Executive Chef

An Executive Chef leads a small kitchen team, focusing on training and teamwork to deliver consistently high-quality

Job Summary

The Executive Chef is the top leader of the kitchen and is responsible for everything from menu design to managing kitchen, In our bistro environment, the Executive Chef will craft seasonal menus, oversee a close-knit kitchen staff, and ensure a memorable, high-quality dining experience for guests. This role requires a balance of culinary creativity, strong leadership, and business acumen to run an efficient, profitable kitchen operation.

Overall, an Executive Chef oversees the entire kitchen operation - managing staff, inventory, quality, and finances to ensure an excellent and profitable food

Key responsibilities include:
Plan and design the bistro’s menu (including seasonal specials and daily dishes) to showcase creative, bistro-style cuisine. Regularly update and refine menu offerings, ensuring they are innovative, authentic to the bistro concept, and cost-effective Collaborate with restaurant management on menu pricing and adjust recipes to maintain profitability.

Kitchen Staff Management: Lead, supervise, and mentor all kitchen staff (sous chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, etc.). This includes hiring and training new team members, scheduling shifts, and conducting regular staff meetings or briefings. Foster a positive, high-performance work environment and ensure the team works efficiently during service

Inventory Control and Purchasing: Oversee all ordering and stock management for the kitchen. Monitor inventory levels of ingredients and supplies, purchase food and materials from approved vendors, and ensure adequate stock for smooth operations. Implement FIFO (first-in, first-out) and other inventory management practices to minimize waste and control food costs.

Food Quality & Safety Standards: Maintain the highest standards for food quality, taste, and presentation on every dish. Ensure that kitchen operations comply with all health and safety regulations - including proper food handling, storage, and sanitation practices - to meet health code requirements. Train staff on safe food preparation techniques and conduct regular inspections to uphold hygiene standards.

Kitchen Operations & Cleanliness: Oversee day-to-day back-of-house operations, making sure the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently during meal service. Ensure the kitchen and all equipment are kept clean, organized, and in excellent working condition at all times.Establish and enforce kitchen policies for cleaning schedules, equipment maintenance, and overall workplace safety.

Budget & Cost Control: Take charge of the kitchen’s financial performance through effective cost management. Plan and manage the food budget, keeping food and labor costs within target. Monitor portion control, minimize waste, and source ingredients wisely to maintain profitability without compromising quality. Work with management on menu pricing strategies and track daily/weekly costs to ensure the kitchen meets its financial goals.

Culinary Innovation and Trends: Stay current with culinary trends and incorporate new ideas that align with our bistro style. Regularly create daily specials or seasonal dishes to keep the menu fresh and exciting. Encourage creativity in the kitchen and introduce new cooking techniques or menu concepts as appropriate. This includes experimenting with local seasonal ingredients and modern twists on classic bistro recipes to delight our guests.

Collaboration & Customer Satisfaction: Work closely with front-of-house management and staff to ensure excellent coordination between the kitchen and dining room. Communicate effectively about wait times, special requests, or menu changes to facilitate smooth service. Address customer feedback or complaints regarding food quality, making adjustments as needed to maintain high satisfaction levels. Uphold a guest-focused mentality, ensuring that the culinary experience consistently earns positive reviews and repeat business.Requirements and Qualifications

Leadership & Management Skills: Excellent leadership abilities with a proven capacity to hire, train, and motivate a kitchen team. Strong organizational skills to coordinate staffing and kitchen workflow, and effective communication skills to give clear instruction and feedback. Must be able to lead by example, maintain a positive kitchen culture, and resolve conflicts or challenges calmly.

Culinary Expertise: High level of culinary skill, creativity, and knowledge of cooking techniques. A deep understanding of flavor profiles and preparation methods, especially for bistro-style cuisine, is expected. Must be passionate about food quality and presentation, with the ability to design menus and recipes that reflect our bistro’s character while appealing to a broad customer base.

Food Safety Certification: Current food safety and sanitation certification is required (e.g. ServSafe Food Manager or local equivalent