Executive Chef

Lakeside Hotel Casino; Harris (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid holidays

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) with Company Match

Life Insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Lakeside Hotel Casino in Iowa is seeking a seasoned Culinary Operations Leader to oversee all food preparation, menus, and standards in a dynamic casino environment. You will train and mentor kitchen managers, manage staffing and scheduling, and coordinate with Hospitality leadership to align culinary efforts with business goals.

The role emphasizes food safety, cost control, and high-quality presentation, with responsibilities spanning inventory, vendor relations, and event support.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to train, coach, and develop a diverse culinary team.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and culinary best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; strong math skills required.
• Ability to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen managers and staff.
• Plan, assign, and evaluate work performance, providing coaching, recognition, and corrective action as needed.
• Oversee hiring, scheduling, and workforce planning to ensure effective operations.
• Direct all food preparation areas, ensuring quality, presentation, and timeliness.
• Develop and standardize menus, recipes, and portion controls to ensure consistency.
• Estimate food consumption, order supplies, and monitor inventory.
• Maintain high standards of sanitation, food safety, and kitchen cleanliness.
• Control food and labor costs through effective purchasing, portioning, and waste reduction.
• Ensure compliance with Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulations, health and safety standards, and company policies.
• Accurately maintain departmental records and reports.
• Work closely with the Director of Hospitality to align culinary operations with business goals.
• Support marketing and F&B leadership with special events, banquets, and promotions.
• Participate in operational meetings and promote strong communication across departments.

Job description

Key Responsibilities - (Other duties may be assigned)

Leadership & Management

• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen managers and staff.
• Plan, assign, and evaluate work performance, providing coaching, recognition, and corrective action as needed.
• Oversee hiring, scheduling, and workforce planning to ensure effective operations.

Culinary Operations

• Direct all food preparation areas, ensuring quality, presentation, and timeliness.
• Develop and standardize menus, recipes, and portion controls to ensure consistency.
• Estimate food consumption, order supplies, and monitor inventory.
• Maintain high standards of sanitation, food safety, and kitchen cleanliness.
• Control food and labor costs through effective purchasing, portioning, and waste reduction.
• Ensure compliance with Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulations, health and safety standards, and company policies.
• Accurately maintain departmental records and reports.
• Work closely with the Director of Hospitality to align culinary operations with business goals.
• Support marketing and F&B leadership with special events, banquets, and promotions.
• Participate in operational meetings and promote strong communication across departments.

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to train, coach, and develop a diverse culinary team.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and culinary best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; strong math skills required.
• Ability to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Culinary Arts degree preferred.
• Minimum three years of culinary leadership and supervisory experience.

Certifications & Licenses

• ServSafe Certification (required).
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission License.

Why Join Our Team?

• Paid Time Off (PTO) earned each pay period
• Paid holidays
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Virtual Doctor Visits
• 401(k) with Company Match.
• Free Life Insurance
• Optional coverage: Disability, Additional Life, Accident, and Critical Illness Insurance.
• Free Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), including counseling, legal guidance, and more.
• Employee discounts, recognition programs, and team celebrations.
• Dynamic casino environment with opportunities for professional growth.

DISCLAIMER:This job posting is intended to describe the general nature of this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Employee benefits may vary by location, position, length of service, and employment status. Final candidates will be required to complete a drug test and a background check. Many positions will require a state gaming license. Affinity Gaming is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review theKnow Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

#ZRHLK