Executive Chef

Horizon Hospitality Associates, Inc.; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading benefits

Job summary

Horizon Hospitality Associates, Inc. in Fort Wayne, IN, seeks an experienced Executive Chef to lead our upscale restaurant, elevate the guest experience, and cultivate a healthy kitchen culture that delivers consistency and pride.

You will shape culinary strategy, manage budgets, mentor a diverse team, and optimize operations while ensuring safety and top-tier presentation. A culinary degree and wine certification are preferred.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in upscale, full-service dining.
• Strong financial savvy with budgeting and cost control.
• Ability to mentor and build consensus across teams.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Execute a culinary strategy focused on upscale food presentation, guest satisfaction, profitability, and operational excellence.
• Financial Management: Manage annual budgets, long-term forecasts, and provide regular analysis of sales, labor efficiency, and cost controls.
• Team Development: Hire, mentor, and inspire a culinary team to improve consistency and maintain high presentation standards.
• Operational Oversight: Ensure a safe, compliant, and sanitary environment while optimizing workflows for back-of-house.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Team development

Operational oversight

Communication

Conflict resolution

Tech Savvy

Education

Culinary degree

Wine certification

Tools

Microsoft 365

Aloha POS

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Chef for our upscale full-service restaurant. Located in a picturesque small town one hour outside of Fort Wayne, IN, a regional hub for art and entertainment, the restaurant's future depends on a visionary leader who can build a legacy from the inside out. This isn't a role for someone looking to maintain the status quo; it’s a mission to recognize the untapped potential, improve food consistency, elevate our guest experience, and foster a healthy workplace culture. If you have the grit to refine our systems and the heart to inspire a team, we invite you to take control and help solidify our restaurant at the top of our community’s culinary scene.

Executive Chef Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Execute a culinary strategy focused on upscale food presentation, guest satisfaction, profitability, and operational excellence.
• Financial Management: Manage annual budgets, long-term forecasts, and provide regular analysis of sales, labor efficiency, and cost controls.
• Team Development: Hire, mentor, and inspire a culinary team to improve consistency and maintain high presentation standards.
• Operational Oversight: Ensure a safe, compliant, and sanitary environment while optimizing workflows for back-of-house.

Executive Chef Qualifications:

• Experience: 5+ years of culinary leadership experience in a full-service upscale casual or fine dining restaurant.
• Education: Culinary degree and a wine certification is preferred.
• Expertise: Proven track record in financial acumen, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional communication and conflict resolution skills with the ability to build consensus across cross-functional teams.
• Tech Savvy: Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Aloha POS system is preferred.

Compensation:

• Annual Base Salary: $70,000 - $90,000 (commensurate with experience)
• Bonus: 10% annual bonus potential paid annually
• Benefits: Industry-leading comprehensive benefits package