Executive Chef

Hireology; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401K plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Earned wage access

EAP & recovery-friendly workplace

Travel discounts

Job summary

Olympia Hospitality seeks an Executive Chef to lead a high-volume kitchen, ensuring safe, efficient operations and adherence to SOPs. You will manage inventories, logs, and PMIX reporting while coaching a team to deliver exceptional guest experiences. Culinary degree is desirable or equivalent experience.

The role emphasizes cost control, food safety, and staff development within a values-driven hospitality environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ of high volume kitchen management; catering/banquet experience preferred.
• Culinary degree desirable or equivalent combination of education and work.
• Experience with coaching, documentation and enforcing food safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe and efficient kitchen operations in line with company standards.
• Establish SOPs, kitchen systems, preparation logs, inventories and PMIX reporting.
• Coach and supervise staff to ensure high-quality service and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Customer Service

People Skills

Communication

Problem-Solving

Judgment

Organizational Skills

Adaptability

Attention to Detail

Tech Proficiency

Training

Education

Culinary degree desirable or equivalent

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.