Executive Chef

Great Wolf Lodge; Gurnee (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted vacations for you and your

Employee referral incentives

Great Wolf University training

Flexible scheduling

Wellness program

Diversity and inclusion programs

Job summary

Great Wolf Lodge in Illinois is seeking an experienced Restaurant Executive Chef to lead all kitchen operations across the Lodge venues. You will craft menus, test recipes, monitor guest satisfaction, and ensure that food safety and cost controls meet company and regulatory standards.

You will hire, train, and supervise chefs and cooks, maintain Health Department compliance, and collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership on forecasting, budgeting, and revenue goals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in restaurant kitchens.
• 1+ years in supervisory/leadership with financials and menu development.
• Flexible scheduling including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Background check and drug screen required.

Responsibilities

• Direct kitchen operations across all Lodge venues.
• Develop and update menus to maximize profits and minimize waste.
• Ensure compliance with health codes and training requirements.
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise chefs and kitchen staff.
• Monitor quality, guest satisfaction, and cost controls.

Skills

5+ years restaurant kitchen experience

1+ years supervisory/leadership

Flexible scheduling availability

Criminal background check clearance

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Culinary education degree

Job description

Pay: $90000 - $95000

At Great Wolf, the Restaurant Executive Chef is responsible for all operations of the kitchen(s): creates and updates menus to maximize profits and minimize loss, tests and develops recipes, monitors customer satisfaction, maintains inventory of kitchen supplies and food, and ensures that food and facilities meet all governmental regulations.

Join our Pack:

• Grow your career: A great place to start or advance your career with cross-training, scholarship fund, and talent development programs at all levels
• Great Perks: Take advantage of exclusive perks for you, your family, and friends – including discounted vacations and employee referral incentives
• Learn While You Earn: Gain access to Great Wolf University for on-the-job training, functional, and leadership training
• Prioritize Your Well-Being: We offer flexible scheduling, access to a holistic wellness program and technology, and support through our Employee Assistance Program and Employee Relief Fund
• Celebrate Your Uniqueness: Join a team that cheers for diversity and inclusion through programs that make everyone feel welcome and recognized.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health savings account
• Telehealth resources
• Life insurance
• 401K with employer match
• Paid vacation time off
• Paid parental leave

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage and direct the preparation and presentation of all foods in all venues of the Lodge
• Maintain and follow all local Health Department food preparation codes and regulations
• Ensure all food preparation licenses and training (as required) is maintained by all pack members
• Hire, train, supervise, schedule and participate in activities of chefs, cooks, and other pack members involved in preparing, cooking and presenting food in accordance with merchandising and productivity standards, cost controls and forecast needs
• Listen actively and communicate clearly while interacting with guests to promote food products and directing staff activities
• Analyze feedback from guests and pack members, make judgments and take action to implement suggestions for improvement
• Maintain working rapport with all hotel staff for efficient operation and service to guests
• Monitor staff performance, product quality and production flow; foster improvement where necessary
• Create and implement new menus and individual menu items for all outlets based on current food trends, regional demographics and in accordance with revenue and profitability goals
• Develop innovative menu selections for special banquet themes and parties in accordance with client budgetary considerations and expectations
• Confer with Director of Food and Beverage regarding new selections and changes
• Audit food storeroom items and storage to maintain consistent quality products using FIFO (first in, first out) and ensure adherence to all health code requirements
• Maintain controls and tracking of high value items (proteins such as steaks, bacon and sausage, etc.)
• Development, implementation, and monitoring of programs that assures a safe facility and work environment that is in compliance with all appropriate regulations-Food Safety, Ergonomics, Emergency Response, Injury and Illness Prevention, and Hazard Communications Programs
• Assist the Food & Beverage Director in estimating annual food budget and controllable expenditures

Basic Qualifications & Skills

• High School degree or equivalent
• 5+ years experience in restaurant kitchen(s)
• 1+ years experience in restaurant supervisory/leadership role responsible for financials, menu development, and personnel related matters
• Must be flexible regarding scheduling based on business demands, including nights, weekends and Holidays as needed
• Successful completion of criminal background check and drug screen

Desired Qualifications & Traits

• Culinary education degree
• Previous Executive Chef experience
• Prior kitchen experience in hotel/resort industry
• Understanding of sanitation-related issues and knowledge of precautions necessary to ensure a clean food preparation environment
• Proven teamwork
• Projects professional image that inspires trust and confidence
• Enthusiastic and positive energy

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift up to 30 lbs.
• Able to bend, stretch, and twist
• Able to stand for long periods of time

Pay Rate: $90000 - $95000

An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue-based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of Great Wolf’s total compensation package. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and other perks.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.