Executive Chef

Harper Associates; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Work-life balance

Leadership opportunity

Job summary

Harper Associates is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation at a prestigious Michigan golf club. The role focuses on hands-on leadership, menu development, and delivering exceptional dining experiences for members and events.

You will manage daily dining, golf outings, banquets, and outdoor BBQs while driving high-quality, cost-conscious operations. Collaboration with F&B leadership and a talented culinary team is essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or Chef de Cuisine in a high-volume operation.
• A creative culinary mindset with passion for developing menus and fresh concepts.
• Experience managing multiple outlets, banquets, catering, or events.
• Strong leadership to develop and inspire a culinary team.
• Excellent menu planning, food presentation, and execution skills.
• Solid understanding of food costs, labor, purchasing, and inventory control.
• Ability to balance daily service with large outings and events.
• Passion for hospitality, quality, and memorable dining experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead Culinary Operations: Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring quality and service.
• Create Innovative Menus: Develop new menus and seasonal offerings.
• Manage High-Volume Dining: Deliver great dining during peak periods.
• Execute Golf Outings & Events: Plan menus for tournaments and member events.
• Oversee Banquets & Catering: Create memorable private events.
• Bring BBQs to Life: Develop seasonal outdoor BBQs and casual dining.
• Develop Your Team: Recruit, train, and mentor the culinary staff.
• Manage Food Costs: Oversee purchasing, inventory, and labor costs.
• Maintain High Standards: Ensure food safety and kitchen standards.
• Collaborate with Club Leadership: Work with F&B to enhance dining program.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

High-volume dining

Team development

Food safety

Cost control

Job description

Competitive Salary | Excellent Benefits | Work-Life Balance

Are you a passionate, creative culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys developing exciting menus and memorable dining experiences? We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary operation at a golf club with a diverse food and beverage program.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on culinary professional who enjoys the variety of daily dining, golf outings, outdoor BBQs, and upscale banquets. We're looking for someone who brings fresh ideas to the table, takes pride in menu development, and can balance culinary creativity with high-volume execution.

What You'll Do

• Lead Culinary Operations: Oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring consistent food quality, presentation, and exceptional service.
• Create Innovative Menus: Develop new menus, introduce seasonal offerings, and bring fresh culinary ideas to daily dining, special events, and member experiences.
• Manage High-Volume Dining: Deliver outstanding culinary experiences for daily club dining while maintaining efficiency and quality during peak periods.
• Execute Golf Outings & Events: Plan and execute menus for golf tournaments, outings, member events, and special functions.
• Oversee Banquets & Catering: Create memorable dining experiences for private events, banquets, and club celebrations.
• Bring BBQs to Life: Develop creative menus and execute seasonal outdoor BBQs and casual dining experiences.
• Develop Your Team: Recruit, train, mentor, and motivate a talented culinary team.
• Manage Food Costs: Oversee purchasing, inventory, portion control, and labor costs while maintaining quality and profitability.
• Maintain High Standards: Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and kitchen operating standards.
• Collaborate with Club Leadership: Work closely with the food and beverage team to develop new concepts, enhance the dining program, and improve the overall member and guest experience.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or Chef de Cuisine in a high-volume operation.
• A creative culinary mindset with a passion for developing new menus, introducing fresh concepts, and keeping offerings exciting and relevant.
• Experience managing multiple food service outlets, banquets, catering, or special events.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop and inspire a culinary team.
• Excellent menu planning, food presentation, and execution skills.
• A solid understanding of food costs, labor management, purchasing, and inventory control.
• The ability to balance daily service with the demands of large outings and special events.
• A passion for hospitality, quality, and creating memorable dining experiences.

Private club, golf club, country club, hotel, or upscale banquet experience is a plus.

What's in It for You?

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Good health insurance benefits.
• Work-life balance in a professional club environment.
• An opportunity to lead a diverse culinary operation with plenty of variety.
• The creative freedom to develop new menus, introduce seasonal specialties, and shape the club's culinary identity.
• A leadership role where you can make a meaningful impact on the member and guest experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

About Harper Associates

Harper Associates, founded in 1968, is Michigan's longest-running hospitality recruitment agency. We partner with hospitality companies, including hotels, restaurants, country clubs, and food service companies, to match talented individuals with open opportunities.