Executive Chef

Compass Group USA; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance/ AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

FSAs

Personal Leave

Job summary

Culinaire, a Compass Group USA subsidiary, seeks an Executive Chef to lead the culinary team at AMFA, guiding the catering program and overseeing Park Grill. The role emphasizes creative menu development, high standards of sustainability, and leadership of a high-volume kitchen in a renowned museum setting.

Relocation support is provided. Culinaire offers strong benefits and opportunities for career growth within Compass Group USA.

Qualifications

• AS or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of progressive culinary/kitchen management.
• Luxury hotel or fine dining experience.
• High-volume, complex foodservice operations experience.
• Institutional and batch cooking experience.
• Hands-on chef experience required.
• Knowledge of current food and catering trends.
• Proficient with computers and MS Office.
• ServSafe certification is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Plan regular and modified menus per guidelines.
• Work banquets and large events as needed.
• Follow standardized recipes, portions, and presentation standards.
• Train kitchen staff in food prep, safety, and sanitation.
• Establish and maintain cleaning and maintenance schedules.
• Maintain inventory within approved guidelines.
• Mange leftover usage within company guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with health and sanitation regulations.
• Follow safety policies and participate in meetings and training.

Skills

Hands-on chef

Kitchen management

Food safety

Menu planning

Computer skills

ServSafe certified

Education

AS or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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CULINAIRE provides upscale food and beverage management services to a very diverse collection of national accounts to include art museums, cultural landmarks, hotels, performing arts centers, restaurants, and special event venues. While our portfolio is diverse, the one constant in every operation that we manage is our total commitment to our associates to put their career path, safety and success as our top priority, as well as to provide sophisticated, delicious food and warm service to our guests.

We are seeking a high energy, highly creative professional Executive Chef to lead the culinary team at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA). Opened in 2023, the internationally acclaimed AMFA has become known as “America’s most inviting Art Museum”, with its stunning design, and world class art collection.

This leadership position will oversee the culinary program with a major focus on the highest level of creativity in catering and will oversee the award‑winning Park Grill restaurant. Our Culinary mission will combine art and dining, presenting a locally sourced and inspired cuisine with high standards of sustainability

Job Summary

Working as the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations while maintaining a safe and sanitary work environment for the staff. You will prepare or direct the preparation of meals in accordance with corporate programs and guidelines. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, entrepreneurial Culinary professional.

Relocation allocation provided

Culinaire is a member of Compass Group USA

Associates at Culinaire are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Personal Leave

• Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines
• Have to work banquets
• Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
• Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
• Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
• Maintains inventory of food and non‑food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
• Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products
• Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third‑party audits
• Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting
• Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate

Key Responsibilities:

• A.S. or equivalent experience
• Minimum of three to five years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
• Luxury Hotel and/or fine dining exp
• High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
• Institutional and batch cooking experiences
• Hands‑on chef experience a must
• Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
• Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E‑mail and the Internet
• ServSafe certified - highly desirable

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Culinaire maintains a drug‑free workplace.