Executive Chef

BENCHMARK; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Pyramid Global Hospitality operates Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown, a modern hotel with 190 rooms and a fast-paced environment centered on exceptional service. As Chef, you will oversee culinary operations, develop menus, ensure food safety, and lead a high-performing kitchen team to deliver guest satisfaction.

You have 5+ years in a high-volume hotel kitchen, culinary degree or equivalent, and a flexible schedule including nights and weekends. Compensation ranges from $60,000 to $70,000 per year.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a high-volume hotel or fine dining kitchen.
• Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure high-quality food production.
• Develop menus aligned with brand standards and guest preferences.
• Supervise kitchen staff from Sous Chefs to line cooks; conduct training and coaching.
• Monitor food safety, hygiene, and portion control; ensure proper storage and handling.
• Collaborate with Sales/Events for seasonal menus and catering opportunities.
• Analyze finances, control costs, and minimize waste while maintaining quality.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Team supervision

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

Pyramid Global Hospitality is a leading hospitality management company with a portfolio of more than 200 hotels and resorts and over 18,000 associates across the United States, Caribbean, and Europe. Our platform includes Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, a collection of distinctive independent properties; Axiom Hospitality, our European hotel management company; and PYRAMIDWORKS, which provides integrated workplace and facilities services. With corporate offices in Boston, The Woodlands, Texas, and London, Pyramid combines global scale with a hands-on approach focused on exceptional service, operational excellence, and long-term partnerships.At Pyramid, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an environment where associates are respected, supported, and empowered to grow their careers. Team members have the opportunity to collaborate directly with experienced leaders, take on meaningful stretch assignments, and gain exposure to a diverse portfolio of properties, brands, and markets. Whether you are beginning your hospitality career or bringing years of experience, you'll find opportunities to learn, develop, and make an impact.Our commitment to associates, guests, owners, and the communities we serve has helped make Pyramid and our properties among the most recognized in hospitality. From being named among the best places to work by respected publications such as USA Today, The Boston Globe, and The Houston Chronicle to earning top travel accolades from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, and U.S. News & World Report, these recognitions reflect the culture, service excellence, and commitment to people that define the Pyramid experience.About our property:Welcome to Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown, a standout property in the Pyramid Global Hospitality portfolio. This modern and welcoming hotel features 190 guest rooms and 3,997 sq. ft. of meeting space, offering a professional and fast-paced environment built around exceptional service and hospitality. As a member of our team, you’ll join a culture that values growth, teamwork, and professionalism. Whether you're in guest services, food and beverage, housekeeping, or operations, you’ll have the opportunity to build your skills while contributing to a supportive and collaborative workplace. We provide comprehensive training programs and opportunities for advancement to ensure our team members are set up for success. If you're passionate about hospitality and excited to be part of a people-first culture, Hyatt Place Athens/Downtown is the perfect place to grow your career. Explore your potential with us today.What you will have an opportunity to do:POSITION SUMMARY:Responsible for overseeing the culinary operations of the hotel, ensuring high-quality food production, menu innovation, cost control and kitchen staff management. Must maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and presentation while enhancing the guest dining experience.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Design and develop creative, high-quality menus that align with guest preferences and hotel brand standards.Ensure consistency in food presentation, taste and portion control.Supervise and coordinate all kitchen staff, including Sous Chefs, line cooks and kitchen assistants.Conduct hiring, training and coach/counsel exercises for all associates.Foster a positive and productive work environment.Implement and oversee proper food handling, storage and hygiene procedures.Monitor guest feedback, online reviews, and service trends, implementing strategies to continuously improve guest satisfaction and foster repeat business.Manage departmental labor, food, and operating supply costs while achieving budgeted financial objectives.Monitor inventory levels, purchasing practices, and product quality to ensure cost-effective operations and minimize waste.Partner with the Sales, Marketing, and Events teams to develop seasonal menus, special promotions, themed events, and revenue-generating initiatives.Recruit, interview, onboard, train, coach, schedule, and supervise kitchen staff and other food and beverage associates as needed.Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing coaching, and implement corrective action when necessary to support associate development and accountability.Ensure associates consistently adhere to hotel policies, grooming standards, brand standards, and service expectations.Lead daily pre-shift meetings and ongoing service training to reinforce operational excellence and guest engagement.Analyze financial and operational reports, identify trends, and implement action plans to improve productivity, profitability, and guest satisfaction.Collaborate with hotel leadership on strategic initiatives, special events, and operational improvements that enhance the overall guest experience.Perform other duties as assigned to support the success of the Food & Beverage Division and hotel operations.The Chef must maintain a visible, on-site presence during peak business periods, high-volume events, holidays, and other times of increased operational demand to ensure effective kitchen leadership and execution.REQUIREMENTS:Culinary degree or equivalent professional training5+ years of experience in a high-volume hotel or fine dining kitchen.Strong leadership, communication and organizational skillsMust be able to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.What are we looking for?Compensation:$60,000-$70,000Pyramid Global Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.Actual compensation packages are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years & depth of experience, certifications and specific office location. This may differ in other locations due to cost of labor considerations.