Regional Chef (Airport Restaurants)

Position Title:  Regional Chef (HOU)

Reports To: Director of Operations

Department: Concepts and Standards 

Status: Exempt:  Full time 

Date: February 2023

Broad Functions: A deep passion for creating and serving exceptional food and providing unparalleled service to Guest. This position requires a dynamic and motivated leader who is able to inspire and direct their kitchen team to success. This person should have a strong culinary background and extensive experience in high-volume restaurants, with a minimum of 5 years of experience and at least 3 years as a Kitchen Manager or Head Chef.

As a key member of our management team, the Regional Chef will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations. This includes planning and executing menus, leading the kitchen team, managing food and labor costs, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations, as well as HACCP protocols. The Regional Chef must also have a good understanding of inventory management and be able to manage the ordering and stocking of supplies to keep the kitchen operational at all times.

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Lead, manage, and oversee the daily operations of the kitchen: The Regional Chef will be responsible for ensuring that the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently on a daily basis. This includes overseeing all cooking and preparation, managing the kitchen staff, and ensuring that all orders are accurately and promptly prepared to meet the high standards of quality and service that the restaurant is known for.

• Plan and execute menus, special events, and promotions: The Regional Chef will be responsible for developing and executing creative and innovative menus that showcase the restaurant's culinary offerings and reflect industry trends and customer preferences. In addition, the Regional Chef will be responsible for planning and executing special events and promotions that drive traffic, increase sales, and enhance the restaurant's reputation.

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team: The Regional Chef will be responsible for creating a positive and productive work environment in the kitchen by leading and motivating the kitchen staff. This includes providing regular training and development opportunities, setting clear performance expectations, and recognizing and rewarding success.

• Manage food and labor costs: The Regional Chef will be responsible for managing food and labor costs to ensure that the kitchen operates within budget. This includes controlling food waste, negotiating with suppliers, and implementing cost-saving measures.

• Stay current with industry trends, techniques, and innovations: The Regional Chef will be responsible for staying current with industry trends, techniques, and innovations in order to enhance the restaurant's menu offerings and maintain a competitive edge. This includes attending culinary events, conferences, and workshops, and engaging in ongoing professional development.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations: The Regional Chef will be responsible for ensuring that the kitchen complies with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations, as well as HACCP protocols. This includes conducting regular kitchen inspections, maintaining cleanliness and organization, and ensuring that all food preparation and storage practices are in compliance with regulations.

• Manage inventory and ordering of supplies: The Regional Chef will be responsible for managing the kitchen's inventory and ordering of supplies to ensure that the kitchen is well-stocked and operational at all times. This includes conducting regular inventory checks, forecasting supply needs, and placing orders as needed.

• Resolve conflicts and communicate effectively: The Regional Chef will be responsible for resolving conflicts that may arise within the kitchen and communicating effectively with all kitchen staff and other departments within the restaurant. This includes mediating disputes, facilitating open and honest communication, and ensuring that all kitchen staff understand and follow company policies and procedures.

Skills and Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of culinary experience in high volume restaurants
• A culinary degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 3 years as a Kitchen Manager or Head Chef
• Strong culinary skills and knowledge of P&L management
• Personable, approachable, and able to lead and motivate a team.
• Good work ethic and strong leadership skills
• Collaborative and able to work well with others.
• Experience in inventory management and conflict resolution
• European cuisine experience a plus
• Serve Safe certified and knowledgeable in HACCP protocols.
• Hands-on approach and attention to detail
• Wine knowledge a plus

EEOC Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse team and fostering an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, or veteran status.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee operates in an office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. This is largely a sedentary role and requires color determination vision (no color blindness) and to sit for extended periods of time in front of the computer.

This position would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand on a stool as necessary. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds. Some bending and/or lifting of supplies and mail in/out materials from time to time may be required.

Travel is not an essential part of the job, but at times will be required due to (re)opening of new or existing locations, or simply due to a necessary update to the marketing materials or to attend a meeting elsewhere.