Salary: 95,000-100,000
Other Forms of Compensation:Job SummaryBon Appétit Management Company is seeking a highly creative, strategic, and hands-on Executive Chef to lead culinary operations across a dynamic, high-profile corporate dining environment. This role oversees culinary execution across three kitchens spanning two accounts with approximately $8 million in managed volume, supporting a variety of dining programs, catering services, and hospitality experiences.
Reporting directly to the Culinary Director, the Executive Chef serves as a key culinary leader responsible for menu innovation, operational excellence, food safety compliance, financial performance, and team development. The ideal candidate combines strong administrative and business acumen with a genuine passion for cooking, spending time both leading from the kitchen floor and driving strategic culinary initiatives behind the scenes.
Success in this role requires a forward-thinking chef who can balance creativity, operational discipline, and hospitality while delivering exceptional guest experiences that reflect Bon Appétit's commitment to fresh, seasonal, and from-scratch cooking
ResponsibilitiesCulinary Leadership & Innovation
- Lead all culinary operations across three kitchens and multiple dining concepts, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction.
- Develop and execute seasonal menus that showcase globally inspired cuisine with a strong emphasis on Asian flavors and contemporary culinary trends.
- Drive menu innovation through recipe development, food presentations, chef features, tasting events, and special culinary programs.
- Partner closely with the Culinary Director to implement strategic culinary initiatives and elevate the overall dining experience.
- Create innovative catering menus tailored to events ranging from intimate executive gatherings to functions serving up to 800 guests.
- Continuously evaluate dining programs and guest feedback to enhance participation, satisfaction, and overall food quality.
Operations & Food Safety
- Oversee all kitchen production, service execution, catering operations, and culinary standards across the account.
- Maintain strict compliance with HACCP protocols, allergen management procedures, food safety standards, and sanitation programs.
- Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation, production systems, and operational execution.
- Manage purchasing, receiving, inventory controls, and product utilization while minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.
- Develop and maintain systems that support operational excellence and culinary consistency.
Financial & Business Management
- Manage culinary operations supporting approximately $8 million in annual volume.
- Write menus with a clear understanding of cost analysis, recipe development, and food cost optimization.
- Utilize COGS analysis and forecasting tools to maintain strong financial performance while delivering premium culinary experiences.
- Monitor food costs, labor expenses, purchasing trends, and operational metrics to achieve budgetary goals.
- Identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost efficiencies without compromising quality.
Team Leadership & Development
- Directly oversee a culinary team consisting of approximately 30 hourly associates and 1 salaried manager.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and develop culinary talent while fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and collaboration.
- Build high-performing teams focused on culinary excellence, hospitality, and continuous improvement.
- Provide performance coaching, succession planning, and professional development opportunities for culinary team members.
- Lead by example through a visible, hands-on management style that supports daily kitchen operations.
Client & Hospitality Engagement
- Partner with operational leadership and client stakeholders to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences.
- Support client meetings, presentations, tastings, and special events as the culinary subject matter expert.
- Actively engage with guests and incorporate feedback into menu development and dining enhancements.
- Serve as a culinary ambassador for Bon Appétit's food-first culture and hospitality standards.
Qualifications- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred.
- 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including Executive Chef or senior culinary management experience.
- Experience managing multi-unit culinary operations in corporate dining, hospitality, restaurant, university, or luxury foodservice environments.
- Strong background in international cuisine, with experience or passion for Asian culinary traditions and flavors.
- Proven expertise in menu development, recipe costing, food cost management, and culinary innovation.
- Extensive knowledge of HACCP, allergen management, food safety, and sanitation best practices.
- Demonstrated success leading large culinary teams and developing future leaders.
- Experience managing catering programs ranging from small executive meetings to large-scale events.
- Strong organizational, communication, financial, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to balance strategic leadership responsibilities with a hands-on presence in daily operations.
- Passion for hospitality, creativity, team development, and delivering memorable dining experiences.
Apply to Bon Appetit today!Associates at Bon Appetit are offered many fantastic benefits.- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Personal Leave
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_BAMCO.pdf
Req ID: 1584684
Bon Appetit
BRYAN GONI
