Executive Chef

Skywalk Group; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center in Cedar Rapids, IA, seeks an Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations in the dining room, drive menu innovation, mentor teams, manage costs, and ensure top-tier guest experiences. The role partners with casino leadership to align offerings with brand expectations and guest needs.

Qualifications include a culinary degree or equivalent, 5+ years in kitchen leadership (Executive/Sous), valid driver’s license, and willingness to work nights,

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a kitchen leadership role such as Executive Chef or Sous Chef.
• Culinary degree preferred or equivalent professional training.
• Valid driver’s license with driving experience.
• Casino environment with noise, crowds and 24/7 operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution.
• Develop and inspire high-performing teams through training and performance management.
• Drive guest experience by partnering with operations, supporting events and VIP dining.
• Manage food and labor costs, inventory, purchasing, and profitability strategies.
• Uphold food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards in a high-volume kitchen.

Skills

Leadership

Guest service

Cost control

Training & coaching

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent training

Job description

Cedar Crossing Casino & Entertainment Center isn’t just another casino - it’s a bold reimagination of regional gaming, designed for the next twenty years. Blending gaming, hospitality, dining, live entertainment, arts, culture, and a STEM innovation lab, every experience is built around one idea: discovery.

The Executive Chef leads all culinary operations within the casino’s dining room, ensuring exceptional food quality, operational efficiency, and a first-class guest experience. This role drives menu innovation, develops and mentors culinary teams, manages costs, and upholds all food safety and sanitation standards. The Executive Chef partners closely with casino leadership to align culinary offerings with the brand and guest expectations.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead all culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution
• Develop and inspire high-performing teams through training, coaching, performance management, and a culture of accountability and guest service
• Drive an outstanding guest experience by partnering with operations leadership, resolving concerns, and supporting special events, promotions, and VIP dining experiences.
• Manage financial performance by controlling food and labor costs, overseeing inventory and purchasing, and implementing strategies to maximize profitability
• Ensure compliance and operational excellence by maintaining food safety, sanitation, regulatory standards, and efficient kitchen operations in a high-volume environment

Requirements:

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred
• 5+ years of experience in a kitchen leadership role such as Executive Chef or Sous Chef
• Valid driver’s license with a minimum of three years driving experience
• Casino environment with exposure to noise, crowds, and 24/7 operation
• Requires flexibility to work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Work in hot kitchen conditions
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Iowa gaming license

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All employment decisions, including hiring, promotion, compensation, training, and other terms of employment, are made based on qualifications, abilities, and performance, without regard to membership of a protected class and in compliance of federal, state, and/or local laws.