Executive Chef | High-Volume Dining Operations

Confidential Recruiting Partners; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Tuition Assistance

Medical, Dental, and Vision

Retirement Savings Program

Continuing Education Programs

Career advancement and professional de

Job summary

Confidential Recruiting Partners partners with a high-volume dining operation to recruit an Executive Chef who will lead culinary operations, menu development, food quality, safety compliance, purchasing, and team development. The role requires strong culinary expertise and proven leadership to deliver an outstanding dining experience.

The successful candidate will drive cost controls, staff mentorship, and continuous improvement across all service periods.

Qualifications

• ServSafe or equivalent food safety certification preferred.
• Experience leading culinary teams in high-volume operations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage inventory, purchasing, and cost controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily culinary and kitchen operations.
• Develop creative, high-quality menus aligned with customer preferences.
• Monitor food quality, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Manage purchasing, inventory, and food cost controls.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Menu development

Food safety

HACCP knowledge

Education

Culinary degree (AA/BA)

Job description

Our client is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead culinary operations within a high-volume dining environment. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, menu development, food quality, food safety compliance, purchasing activities, and team development while delivering an outstanding dining experience.

The successful candidate will combine strong culinary expertise with proven leadership skills and a commitment to operational excellence.

Onsite | No Visa Sponsorship | No Relocation Assistance

Responsibilities:

• Manage inventory, purchasing, and food cost controls.


• Lead and oversee daily culinary and kitchen operations.


• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop culinary team members.


• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.


• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver an exceptional dining experience.


• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional development.


• Maintain consistency in food quality, presentation, and service standards.


• Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.


• Implement and maintain standardized operating procedures that improve efficiency and consistency.


• Develop and execute creative, high-quality menus that align with customer preferences and nutritional considerations.

Qualifications (Must-Haves)

• ServSafe Certification is required.


• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced operational environment.


• 1-3 years of experience managing and developing kitchen staff.


• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.


• Experience with purchasing, inventory control, and cost management.


• Strong background in menu planning, food production, and kitchen management.


• Working knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety compliance requirements.


• 1-3 years of experience leading culinary operations within a high-volume foodservice environment.


• Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, culinary education, or equivalent combination of experience and training.

Preferred Skills:

• Demonstrated success mentoring and developing culinary teams.


• Experience implementing operational improvements and standardized culinary processes.


• Experience managing multiple foodservice priorities while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.


• Experience within higher education dining, healthcare foodservice, corporate dining, hospitality, contract foodservice, catering, or other large-scale dining operations.

Benefits & Perks:

• Paid Time Off


• Paid Holidays


• Tuition Assistance


• Medical, Dental, and Vision


• Retirement Savings Program


• Continuing Education Programs


• Career advancement and professional development opportunities