Executive Chef

The Sam Houston Hotel; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sam Houston Hotel in downtown Houston seeks an Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations onsite. This full-time role oversees menu planning, recipe development, food preparation standards, and staff scheduling to ensure exceptional guest dining experiences.

You will manage inventory, costs, and vendor relations, collaborate with banquet and events teams, uphold food safety and sanitation, and foster a respectful, high-performing kitchen culture aligned with the hotel's renowned service.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership of diverse kitchen staff and operations.
• Experience in menu development and high-volume service.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance.
• Budgeting, inventory management, and vendor relations experience.
• Background in hotel, banquet, or high-volume restaurant settings.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate with front-of-house, events, and management teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan menus, develop recipes, and ensure consistently high-quality food.
• Lead kitchen staff scheduling, training, and performance expectations.
• Oversee inventory, ordering, and food cost controls.
• Ensure adherence to food safety and sanitation standards.
• Collaborate with hotel leadership on banquet and events menus.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food safety & sanitation

Inventory & cost control

Vendor relations

Team mentoring

Regulatory compliance

Interdepartmental collaboration

Time management

Education

Culinary degree

Food safety certifications

Job description

Company Description

The Sam Houston Hotel is a historic downtown Houston property, originally built in 1924, known for warm hospitality and personalized service. The hotel focuses on tailored guest experiences, accommodating business travelers, celebratory events, and leisure stays. Located in the heart of Downtown Houston, it offers convenient access to top city attractions and cultural venues. Team members join a close-knit hospitality environment that values service excellence and a distinctive, guest-centered approach.

Role Description

The Executive Chef is a full-time, on-site role based in Greater Houston, responsible for overseeing all culinary operations at The Sam Houston Hotel. Day-to-day tasks include menu planning, recipe development, and ensuring consistent, high-quality food preparation and presentation. The Executive Chef manages kitchen staff scheduling and training, supervises inventory and ordering, and maintains food cost controls. This role ensures compliance with food safety and sanitation standards, collaborates with hotel leadership on banquet and event menus, and supports an exceptional dining experience for guests. The Executive Chef is expected to lead by example, foster a respectful, inclusive kitchen culture, and contribute to the hotel’s overall reputation for outstanding service.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in culinary arts and kitchen operations, including menu development, food preparation, and plating.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with experience supervising and mentoring diverse kitchen staff.
• Proficiency in food safety, sanitation standards, and regulatory compliance within a commercial kitchen environment.
• Experience in budgeting, food cost control, inventory management, and vendor relations.
• Background in hotel, banquet, or high-volume restaurant settings, with a focus on guest satisfaction and service quality.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with front-of-house, events, and management teams.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training is preferred; relevant certifications in food safety are beneficial.
• Flexibility to work varied schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.