Executive Chef

Are you an accomplished culinary leader ready to bring your expertise to one of the most dynamic dining environments in the country? We are looking for an Executive Chef to own the culinary program across one or multiple airport restaurant locations, setting the standard for food quality, kitchen performance, and team excellence. As an Executive Chef, you will lead all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu development and food production to staff management and financial performance. You will be the driving force behind an exceptional guest experience, ensuring every plate that leaves your kitchen reflects our commitment to quality. What You’ll Do: Lead and Develop Your Team: Recruit, hire, train, and develop kitchen staff at all levels. Create succession plans, conduct performance reviews, and build a team culture focused on culinary excellence and accountability. Drive Culinary Standards: Maintain and exceed all brand and SSP food quality and plating specifications. Collaborate with fellow brand chefs on menu development and continuously improve execution across your location(s). Manage Financial Performance: Monitor budgets, control labor and food costs, and analyze sales reports to maximize profitability. Manage inventory, purchasing, receiving, and payroll with precision. Uphold Safety and Sanitation: Inspect food and food preparation processes to meet the highest quality and sanitation standards. Enforce HACCP, OSHA, and all applicable health regulations across your kitchen. Deliver Outstanding Guest Experiences: Set the tone for guest-first kitchen operations across fast food and full-service environments, resolving quality issues swiftly and maintaining standards that exceed guest expectations. Support Catering and Special Events: Coordinate catering activities and special functions, partnering with Catering and Marketing Managers where applicable. Qualifications: Education: Associate or Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts preferred. Experience: Minimum 5 years of Food and Beverage kitchen management experience required. Full-service and quick-service experience preferred. Leadership Skills: Proven ability to build and manage high-performing teams, navigate high-pressure environments, and make sound employment decisions independently. Culinary and Business Acumen: Strong understanding of both culinary operations and business fundamentals, including cost controls, labor management, and financial analysis. Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organization. Certifications: Food Handlers Permit and brand certifications as required by law. Work Authorization: Must be eligible to work in the United States and able to obtain TSA clearance and/or FAA background check as required for airport operations. Why Join Us: Join a company that invests in culinary talent and gives you the platform to build something meaningful. As an Executive Chef with SSP America, you will shape a culinary program that reaches guests from across the country every day. Apply now and take ownership of a kitchen that reflects your standards. SSP America is an equal opportunity employer. All decisions concerning the employment relationship will be made without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. SSP America will provide reasonable accommodations during the application and interview process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr