Executive Chef

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States of America Job Description Posted Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 4:00 AM | Expires Monday, August 17, 2026 at 3:59 AM Executive Chef Who are we For more than 50 years, SSA has partnered with cultural attractions to design the hospitality experience journey, freeing our partners to remain mission-focused. We bring together admissions, culinary, and retail with innovation and human connection to shape a seamless guest journey. Our focus is on people, innovation, and operational intelligence as a means to create special moments with lasting impact. We call it 452 Hospitality, the foundation of how we serve our partners and their communities. Position Title Executive Chef Reports to General Manager Responsibilities Interview, hire, evaluate, reward, and progressively coach kitchen personnel as appropriate. Develop culinary training programs for food production employees and serve as a culinary resource to promote quality food services. Ensure SSAfety training(s) completed with all staff upon hire. Train kitchen personnel in safe operating procedures of all equipment, utensils, and machinery, as well as food production principles and practices. Assist General Manager with accurate forecast of weekly and monthly sales as necessary. Direct and coordinate the work of production and dish room staff. Maintains a close relationship with the client’s staff to insure a positive working relationship. Manage employees in accordance with State and Federal labor laws. Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment. Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures. Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client. Supervise period end inventory for all food and beverage areas. Direct and participate in the daily preparation of standard and gourmet food items. Supervise and participate in the preparation and display of menu items for special functions Monitor and track proper cooking and holding temperatures. Establish maintenance schedules in conjunction with manufacturer's instructions for all equipment, provides safety training in lifting, carrying, hazardous material control, chemical control, and basic first aid. Facilitate the maintenance and repairs of facility and equipment. Ensure overall consistency and high quality across the various operations; plan menus based on such factors as market trends, customer preferences and nutritional considerations; design recipes, determine appropriate ingredients and specify individual serving portion for each recipe. Inspect all locations to observe quality of food preparation and service; food appearance; and cleanliness and sanitation of production and service areas, equipment and employee appearance. Place all food product orders and assist with shipping, receiving, and distribution, and maintain communication with vendors. Evaluate the quality of raw food and ensure the quality of the finished products. Implement and enforce sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness, and maintenance of kitchen and/or dining areas. Comply with all food safety regulations and practices. Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations. Process invoices to office team ensuring smooth communication so that all vendors are paid within terms. Manage all operational functions of the Culinary aspects within the Unit’s operation. Control food cost within HQ purchasing specifications, storeroom requisition systems, product storage requirements, standardization recipes and waste control procedures. Prepare operational reports and analyses setting forth progress, trends and make appropriate recommendations. Analyze sales and inventory to maximize opportunities. Manage payroll and controllable profit within established guidelines. Meet payroll budget percent expectations by being strategic with coverage, on-call shifts, etc. Schedule appropriate staff levels in accordance with budget and business forecast. Set precedent to achieve Sales, Per Cap & Controllable Budget. Incorporate sustainable resources into the culinary selections. Promote an inclusive & supportive approach at the Unit. Supports unit in being an example for Company & Client guidelines with regard to Sustainability/Conservation efforts. Displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary. Supports SSA / Unit in driving community effort through hiring efforts, engagement activities, and focus on opportunities of giving back. Perform other tasks as deemed necessary. Job Requirements Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, Resident Area General Manager and HQ personnel. Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships. Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized. Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills. Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment. Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions. Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above. Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed. IDEA + Belonging Promote an inclusive & supportive approach within the Brand team, with networking continuing at all units. Focuses on removing barriers and empowering growth and opportunity for team members at all levels. Leads by example through Sustainability/Conservation efforts; displays knowledge of efforts in business application as well as giving adequate opportunity for teaching to unit staff as necessary. Engages with SSA/Unit in driving community effort through engagement activities and focus. On opportunities of giving back. Previous Experience Five years Chef experience in high volume restaurant, country club, catering or cultural attraction venue Culinary Arts Degree ServSafe Certified Knowledge of HAACP This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description. SSA Group reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks are performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments) SSA Group, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and equal opportunity through our commitment to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Compensation and Benefits Full-Time, Exempt $75 monthly cell phone stipend FlexTime Off: no accruals; employees are encouraged to schedule time off as needed within business scope. Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and other voluntary benefits for you and your family; employee premiums applicable. Participation in a 401(k) program with a 15% company match (must be 21 years or older, eligible after one year of employment with 1,000 hours worked, available to enroll during Open Enrollment Periods). Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability, employer sponsored; scaled salary pay following submission and approval of leave. Parental Leave: Birthing Parent Plan covers up to (6-8) weeks fully paid leave, based on the birthing event. SSA Paid Benefit: Up to 120 hours Paid Leave for qualifying reasons, including Parental Bonding and your family’s serious medical conditions. Up to 5 days Paid Bereavement Leave. On-Demand Pay Program: Get access to a portion of earned wages before payday. Meal Plan & Employee Discounts where applicable. Paid sick leave is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Accrual rates, caps, and usage rules vary by location. Locations include: Arizona, California, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.. Colorado: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year, under the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (HFWA). Maryland: Employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick and safe leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year, as required under the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Washington: Employees accrue 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, in accordance with the Seattle Paid Sick and Safe Time. SSA Holdings and its affiliated companies, including SSA Group, A&F Souvenir, Cinchio Solutions, and Behavioral Essentials, are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. A diverse team strengthens our collective impact. All California Residents: By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the SSA Group California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Candidate and Employee Privacy Notice ("Notice"). San Francisco Residents: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Please see the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document for more information. By submitting your job application, you agree you have reviewed the "Fair Chance Ordinance - Know Your Rights" document. #J-18808-Ljbffr SSA Group