Luxury Hotel Executive Chef – Menu Innovator

The Watergate Hotel; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring the quality preparation and proper storage of all menu items in line with standards.

You will coordinate purchasing, develop menus, and maintain approved food and labor costs while leading a dynamic team of culinary professionals in a luxury urban resort setting along the Potomac.

Responsibilities

• Maintain complete knowledge of and ensure associate compliance with all departmental/hotel policies and procedures.
• Interview, hire, train, recommend performance evaluations, resolve problems, provide open communication and recommend discipline and/or termination when appropriate.
• Establish the day's priorities and assign production and preparation tasks for staff to execute.
• Review daily menu specials and offer feedback to Sous Chefs.
• Review banquet event orders and make note of any changes.
• Communicate both verbally and in writing to provide clear direction to staff.
• Take physical inventory of specified food items for daily inventory.
• Requisition the day’s supplies and ensure that they are received and stored correctly.
• Communicate needs with Purchasing and Storeroom personnel. Ensure quality of products received.
• Meet with the Executive Steward to review equipment needs, banquet plate up assistance, cleaning schedule/project status, health/safety and sanitation follow up.
• Ensure that staff report to work as scheduled; document any late or absent employees.
• Ensure that each kitchen work area is stocked with specified tools, supplies and equipment to meet the business demand.
• Ensure that recipe cards, production schedules, plating guides, photographs are current and posted.
• Ensure that all staff prepares menu items following recipes and yield guides, according to department standards.
• Monitor performance of staff and ensure all procedures are completed to the department standards; rectify deficiencies with respective personnel.
• Observe guest reactions and confer with service staff to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Conduct frequent walk through of each kitchen area and direct respective personnel to correct any deficiencies. Ensure that quality and details are being maintained.
• Develop new menu items, test and write recipes.
• Assist Catering department with developing special menus for functions; meet with clients as requested.
• Review sales and food cost daily; resolve any discrepancies with the Controller.
• Ensure that excess items are utilized efficiently.
• Oversee and direct training of new hires in specified phases of the kitchen operation. Maintain an on-going training program for existing staff. Reevaluate positions in the kitchen and make changes wherever necessary.
• Interview and hire new personnel according to hotel policies and standards.
• Prepare weekly work schedules for all kitchen personnel in accordance with staffing guidelines and forecasted labor costs. Adjust schedules throughout the week to meet business demands.
• Prepare daily/weekly payroll reports.
• Comply with attendance rules and be available to work on a regular basis.
• Perform any other job related duties as assigned.

Job description

The Watergate Hotel in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring the quality preparation and proper storage of all menu items in line with standards.

You will coordinate purchasing, develop menus, and maintain approved food and labor costs while leading a dynamic team of culinary professionals in a luxury urban resort setting along the Potomac.