Executive Chef
Alder & Ash
- Seattle, WA
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Partner with the Culinary Director to design and develop creative and innovative menus, taking into consideration seasonal ingredients, dietary trends, and guest preferences.
- Ensure menu items are cost-effective, reflecting a balance between quality and profitability.
- Supervise and lead the kitchen staff, including sous chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, receivers, porters, and dishwashers.
- Monitor and assess performance by providing consistent coaching, performance reviews, and address any employee concerns.
- Schedule and coordinate shifts, ensuring adequate staffing levels to meet operational needs.
- Address employee concerns and grievances, escalating issues when necessary.
- Delegate tasks, set expectations for performance, and ensure a cohesive and efficient working environment.
- Monitor food preparation methods, techniques, and presentation to maintain high standards.
- Conduct regular quality control assessments to ensure consistency in flavor, presentation, and portion sizes.
- Taste and evaluate dishes before they are served to guests, adjusting as needed.
- Manage and control food inventory, including ordering ingredients, monitoring stock levels, and minimizing waste.
- Establish relationships with suppliers and negotiate pricing to optimize cost efficiency.
- Enforce strict adherence to health and safety regulations and food hygiene standards.
- Collaborate with the management team, including the restaurant owner and front-of-house staff, to align culinary offerings with the overall concept and goals of the establishment.
- Introduce new and exciting culinary concepts to enhance the dining experience.
- Recruit and conduct training sessions for kitchen staff, ensuring they are well-versed in menu items, cooking techniques, safety protocols, proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices.
- Encourage continuous learning and development to enhance the skills of the culinary team.
- Develop and manage kitchen budgets, including food costs, labor expenses, and overheads.
- Implement cost-saving measures without compromising quality.
- Oversee the planning and execution of special events, catering services, or private functions.
- Create customized menus for special occasions and ensure seamless execution.
- Interact with guests, gather feedback on menu items, and adjust as needed to meet customer expectations.
- Be available to the Front-of-House team to engage with guests and build a rapport with the clientele.
- Implement and enforce Company policies and procedures.
- Culinary Degree or equivalent culinary certification preferred.
- 5+ years in a culinary leadership role, preferably as an Executive Chef.
- In-depth knowledge of culinary techniques, flavors, and global cuisines.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Timekeeping and Scheduling
- Knowledge of food safety and health regulations
- Customer-centric
- Ability to effectively handle employee relations.
- Acute business & financial acumen
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements with wage & hour, scheduling, etc.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Eligible to participate in company subsidized medical/dental/vision/life insurance within 30 days following new hire status
- Eligibility to participate in employee funded supplemental benefit programs, i.e., disability, within 30 days following new hire status
- Eligible to participate in 401(k) plan after six months of service. The company will match 50% of employee contribution up to 4% of the employee's annual pay.
- Eligible for Washington/Seattle Paid Sick & Safe Time
- Eligible for PTO
- Eligible for Washington State Paid Family Medical Leave