Executive Chef

Job description

An Executive Chef will build a reputation for the hotel by maintaining a talented and creative kitchen brigade, offering an innovation menu, and promising an exceptional culinary experience.

What will I be doing?

As Executive Chef, you are fully responsible for developing the reputation of the hotel through the production of excellent quality food throughout the hotel, and the development of a high quality kitchen brigade. An Executive Chef will oversee the operational management of the kitchen and Team Members. Specifically, an Executive Chef will perform the following tasks to the highest standards:

·  Lead of the kitchen brigade and ensure ongoing development of Team Members
·  Identify an effective approach to succession planning
·  Create menus that meet and exceed customers' needs and conform to brand standards
·  Ensure the consistent production of high quality food through all hotel food outlets
·  Develop positive customer relations through proactive interaction with Guests, Team Members, contractors, and suppliers
·  Resolve, promptly and completely, any issues that may arise in the kitchen or related areas among Guests and Team Members
·  Manage department operations, including budgeting, forecasting, resource planning, and waste management
·  Manage all aspects of the kitchen including operational, quality and administrative functions
·  Actively seek verbal feedback from customers on a regular basis and respond to all guest queries in a timely and efficient manner
·  Ensuring adequate resources are available according to business needs
·  Manage the provision of food to Food and Beverage outlets and taking action where necessary to ensure compliance with current legislation
·  Control costs without compromising standards, improving gross profit margins and other departmental and financial targets
·  Ensure team members have an up-to-date knowledge of menu items, special promotions, functions and events
·  Maintain good communication and work relationships in all hotel areas
·  Ensure that staffing levels are maintained to cover business demands
·  Ensure monthly communication meetings are conducted and post-meeting minutes generated
·  Manage staff performance issues in compliance with company policies and procedures
·  Recruit, manage, train and develop the kitchen team
·  Comply with hotel security, fire regulations and all health and safety and food safety legislation
·  Ensure maintenance, hygiene and hazard issues are dealt with in a timely manner
·  Manage financial performance of the department so all planning is in line with hotel objectives
·  Manage food control systems are adhered to them  so margins are on target in a pro-active way
·  Regular review of all menus with Food and Beverage manager to confirm offerings are in line with market trends
·  Be environmentally aware
·  Ensure food wastage program is adhered to so that margins are on target
·  Responsible for ensuring that the monthly working schedules are made and maintained in accordance with local legislation

What are we looking for?

An Executive Chef serving Hilton brands is always working on behalf of our Guests and working with other Team Members. To successfully fill this role, you should maintain the attitude, behaviours, skills, and values that follow:

·  Previous, relevant experience as an Executive Chef or a high-performing Sous Chef in a first class property, required
·  Excellent leadership skills
·  A creative approach to the production of high quality food
·  A business focused approach to managing a hotel kitchen
·  Excellent communication skills
·  Ability to build relationships, internal and external, to the hotel and the Company
·  Excellent planning and organizational skills
·  Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
·  A current, valid, and relevant trade qualification (proof may be required)

It would be advantageous in this position for you to demonstrate the following capabilities and distinctions:

·  A certification in management
·  Proficiency with computers and computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook

 Leaders involved in the pre-opening of a hotel need a mix of technical expertise, operational know-how, strategic thinking, and leadership skills to ensure the property launches successfully. Here are the key required skills:

 

1. Project Management

• Ability to manage timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.

• Overseeing pre-opening activities like construction, procurement, and vendor coordination.

• Ensuring compliance with deadlines and regulatory requirements.

 

2. Strategic Planning

• Developing and implementing a detailed pre-opening roadmap.

• Setting priorities, identifying critical tasks, and anticipating potential challenges.

• Creating operational workflows and systems before the opening.

 

3. Operational Expertise

• Understanding all hotel departments, including housekeeping, front office, food & beverage, and engineering.

• Ensuring operational readiness and team training before opening day.

• Coordinating with various stakeholders to meet brand standards.

 

4. Team Leadership and Development

• Hiring, onboarding, and training staff for various departments.

• Inspiring and motivating the pre-opening team to stay focused and aligned with goals.

• Promoting collaboration and addressing staff concerns during high-pressure times.

 

5. Budgeting and Financial Management

• Managing pre-opening budgets for staffing, marketing, and procurement.

• Analyzing forecasts to ensure the hotel’s financial health post-opening.

• Negotiating vendor contracts and overseeing cost control.

 

6. Brand Knowledge and Standards Implementation

• Deep understanding of the hotel’s brand standards and values.

• Ensuring consistency in design, service, and operational practices.

• Implementing quality assurance processes aligned with the brand.

 

7. Crisis Management and Problem-Solving

• Quickly addressing unexpected challenges during construction, staffing, or equipment setup.

• Maintaining calm and finding solutions under tight deadlines.

• Managing risks and ensuring safety compliance.

 

8. Attention to Detail

• Overseeing the final stages of construction, design, and furnishing to ensure perfection.

• Ensuring operational processes and service standards are fully ready for the opening.

 

9. Communication and Stakeholder Management

• Keeping all stakeholders, including owners, investors, and the management company, updated on progress.

• Maintaining transparent communication with the team and external partners.

• Acting as the face of the project during pre-opening press and community events.

 

10. Adaptability and Resilience

• Flexibility to adapt plans when unforeseen challenges arise.

• Maintaining focus under high-pressure and fast-paced conditions.

• Balancing long-term goals with immediate pre-opening demands.

 

Successful leaders in hotel pre-openings must also possess a customer-centric mindset, ensuring the guest experience is the primary focus from day one.

 

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its  global brands .  Our vision “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality” unites us as a team to create remarkable hospitality experiences around the world every day.  And, our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all!