Executive Chef

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to oversee culinary operations at Fallingwater. The ideal candidate will develop unique menus, manage staff, ensure sustainable practices, and deliver high-quality dining experiences to visitors. This full-time role includes a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Paid time off

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plans with employer match

Qualifications

• Must have prior supervisory experience and work in high-volume settings.
• Knowledge of organic food standards and sustainable practices is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develops menus inspired by regional culinary heritage.
• Oversees café and dining operations and ensures quality food service.
• Manages kitchen staff, inventory control, and sustainability practices.

Skills

Menu Planning

Culinary Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Advanced education in food preparation or culinary arts

Job description

Fallingwater, a property entrusted to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and designated as a National Historic Landmark and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional as its new Executive Chef. As an iconic museum destination with an international audience, Fallingwater offers its visitors an unparalleled experience and upholds the highest industry standards in customer service and hospitality. Fallingwater’s Executive Chef plays a key role for the site by overseeing the café operation at the Fallingwater Visitor Center, fine dining for specialty tours, and menu and food preparation for fundraising events. Located in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, Fallingwater takes great pride in the rich heritage of Appalachia and encourages the Executive Chef to take inspiration from the region’s culinary history to create elevated and seasonal offerings that are contemporary yet authentic. Our organization strives to operate as sustainably as possible, and Fallingwater has achieved Green Restaurant Association and Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant certifications by minimizing waste, reducing water and energy consumption, and using the best organic ingredients from local farms and regional purveyors. Additionally, the organization’s Farmland Access Program provides unique collaborative opportunities for regional sourcing and food sustainability.

Job Duties

• Develops unique and cuisine-appropriate menus for the Fallingwater Café and special events and takes inspiration from the culinary heritage of this region of Appalachia.
• Demonstrates an ability to provide high-quality offerings to a diverse range of audiences across programs. Delivers popular, affordable options for the general public at the Fallingwater Café as well as high-concept, elevated fine dining for fundraising events.
• Stays current on development trends in the restaurant industry, particularly as they relate to organic food standards and sustainability.
• Maintains Green Restaurant Association and Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant certifications and works to continually enhance sustainability of all operations.
• Monitors inventory and purchases supplies and food from approved vendors, with a focus on local and regional sources.
• Explores partnerships with local farms and purveyors as well as the Conservancy’s Farmland Access Program to meet food sustainability goals.
• Oversees inventory control and prepares year-end inventory analysis.
• Maintains kitchen building, café cook area and surroundings in conditions that meet the highest standards and health code regulations.
• Hires, trains, and supervises kitchen and café staff, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism, hospitality, customer service, and quality.
• Directs and trains kitchen and café staff in meal preparation, plating and service, providing prep support as needed.
• Prepares meals for special events and fundraising dinners.
• Oversees the wine and beverage program, working with Security to maintain inventories for all alcoholic beverages.
• Carries out management responsibilities in accordance with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s policies, programs and These responsibilities include the development and administration of budgetary information; recommending and/or approving staff changes or actions; ensuring appropriate training and staff development; providing advice and guidance on the more complex aspects of the job; and resolving complaints or related divisional issues.
• Ensures that cash control measures in all food service operations are followed.
• Supports the Conservancy’s cost containment and fundraising efforts and needs, as applicable.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• Advanced education in food preparation, culinary arts or equivalent experience is required.
• Prior experience working for high volume in an arts/culture, resort, hotel, catering or comparable setting is required.
• Prior supervisory experience is required. Must have the ability to plan work schedules and assign duties; ability to provide or arrange for training; ability to supervisor employees.
• High level of skill and abilities in planning and preparing a variety of menus/recipes.
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment and services necessary to run an efficient kitchen.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work well with managers and staff is essential.

Physical Requirements

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to regularly reach with hands and arms and talk or hear while performing job duties.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while prepping food; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and climb or balance.
• Ability to stand for extended periods throughout the work day, as well as stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work in an environment with moderate to high noise level.
• Ability to work in an environment with exposure to fumes and vibrations.
• Ability to drive a motor vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of catering for special events preferred.
• Knowledge of organic food standards and sustainable restaurant operations preferred.
• Ability to deal with suppliers and vendors.

This is a full-time opportunity which includes a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits: We offer a robust and competitive benefits package which includes paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance/AD&D, short-term disability, long-term disability, 403(a) and 403(b) retirement plans including generous employer match, EAP, and more!

Pay

$63,900-$76,600 per year

Application Process

Please send a cover letter, resume, salary expectations, and referral source to [e-mail] and list “Executive Chef” in the subject line.

Application Deadline

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age.