or scheduling systems.
Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
Must obtain and maintain all licenses required by the Comanche Nation Gaming Commission and applicable Tribal, federal, or state agencies.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of three (3) years in an Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or senior culinary leadership role preferred.
Experience in casino, Tribal gaming, resort, hotel, entertainment venue, or high-volume restaurant operations strongly preferred.
Strong creative menu development and recipe creation experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the culinary vision, standards, and overall food identity for assigned CNE outlets and food operations.
Develop innovative, high-quality menus, recipes, seasonal offerings, and food promotions that align with guest preferences, market trends, and operational goals.
Create signature dishes and dining experiences that enhance guest satisfaction and encourage repeat business.
Ensure all food items meet established standards for quality, flavor, consistency, presentation, and portion control.
Conduct routine tastings and quality reviews to maintain culinary excellence.
Stay current on culinary trends, food techniques, guest expectations, and industry best practices.
Collaborate with Marketing and Operations on food promotions, entertainment events, VIP functions, and special culinary events.
Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure high-quality products and competitive pricing.
Direct and oversee daily kitchen operations for restaurants, bars, banquets, catering, and other assigned food service areas.
Ensure kitchen operations run efficiently and safely while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization.
Monitor food preparation, line operations, prep production, and service execution.
Maintain proper inventory levels and oversee food ordering and product rotation.
Ensure recipes, preparation methods, and plating standards are consistently followed across all shifts and outlets.
Participate in hands-on kitchen operations as needed during peak business periods or staffing shortages.
Manage food cost, labor cost, and kitchen operating expenses within approved budget guidelines.
Review and analyze operational metrics and culinary KPIs, including food cost percentage, labor percentage, waste and spoilage, overtime trends, guest satisfaction feedback, ticket times, inventory variances, and menu profitability.
Develop and implement action plans to improve operational efficiency and financial performance.
Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning for culinary operations.
Recruit, interview, train, coach, supervise, and evaluate culinary Team Members.
Foster a professional, positive, and accountable kitchen culture focused on teamwork, respect, and guest service.
Provide leadership and development for Sous Chefs, kitchen supervisors, cooks, stewards, and other culinary Team Members.
Ensure Team Members receive proper training in recipes, food preparation, sanitation standards, safety procedures, and equipment operation.
Support succession planning and development of future culinary leaders within CNE.
Ensure compliance with all applicable Tribal, federal, state, gaming, and health regulations.
Maintain compliance with food safety and sanitation standards, including ServSafe and applicable health department requirements.
Ensure proper completion and maintenance of all food safety logs, temperature records, cleaning schedules, and operational documentation.
Promote a safe working environment and ensure proper use of kitchen equipment and procedures.
Respond appropriately to inspections, audits, and operational reviews.
Maintain a strong focus on guest experience through food quality, presentation, consistency, and operational execution.
Respond professionally and timely to guest concerns or complaints involving culinary operations.
Support a hospitality-driven culture that reflects the values and service expectations of Comanche Nation Entertainment.