Location: Chicago, IL (Home-Based)
Position Type: Full-Time
Travel Requirement: As business needs dictate
Salary: $95,000-$105,000 annually
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Task Force Executive Chef to support multiple branded hotels throughout the US. This position is based in Chicago and is responsible for providing temporary culinary leadership, operational support, training, and guidance to hotel food and beverage operations during leadership transitions, openings, renovations, staffing shortages, and special projects.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader, exceptional culinary skills, and the flexibility to travel extensively. This individual will ensure consistency in food quality, guest satisfaction, financial performance, food safety compliance, and team development across assigned properties.
Responsibilities- Provide temporary Executive Chef leadership at assigned hotels as needed.
- Travel to various hotel locations to support operations, openings, renovations, conversions, and staffing gaps.
- Ensure compliance with brand standards, company policies, and local health department regulations.
- Lead and develop culinary teams through coaching, training, mentoring, and performance management.
- Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency across all outlets.
- Oversee food purchasing, inventory controls, menu implementation, and cost management.
- Monitor labor productivity and implement strategies to achieve budgeted goals.
- Assist properties with recruitment, onboarding, and training of culinary associates.
- Conduct operational assessments and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Collaborate with General Managers, Directors of Operations, and Food & Beverage leaders to achieve business objectives.
- Support banquet, catering, restaurant, lounge, room service, and stewarding operations.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and ServSafe standards.
- Participate in new menu development and culinary innovation initiatives.
- Prepare reports and provide recommendations to corporate and property leadership.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and exceptional guest service.
Qualifications- Minimum 5 years of Executive Chef experience in a full-service hotel environment.
- Marriott experience strongly preferred.
- Multi-unit, task force, or regional culinary experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of banquet, restaurant, and catering operations.
- Proven experience managing food and labor costs.
- Thorough understanding of HACCP, food safety, and sanitation practices.
- ServSafe Manager Certification required.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing environments and operational needs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and hotel management systems.
- Ability to travel extensively.
Physical Requirements- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in kitchen environments with varying temperatures.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs require.
Benefits:
We offer a competitive wage, Health and Dental Insurance, company paid Life Insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Vision, Critical Illness, Accidental, 401(k) and company match, Paid Time Off (PTO), free hotel rooms and hotel discounts.
