Overview

OVG is searching for an Executive Chef who will oversee culinary operations at both the Centene Community Ice Center and Saint Louis Music Park.  The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing the direction of the kitchen’s daily activities in accordance with OVG policies and objectives to ensure guest satisfaction, profitability, and a positive, productive and compliant work environment.  The Executive Chef is solely responsible for the effective management and operation of the culinary team including event planning support, scheduling, food preparation and production, food cost control, labor cost control, compliance with food safety and sanitation policies, cleaning, kitchen safety, employee training and supervision, and any other tasks assigned by the Director of Food & Beverage.  The Executive Chef must provide a high level of oversight, culinary proficiency and operational/personnel support to ensure the smooth running of all food outlets and events. The Executive Chef will actively supervisor, coach, counsel, direct, train and mentor employees in meeting company quality standards, and will independently initiate and authorize all employment actions such as hiring, termination, suspension, discipline, promotion and transfer.  The Executive Chef will actively and independently manage all aspects of employee relations to ensure a positive, harmonious, compliant, and cooperative work environment.

Additionally, this individual will directly assist and oversee all planning, coordination, and sales of food & beverage services within the facility as well as ensure execution and service is at applicable levels.

 This is a key position for the effective and profitable operation of the business. The Executive Chef must maintain excellent attendance and be available to work a variable event-driven schedule which to evenings and weekends. Open availability, professional presentation, outstanding interpersonal skills and self-direction required.

This role will pay a salary of $60,000 to $70,000 plus bonus

Benefits for FT roles: Benefits: Health, Dental and Vision insurance, 401(k) savings plan, 401(k) matching, and paid time off (vacation days, sick days, and 12 holidays).

This position will remain open until November 1, 2024

Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing, developing and mentoring staff of full-time and part time culinary employees, including initiating employment actions such as hiring, firing, and disciplining.
• Oversight of all back-of-house catering events as well as planning and execution of all catering within the ice center and music park; including catering for the St. Louis Blues and Lindenwood University.
• Ensures event staff are aware of workplace expectations; provide on-going assistance, training and mentoring to event staff; promote a positive, enthusiastic and cooperative workplace environment by working side-by-side with staff; reinforce procedures and practices through repetition; lead by example and provide on-going constructive feedback.
• Responsible for ensuring that budgeted food percentages are achieved through effective control measures including portion controls, kitchen timings, food inventory rotation measures, receiving and food storage procedures, inventory controls, effective purchasing procedures, kitchen security procedures and waste control.  
• Controls labor costs through effective scheduling of kitchen staff, cross-training and development of employees, responsible for monitoring breaks and break documentation for kitchen staff and the daily approval of break documentation.
• Ensures that the purchasing and preparation of all food products meet OVG’s standards of quality and consistency.  Responsible for the development of menus, ensuring quality, consistency and style of concept are maintained.  Monitors production of food preparation ensuring recipe specifications, portion controls and kitchen timings are met.  Monitors all food served relative to appearance, temperature, sanitary and quality standards.
• Supervises all line set-up, prep and breakdown activities.  Responsible for in-service delegation of tasks to line personnel.
• Coordinates the storage, maintenance and repair of all kitchen equipment to ensure operational readiness.
• Coordinates the delivery and set-up of catered services and food service areas as needed.
• Arranges and manages kitchen staff skills training and development, including departmental orientation of new employees. Provides leadership and support to the entire kitchen staff; builds morale and encourages empowerment of staff.  
• Maintains a positive and compliant employee relations climate.  Responsible for staffing, training, evaluation and counseling of kitchen staff.  Promotes support and communication with entire staff.  Positively interacts with front of house staff.  Rapidly solves problems.
• Ensures compliance with health, sanitation, safety and employment regulations by clearly communicating and reinforcing standards and procedures to kitchen staff.
• Ensures proper kitchen record keeping and administrative requirements including food inventories and invoicing of food products.  Responsible for organizing employee work schedules, ensuring appropriate coverage for all kitchen areas, staff compliance with venue uniform policy.
• Promotes teamwork among staff through effective communication, follow-through and goal setting.  Leads by example and thorough instruction to effectively obtain quality management of product, service and philosophy of concept.
• Responsible for ensuring that the organization's sustainability goals are met or exceeded.
• Assists in the overall effective management of the catering, restaurant, and grab-n-go operations.
• Ensure legal, efficient, professional and profitable operation of the venue.
• Evaluate recent historical sales and purchasing data for the purpose of identifying purchasing patterns and accurate cost of goods
• Reviews and assists in the development of menus and marketing plans with the appropriate department heads

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years kitchen management experience in a full-service restaurant or events venue.
• Demonstrated and verifiable track record of meeting projected costs.
• Professional appearance and presentation required.
• Knowledge of and skill in using computer software, including MS Word/Excel/Outlook.
• Maintains a current Food Handler’s or ServSafe card and alcohol service permit if required by state or local government.
• Working knowledge of employee scheduling in a hospitality environment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in a nationally recognized sanitation program.
• Technical proficiency and experience demonstrating verifiable knowledge of food preparation methods.
• Ability to positively interact with diverse personalities, including co-workers, subordinates, guests and purveyors in a variety of work situations.  Must have active listening and effective communication skills.
• Ability to develop results-oriented staff through effective training, evaluation, motivation, coaching and counseling.  
• Ability to assist others in developing needed skills for effective job performance.
• Ability to positively distribute responsibility to others to meet objectives and achieve desired results.
• Ability to recognize problems and to find solutions creatively and expeditiously.  
• Ability to set priorities and use initiative; solid decision-maker.
• Ability to be detail-oriented, multi-task and effectively prioritize in a continuously changing environment.
• Ability to be self-directed while working in a team-oriented environment.