Executive Chef

Executive Chef Position at Fidelity Hotel Cincinnati

Fidelity Hotel Cincinnati is seeking an opening Executive Chef to lead and assist in the launch and sales operations of a 165-key independent lifestyle hotel in Cincinnati's Central Business District. A grounded yet quietly extraordinary experience where the city's past and present meet with grace, the Hotel creates an atmosphere that feels both familiar and beautifully renewed. Shaped by heritage, intention, and the subtle elegance of border city culture, an unexpected world is revealed. The property will feature multiple food and beverage outlets and approximately 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space. As the Executive Chef, you will educate, empower, and inspire your team to grow and develop, while teaching best practices and sharing your passion for food. You will be an operational contributor to labor, inventory, and food costs, as well as a proactive problem solver – willing to recommend ideas for the overall success of the culinary team. You will be an ambassador to the brand and to each outlet and will set the tone for how each one of your associates approaches service.

What you'll do:

• Act as a strategic business and thought partner in collaboration with New Waterloo to develop and implement company goals, business plans, and budgets
• Provide leadership and management support to culinary team members while overseeing day-to-day operations
• Lead a team that continually challenges the status quo and current way of doing things to seek more efficient ways of operating in the market and executing a high-quality, consistent guest experience
• Supervise and coordinate activities of all culinary staff; instruct the team in the preparation, cooking, and presentation of menu items
• Inspire and motivate teams to maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency
• Actively manage financial goals and targets; maintain budgets and optimize expense structures
• Manage daily kitchen operations, including ingredient sourcing, inventory control, food ordering, and kitchen sanitation; ensure compliance with food safety standards and regulations
• Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure the availability of high-quality and fresh ingredients; negotiate pricing and contracts to optimize procurement
• Oversee the recruitment and training of new team members; responsible for planning, documenting, implementing, and monitoring department training programs
• Create and support a cooperative and collaborative work environment where employees work productively and develop professionally
• Oversee the weekly work schedule of all personnel, maintain appropriate databases, and review payroll records for appropriate personnel
• Plan and execute special events, coordinating menus, staffing, and logistics
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations, including proper handling and storage of food, as well as the maintenance of kitchen equipment
• Effectively manage kitchen documentation including recipes and standard operating procedures
• Quickly address any culinary-related issues or challenges, adapting to unforeseen circumstances while maintaining a calm and solution-oriented approach

Who you are:

• You have a proven track record of managing teams and executing established menus.
• You have a solutions-oriented mindset and the confidence to make fast-paced decisions.
• You believe that good hospitality is an experience, not just a transaction.
• You are a leader; you're dedicated to developing your team and creating a holistic sense of mission.
• You believe in learning and personal growth; you show up as a contributor, not a spectator.
• You're excellent with time management and can function effectively in a dynamic environment.
• You have a strong work ethic and the ability to work autonomously and with confidence.
• A plus: You have 3+ years of related experience in the culinary industry.

Benefits:

• Up to 20% annual bonus potential for all salaried associates
• Up to 3 weeks paid time off annually
• Research/culinary travel opportunities for senior staff
• 50% off discount at most New Waterloo restaurants
• Health, vision + dental benefits
• 401K matching
• Paid holidays
• Volunteer pay
• Tuition reimbursement
• Referral bonuses
• Discounts at our shops, hotels + local partnerships

About New Waterloo:

New Waterloo is a community-centric independent hospitality company based in Austin, Texas. We use our platform to intentionally empower and get behind the choices of our people and communities - creating environments that sustain lasting social impact. Our team of hospitality experts provides the resources, talent, passion, and collaboration necessary to foster thoughtful places and thriving businesses.

New Waterloo is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis until a candidate is selected for this role.