Chef Manager

Chef Manager

MRI Software | Solon, OH | Full-Time

Creative Dining Services is a hospitality and food-service management company headquartered in Zeeland, Michigan. We partner with organizations across the country, including corporate offices, K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and senior living communities. Our focus goes beyond providing meals; we create memorable dining experiences, build relationships, and bring people together through hospitality.

About the Role

As the culinary and departmental leader, you'll oversee the day-to-day dining operation while creating a positive experience for customers and delivering on the expectations of our client. This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who enjoys being actively involved in the kitchen while also leading a team, managing operational details, and building strong relationships.

You'll oversee food production, menu planning, purchasing, inventory, catering, quality standards, and employee development while ensuring the operation remains fiscally responsible, safe, and responsive to customer needs. The ideal candidate is a confident culinary professional who can balance excellent food with strong leadership, organization, and customer service.

What You'll Do

• Lead the daily dining services operation, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and consistently positive experiences.
• Oversee food production and culinary operations, including menu development, purchasing, receiving, storage, preparation, portion control, inventory, and record keeping.
• Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, service, sanitation, and overall culinary excellence.
• Lead by example as a hands-on Chef Manager, actively participating in food preparation and production as needed.
• Hire, train, schedule, coach, and develop team members to promote productivity, accountability, and a positive workplace culture.
• Manage purchasing and inventory while following company and account purchasing guidelines and maximizing the use of resources.
• Standardize menus and recipes to ensure consistency and quality, communicating with the Creative Dining Services Home Office regarding recipe and menu changes as needed.
• Plan and oversee catering services, from scheduling and pricing through preparation, delivery, and customer follow-up.
• Monitor operating budgets and participate in budget and forecasting processes, providing accurate information to support financial goals.
• Evaluate account operations and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, quality, service, and the overall dining experience.
• Respond to customer needs and market trends by identifying opportunities to enhance menus, merchandising, and service.
• Build strong relationships with customers, client contacts, employees, vendors, and the surrounding community.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient kitchen and food service environment.

What You'll Bring

Required:

• At least two years of professional chef experience.
• At least two years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Basic math skills, including the ability to calculate recipe yields, conversions, and food quantities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• A positive, team-oriented attitude and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

Preferred:

• Culinary degree or formal culinary training.
• Experience managing a food service operation or corporate dining account.
• Experience managing budgeting, inventory, purchasing, and menu planning.
• Experience with catering, food cost control, and staff development.
• Experience working directly with clients and customers in a hospitality or food-service environment.

Top Benefits

• Competitive compensation: $65,000-$75,000 annually + Bonus opportunities
• Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) Retirement with company match
• Generous PTO
• DailyPay earned wage access
• Significant discounts with partner companies
• Access to pet insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

Why Creative Dining Services?

At Creative Dining Services, we believe hospitality is about more than food, it's about creating connections and making a positive impact on the people and communities we serve. Join a team that values creativity, collaboration, and delivering exceptional experiences.