Executive Chef | Lead Fine-Dining Lounge for Travelers

Compass Group USA; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Job summary

FLIK Hospitality Group, a division of Compass Group USA, seeks an Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at the American Express Centurion Lounge at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). This high-profile role calls for strategic and hands-on leadership to deliver exceptional cuisine and hospitality for travelers.

You will drive menu development, guest experience, and financial performance while developing a high-performing team within a premium lounge environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive culinary leadership roles (Executive Chef, Exec Sous Chef, Chef de Cuisine).
• Strong background in fine dining, luxury hospitality, premium lounges, upscale hotels, private clubs, resorts, or high-end catering.
• Proven success leading culinary teams in high-volume, quality-focused environments.
• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, menu development, food trends, sourcing, and elevated presentation.
• Strong financial acumen including food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, freshness, and presentation.
• Oversee food production, preparation, menu execution, and overall kitchen performance.
• Drive culinary innovation through seasonal menus, creative offerings, and elevated guest experiences.
• Recruit, train, coach, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
• Foster a culture of hospitality, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Manage food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, forecasting, and waste reduction.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and workplace safety.
• Provide visible, hands-on leadership during service and peak business periods.
• Partner with lounge leadership, corporate culinary teams, and client stakeholders to drive operational excellence and guest satisfaction.
• Support VIP experiences, special events, and other culinary initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary excellence

Menu development

Food safety

Cost management

Team development

Communication

Education

Culinary Arts degree

Hospitality degree (preferred)

Tools

Inventory systems

Food cost software

Job description

FLIK Hospitality Group, a division of Compass Group USA, seeks an Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at the American Express Centurion Lounge at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). This high-profile role calls for strategic and hands-on leadership to deliver exceptional cuisine and hospitality for travelers.

You will drive menu development, guest experience, and financial performance while developing a high-performing team within a premium lounge environment.