Executive Chef: Luxury Dining & High-Volume Events Lead

Horizon Hospitality; City of Rome (NY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Horizon Hospitality in Central New York is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to elevate its culinary program across a luxury dining venue and private events. Based in Utica and serving a growing Oneida County region, this role leads day-to-day operations for restaurant and banquet services.

You will craft upscale menus, manage ~100 events annually with up to 500 guests, optimize labor and food costs, mentor staff, and uphold safety standards.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience as Executive Chef or equivalent.
• Experience in upscale-casual or fine-dining concepts with high-volume banquets.
• Strong financial acumen: labor, food costs, budgets.
• Proven history of team development and staff leadership.
• ServSafe Manager certification preferred or obtainable on hire.
• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day culinary operations for restaurant and banquet venues.
• Elevate menu quality with new upscale items and seasonal specials with fully costed recipes.
• Manage ~100 events per year with guest counts up to 500.
• Set labor schedules to optimize volume and reduce overtime.
• Control purchasing, inventory, waste, and food costs; negotiate with vendors.
• Develop and mentor culinary staff; uphold safety, sanitation, and cleanliness.

Skills

Executive leadership

Financial management

Menu development

Banquet/event operations

Staff training

Food safety

Education

ServSafe Manager certification

Job description

Horizon Hospitality in Central New York is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to elevate its culinary program across a luxury dining venue and private events. Based in Utica and serving a growing Oneida County region, this role leads day-to-day operations for restaurant and banquet services.

You will craft upscale menus, manage ~100 events annually with up to 500 guests, optimize labor and food costs, mentor staff, and uphold safety standards.