Executive Chef

Puttshack; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental/Vision

401(k)

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid PTO

Employee discounts

Pet Insurance

FSA

Parental leave

Job summary

Puttshack USA in St. Louis is seeking an Executive Chef to lead our fast-paced, scratch-kitchen operations, delivering high-quality guest experiences and profitable results.

You will manage culinary team, control costs, uphold safety standards, and collaborate with operations to execute seasonal menus and private events. This role requires strong leadership, 5+ years in culinary management and a passion for hospitality and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as culinary manager in full-service venues.
• Experience in high-volume food and beverage operations.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Financial acumen and menu/process optimization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and labor costs.
• Manage food cost, inventory, and ordering.
• Ensure quality control and food safety standards.
• Lead menu rollouts and kitchen initiatives.
• Coordinate with front of house for seamless service.
• Recruit, train and develop kitchen staff.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team management

Cost control

Food safety

Excellent communication

Tech savvy

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Founded in 2018 by industry pros, Puttshack is a leading social entertainment concept, reimagining the traditional mini golf and dining experience. With its welcoming, high-energy environment, tech-infused mini golf and delicious menu packed with familiar favorites and exceptional cocktails, Puttshack is the perfect place for any gathering. Rooted in innovation and built for connection, our goal is to bring a sense of belonging to our associates and guests alike.

Working At Puttshack

At Puttshack, we take fun to the next level. With over 20 venues globally and counting, we’re a fast-growing team of talented, hands‑on go‑getters who take pride in the work we do - and have a blast doing it. If you’re a mover and shaker who sets the bar high and loves the thrill of building something amazing, you’ll fit right in. We’re always on the lookout for the best people to join our growth journey. If you’re inspired by new ideas and love bringing them to life, then we have the perfect canvas for you!

Position Summary

Reporting into the Director of Operations, The Executive Chef is responsible for managing all aspects of culinary operations in a fast‑paced, high‑volume scratch kitchen, driving the culinary execution of our uniquely inspired menu. From preparation and execution of the menu to assurance of guest satisfaction, the Executive Chef will oversee and coordinate the kitchen team to provide excellent operations in all facets of the business: hospitality, food quality, staff management, environment, and profitability.

Operational Leadership

Position Responsibilities may include, but not limited to:

• Manage day‑to‑day operations by following food quality standards, solving cost and inventory issues, and effectively managing labor.
• Responsible for managing food cost, inventory and ordering of food and kitchen; accountable to all cost, labor, and expense goals as outlined in venue’s operating budget.
• Uphold all policies and procedures focused on product quality: daily line checks, prep and par level control, regular food audits, and 100% commitment to safe and sanitary operations.
• Lead menu and system rollouts and kitchen initiatives.
• Execute planned corporate menus, including seasonal menu changes and private event menus
• Ensure collaboration between kitchen and front of house operations to ensure seamless service
• Other duties as assigned

Team Development And Management

• Responsible for recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding and successful training of all kitchen associates.
• Focus on team member/associate development and cross training to ensure maximum operational efficiency and career growth.
• Conducts/leads pre‑shift meetings to provide daily focus and provide continuous coaching and direction to hourly staff
• Introduce and manage the implementation of kitchen training materials to the team.

Guest Experience

• Champion the Puttshack brand by ensuring a consistent and exceptional guest experience

Compliance And Safety

• Maintain a safe, secure and healthy work environment and food safety
• Focus on and maintenance of excellent kitchen facilities: equipment cleanliness and preventative maintenance, timely repair and resolution of any facilities related issues, and staff education on all kitchen facilities maintenance and cleanliness responsibilities.
• Ensure proper safety protocols to minimize risk and ensure a safe environment for guests and associates.

Required Skills And Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a culinary manager in a full-service restaurant; experience within a high-volume food & beverage, hospitality, and/or social entertainment venue
• Be collaborative, using a team approach to creating an equitable workplace environment and have respectful working relationship
• Results driven; ability to lead/coach team to achieve business objectives/goals
• Strong communication skills with the ability to resolve conflict and provide direction to your teams
• Demonstrates financial acumen, strong understanding of culinary operations & safety
• Tech savvy and willingness to learn new systems and tools
• Flexible availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
• This position must pass a post‑offer background check

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Culinary Degree preferred

Physical Requirements

• Physical activities on a continuous basis for up to 10 hours, including standing, walking, bending, sitting, and occasional lifting up to 40 lbs. may be required.
• The venue may include slick surfaces, stairs, narrow spaces, and navigating complex areas.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate to high.
• Temperatures may vary, including hot and cold environments
• Frequent use of hands to do repetitive motions, such as chopping, stirring, cleaning, etc.
• Occasional use of telephone/video conferencing, and usage of a computer and keyboard to communicate through written means.
• The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and responsibilities.

Benefits

We have a guest service mindset and treat our associates the same way, offering our full‑time, eligible associates:

• Health/dental/vision coverage options
• 401(k) matching
• Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary short term and long term Disability Insurance
• Generous PTO, including paid parental leave
• Associate discounts (FREE mini golf!)
• Pet Insurance
• Flex Spending Accounts
• …and more!

Puttshack USA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.