EXECUTIVE CHEF

Friendwell Group of Companies; Edison (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Friendwell Managed Hotels in New Jersey is seeking an Executive Chef to lead a high-volume restaurant operation. You will oversee menu development, quality, and presentation while managing kitchen staff and inventory to meet health, safety, and cost targets.

You will partner with front-of-house leadership to deliver guest satisfaction, mentor cooks, monitor costs, and ensure consistent, creative culinary experiences across all service periods.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a high-volume restaurant, with at least 2 years in an executive or head chef role.
• Culinary degree or equivalent training preferred.
• Strong leadership and ability to manage a diverse team.
• Proficient in menu costing and food cost management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure efficient workflow.
• Lead and mentor kitchen staff, including sous chefs and line cooks.
• Conduct staff meetings and training for continuous improvement.
• Ensure dishes meet established recipes and presentation standards.
• Monitor food costs and minimize waste; negotiate with suppliers.
• Maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Prepare and manage the kitchen budget; analyze financial performance.
• Work with front-of-house team to ensure guest satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Organization

Creativity

Resilience

Communication

Menu costing

Cuisine diversity

Kitchen software

Nutrition awareness

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Tools

Kitchen management software

Job description

We are seeking a hospitality focused, organized and experienced individual to join our team as Executive Chef. The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall culinary operations of the restaurant, ensuring the highest quality of food, exceptional presentation, and efficient kitchen operation. This role requires creativity, leadership, and extensive knowledge of culinary techniques. The Executive Chef will oversee menu development, manage kitchen staff, maintain inventory, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

INTENT AND FUNCTION OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS – All descriptions have been reviewed to ensure that only essential functions and basic duties have been included. Peripheral tasks, only incidentally related to each position, have been excluded. Requirements, skills, and abilities included have been determined to be the minimal standards required to successfully perform the positions. In no instance, however, should the duties, responsibilities, and requirements delineated be interpreted as all-inclusive. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer.

Essential Functions And Duties

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow.
• Lead and mentor kitchen staff, including sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen assistants.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and training sessions to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to standards.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented according to established recipes and standards.
• Monitor portion sizes, ingredient quality, and food presentation to maintain consistency.
• Conduct regular taste tests and quality checks.
• Manage inventory levels and order supplies to ensure the kitchen is adequately stocked.
• Monitor food costs and work to minimize waste.
• Negotiate with suppliers to obtain the best prices for ingredients and equipment.
• Ensure the kitchen complies with all health and safety regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in all kitchen areas.
• Implement and enforce food safety and sanitation standards.
• Prepare and manage the kitchen budget.
• Track financial performance and work with the management team to meet revenue and profit targets.
• Analyze food cost reports and adjust menu pricing and portions as needed.
• Occasionally interact with customers to gather feedback and address any concerns.
• Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service and guest satisfaction.

Knowledge, Experience And Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a high-volume restaurant, with at least 2 years in an executive or head chef role.
• Culinary degree or equivalent training from a recognized culinary institute is preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and kitchen equipment.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Creativity and a passion for culinary arts.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse team.
• Experience in menu engineering and food costing.
• Familiarity with various cuisines and cooking styles.
• Proficiency in using kitchen management software.
• Basic understanding of nutrition and dietary restrictions.

Physical Activities And Requirements Of This Position

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during shifts, often for 8-12 hours.
• Frequent movement between different areas of the kitchen and dining room.
• Proficient use of hands and fingers to handle, cut, chop, and prepare food items.
• Ability to operate kitchen equipment and tools such as knives, slicers, and mixers.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy items, including pots, pans, food supplies, and equipment, up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent lifting, bending, and reaching to store and retrieve ingredients and supplies.
• Ability to work in a hot and humid environment for extended periods.
• Tolerance to temperature fluctuations in the kitchen.
• Ability to work long hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.

Friendwell Managed Hotels function twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. As a part of the hospitality industry a hospitable service atmosphere must be maintained at all times. All employees are required to project a friendly, welcoming, and positive attitude.