Executive Chef - Quick Hire!

SSA Group is a distinguished company that partners with zoos, aquariums, museums, and various cultural attractions throughout the United States to enhance revenue opportunities by integrating dining, retail, admissions, and more. With over 50 years of industry experience, SSA Group has refined its operational practices while continuously pioneering innovative approaches. The company emphasizes pillars of sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation in transforming the cultural attraction sector. SSA Group is driven by a family-oriented philosophy, cultivating a spirit of love, dedication, and customized best practices to elevate each partner's mission and the experiences of their guests and communities. The Executive Chef position at SSA Group plays a crucial leadership role within the culinary operations of our cultural attraction venues. Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Executive Chef is responsible for managing culinary staff, developing and implementing food safety and culinary training programs, and ensuring an exceptional quality of food production and guest dining experiences. This role demands a comprehensive understanding of food preparation principles, food safety regulations including ServSafe certification and HAACP knowledge, strategic financial and inventory management, and the ability to foster an inclusive, supportive, and innovative culinary environment. As Executive Chef, you will be responsible for recruiting, hiring, coaching, and evaluating kitchen personnel, directing food production and dish room operations, maintaining a clean and safe kitchen environment, and ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. You will also manage food orders, vendor communications, inventory controls, and participate actively in the culinary preparation of standard and gourmet menu items, including special functions. Your role will extend to budgeting payroll and food costs, analyzing operational reports to optimize sales and inventory, and setting precedents to achieve sales and budget goals. Additionally, sustainability and community engagement form a significant part of this role, with an emphasis on using sustainable culinary resources and promoting company values of conservation and inclusivity. This full-time exempt position offers competitive compensation, which is determined by experience, education, and internal equity, as well as a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 15% company match after one year, paid parental and bereavement leave, and more. SSA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and leveraging diversity to strengthen its business impact, making the Executive Chef role essential in supporting these cultural values and operational excellence.

• 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 and development while fostering partnerships
• Exceptional problem solving and 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
• Ability to work varied hours and days, including nights, weekends and holidays as needed