Executive Chef (relocation paid)

Job Description

Job Description

Executive Chef – Signature Hotel Premier Restaurant

Schedule: Must be available to work weekends

$80-90K plus great bonus opportunity

About the Opportunity

A signature hotel in Grand Rapids is seeking an experienced and accomplished Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations of its premier fine-dining restaurant. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on culinary leader with a passion for modern Spanish cuisine, exceptional food quality, innovative menu development, and outstanding guest experiences

The Executive Chef will serve as the senior culinary leader for the restaurant, overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, including culinary production, menu development, purchasing, inventory, cost control, staffing, training, vendor relationships, and food safety.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in modern Spanish cuisine , fine dining, and brunch service, along with the leadership skills necessary to build and develop a high-performing culinary team.

What You'll Do

* Lead all daily culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, consistency, and guest satisfaction.

* Develop and implement seasonal and quarterly menus featuring modern Spanish cuisine and high-quality indigenous ingredients.

* Oversee food preparation, production, presentation, and execution of all menu items.

* Lead, hire, train, coach, schedule, and develop chefs, cooks, stewards, and other back-of-house team members.

* Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, creativity, open communication, and professional development.

* Partner closely with the Restaurant General Manager, Hotel Executive Chef, Food & Beverage leadership, and front-of-house team.

* Manage food and labor costs while maintaining high culinary and service standards.

* Oversee purchasing, inventory, ordering, vendor relationships, and product quality.

* Negotiate with vendors and evaluate new products that can improve quality, efficiency, and profitability.

* Maintain accurate recipes, menu specifications, production forecasts, prep sheets, waste records, and inventories.

* Coordinate culinary operations for private dining, events, meetings, and special functions.

* Conduct menu tastings for development, training, client approval, and quality control.

* Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, health, fire, and regulatory standards.

* Monitor equipment and facility needs and support preventative maintenance initiatives.

* Maintain strong relationships throughout the hotel and actively contribute to the overall guest experience.

* Monitor team performance, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and recognize team members for strong performance.

* Maintain a visible presence in both the kitchen and restaurant to ensure operational excellence and guest satisfaction.

What We're Looking For

* 5+ years of culinary supervisory experience in a high-volume, full-service, fine-dining restaurant.

* Strong, demonstrated expertise in modern Spanish cuisine

* Previous Executive Chef experience preferred

* Experience with fine dining and brunch service

* Demonstrated proficiency in a wide range of culinary techniques.

* Proven ability to lead, train, coach, and develop a culinary team.

* Strong understanding of food cost, labor cost, inventory, purchasing, and kitchen financial controls.

* Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

* Strong commitment to food quality, sanitation, safety, and guest satisfaction.

* ServSafe certification required.

* High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Physical Requirements

This is an active, hands-on culinary leadership position.

The Executive Chef must be able to:

* Stand and walk for an 8+ hour shift.

* Frequently use hands and arms for food preparation and kitchen operations.

* Taste and smell food products to ensure quality and consistency.

* Occasionally sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

* Routinely lift or push up to 10 pounds.

* Occasionally lift and/or move **50+ pounds**.

* Work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment.

What You'll Receive

This full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

* Medical, dental, and vision insurance

* 401(k)

* Paid vacation

* Employee meals

* Discounted downtown parking

* Hotel and restaurant discounts

* Additional employee benefits and perks

This is an opportunity to join a signature hotel and destination dining operation where culinary excellence, hospitality, teamwork, and career growth are valued. If you're an accomplished Executive Chef with a passion for modern Spanish cuisine and the leadership skills to elevate a high-profile restaurant, we'd love to hear from you.

EOE