Executive Chef

Olympia Hospitality; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage up to 80%

401K with discretionary match

Paid group term life insurance

Short-term disability 50% shared cost

Earned wage access

PTO & paid holidays

Hotel travel discounts

Job summary

Olympia Hospitality seeks an Executive Chef to lead our culinary operation, ensuring safety and efficiency in high-volume environments. You will implement SOPs, manage inventories, and optimize product usage while maintaining guest-focused service.

This role requires strong leadership and hands-on culinary expertise in a dynamic hotel setting. The ideal candidate brings extensive kitchen management experience, a track record of cost control, and the ability to mentor a diverse team across

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of high-volume kitchen management.
• Catering/banquet experience or supervisory experience in F&B preferred.
• Culinary degree or equivalent combination of education and work.
• Serve Safe Certification and Allergy Awareness Training strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe, efficient operation of culinary and kitchen activities per company standards.
• Establish and maintain SOPs, kitchen systems, prep logs, inventories, product usage and PMIX reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

People Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving & Analytical

Judgment & Discretion

Organizational & Time Mgmt

Aptitude & Adaptability

Composure

Attention to Detail

Computer skills/Technical Aptitude

Training

Education

Culinary degree desirable or equivalent

Serve Safe Certification

Allergy Awareness Training

Tools

Kitchen equipment knowledge

Knife skills & expediter

Food cost analysis

Inventory control

Garde manger experience

Sauté, grill, broiler skills

Job description

We’re more than just a team - we’re a community dedicated to making a difference every day.

At Olympia Hospitality, we create a fun, supportive environment where growth never stops, and success is celebrated together. Guided by our values of continuous improvement, accountability, concern for others, and trust, we foster a culture of collaboration and integrity. If you’re passionate, driven, and ready to thrive, we’d love to have you on our team.

The Executive Chef oversees the safe and efficient operation for the culinary and kitchen operations in accordance with company standards. They establish and maintain standard operating procedures, kitchen systems including preparation logs, inventories, product usage and PMIX reporting.

Join a Team that Puts Your Well-Being First!

At Olympia Hospitality, we believe in supporting our employees both in and out of the workplace. When you join us, you’re not just getting a job - you’re joining a family-first organization that cares about your health and wellness, your future, and your overall satisfaction.

Here’s How We Show Our Commitment

• Health Coverage That Works for You: We contribute up to 80% toward individual health plans and offer affordable dental and vision insurance. Plus, with FSA and HSA options, you can plan for your healthcare costs your way.
• Secure Your Future: With our 401K plan and discretionary yearly match, you can build the financial future you deserve.
• Peace of Mind: We provide paid group term life insurance for select positions, 50% shared cost short-term disability, and you have the option to purchase additional employee paid life insurance.
• Time for You: Enjoy our robust PTO plan and 7 paid holidays to maintain work-life balance. Need quick access to your paycheck? Our earned wage access program has you covered!
• Additional Support: From our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to a sober support network, and our commitment to being a recovery-friendly workplace, we're here to help you thrive personally and professionally.
• Perks: Love to travel? Enjoy exclusive hotel travel discounts as a member of our team. Additional benefits may be available based on property specific locations!

We’re more than just a business—we’re a values-driven organization that believes in creating an environment where every team member can thrive. Our core values guide everything we do, from how we interact with each other to how we serve our guests and community. Join us at Olympia Hospitality and take the next step toward a fulfilling, balanced, and supported career.

Core Skills

• Leadership - ability to effectively motivate, mentor, coach & counsel others to perform well (including appropriate documentation)
• Customer Service - deliver hospitable service that is attentive, friendly, efficient, and courteous; demonstrate patience, tact, and diplomacy
• People Skills - ability to collaborate, create rapport, and work effectively with others; earn and maintain trust and respect
• Communication Skills - ability to effectively listen & communicate professionally, both verbally and in writing
• Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills - ability to identify the issue, collect and analyze information to understand the problem and effectively resolve. Identify, recommend, and implement best practices
• Judgment & Discretion - appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information
• Organizational & Time Management Skills - ability to appropriately schedule time to meet job demands, multi-task, prioritize, follow through, and work efficiently with limited supervision
• Aptitude & Adaptability - ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing priorities and business needs
• Composure - ability to maintain composure and work under pressure, managing stress to meet business demands. (Calmly handle all customer and employee interactions & issues)
• Attention to Detail - ability to follow instructions and achieve thoroughness and accuracy when accomplishing tasks
• Computer skills/ Technical Aptitude - proficiency in computer technology, i.e., e-mail, MS Word, Excel, & other hotel related systems. Utilize technology to enhance organizational efficiency
• Training - ability to share knowledge and act as a resource in teaching others to perform tasks efficiently and safely

Technical Skills

• Must have strong Culinary/cooking skills - skilled in different styles of cooking
• Food cost analysis, i.e., knowledge of food ordering, inventories, labor control
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of kitchen equipment use and operation
• Knife skills, grill, broiler, sauté and Expediter skills; garde manger experience
• Financial understanding of food costs and minimizing waste in the kitchen

Experience / Education

Minimum 2 years’ of high volume kitchen management; catering/banquet experience, management or previous supervisory experience in food and beverage operations preferred; Culinary degree desirable or equivalent combination of education and work; previous experience with employee coaching and counselling as well as documentation; experience with establishing, documenting and enforcing food safety procedures and workplace safety procedures, as well as purchasing, receiving and inventory control. Serve Safe Certification and Allergy Awareness Training strongly preferred.

Physical Demands

• Work is performed in a hotel environment; This position is physically demanding as it requires extended periods of walking, standing, bending, and lifting to 50 pounds. Moderate computer keying using both hands and viewing material on a computer screen. Requires flexible working hours including nights and weekends; Extended workdays may be required to accomplish tasks and meet workload demands during peak periods. Reasonable accommodation may be made to eligible employees to perform the essential functions.

The Olympia Companies is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to qualified applicants without regard to such characteristics as race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable law.