Executive Chef

Horizon Hospitality Associates, Inc; Town of Wausau (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 5% company match

Paid Time Off

Relocation Assistance

Performance Bonus up to $10,000

Job summary

Horizon Hospitality Associates, Inc. is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead our kitchen operations at a high-volume entertainment venue and restaurant near Wausau, Wisconsin.

This role focuses on delivering consistent food quality while managing labor and food costs within a 35–40 hour workweek. The successful candidate will mentor a collaborative kitchen team, uphold strict sanitation standards, and drive operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Executive Chef or Head Chef in a high-volume restaurant.
• Strong cleanliness and sanitation standards.
• Calm, composed leadership under peak hours.
• Understanding of food and labor cost metrics.
• Willingness to work alongside staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations for a high-volume restaurant.
• Maintain cleanliness, food safety, and sanitation.
• Manage labor and food costs to hit 35–37% targets.
• Lead, mentor, and foster a collaborative kitchen team.
• Ensure consistent food quality and kitchen execution.

Skills

Leadership

Food cost management

Labor cost management

Kitchen sanitation

Team leadership

High-volume restaurant

Job description

A family-owned entertainment venue and restaurant in central Wisconsin is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead its kitchen operations. Situated near Wausau, this high-volume venue combines a casual bar/restaurant setting with a gaming experience. Operating in an area known for a low cost of living, excellent safety, and strong quality of life, this role offers exceptional work-life balance with standard kitchen hours averaging around 35 to 40 hours per week and earlier closing times than typical industry standards.

Position Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily kitchen and culinary operations for a high-volume restaurant generating over $1 million in annual food sales.
• Maintain rigorous standards of cleanliness, food safety, and kitchen sanitation across all prep and line areas.
• Manage kitchen labor and food costs to achieve target operational thresholds between 35% and 37%.
• Lead, mentor, and foster a collaborative kitchen team by demonstrating a strong lead-by-example work ethic.
• Ensure consistent food quality, operational efficiency, and kitchen execution.

Position Requirements

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Head Chef in a high-volume hospitality or restaurant environment.
• High standards for kitchen cleanliness and sanitation.
• Calm, composed demeanor and effective leadership under peak operational pressure.
• Solid understanding of kitchen financial metrics, specifically managing food and labor costs.
• Team-oriented mindset with a willingness to work alongside kitchen staff in daily duties.
• Performance Bonus: Up to $10,000 annually based on achieving food and labor cost targets between 35%–37%
• Retirement: 401(k) with a 5% company match
• Paid Time Off: Accrued hourly (negotiable based on experience)
• Relocation Assistance: Negotiable for out-of-area candidates
• Schedule: 35–40 hours per week with early closing hours promoting healthy work-life balance