Executive Chef
2 months ago
Pittsburgh
Job DescriptionExecutive Chef – Part-Time (Opportunity for Full-Time) ZBest Barbeque Chicken & RibsPosition Title: Executive ChefPosition Type: Part-Time (with opportunity to transition into a Full-Time leadership role)Location: Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaReports To: Owner / Operations Leadership Position Summary:ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs is seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly organized Executive Chef to lead kitchen operations and support the continued growth of one of Pittsburgh’s respected community-based food establishments. The Executive Chef will oversee all back-of-house operations including food preparation, kitchen management, staff supervision, inventory control, quality assurance, scheduling, customer satisfaction, and fiscal accountability. This individual must be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the high-quality food and customer experience ZBest is known for. This position is currently part-time with strong opportunity for advancement into a full-time executive leadership role as business operations expand. About ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs:ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs is a family-operated restaurant with deep roots in the Pittsburgh community and a strong, loyal customer base that has supported the business for years. Known for its flavorful barbeque, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to serving the community, ZBest has built a reputation as a trusted neighborhood destination for great food and authentic hospitality. The restaurant takes pride in creating a family-oriented environment for both customers and staff while continuing to grow its brand through quality service, catering opportunities, and community engagement initiatives. Key Responsibilities:Kitchen & Culinary Operations: • Lead all food preparation and kitchen production activities., • Ensure consistency, quality, taste, and presentation of all menu items., • Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness., • Monitor portion control and minimize food waste., • Assist with menu planning, specials, and recipe standardization., • Ensure kitchen operations meet local health department regulations. Staff Leadership & Management:, • Train, schedule, and motivate kitchen staff., • Create a positive, team-oriented work environment., • Support employee performance and productivity., • Assist with hiring, onboarding, and disciplinary actions when necessary., • Ensure staff adhere to company policies and kitchen procedures. Inventory & Purchasing:, • Manage food inventory levels and kitchen supplies., • Conduct regular inventory counts and maintain accurate records., • Coordinate purchasing and vendor relationships., • Monitor food costs and control kitchen expenses., • Ensure timely ordering to meet operational demands. Sales Growth & Business Development:, • Support the growth and profitability of ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs through strategic sales and promotional efforts., • Assist with identifying and promoting catering opportunities for corporate events, family gatherings, community events, and special occasions., • Help develop and promote catering packages, family meal packages, and seasonal menu offerings., • Encourage upsell opportunities including side dishes, desserts, beverages, sauces, and specialty items., • Collaborate with ownership on special promotions and revenue-generating initiatives., • Assist with creating high-margin menu items and customer incentive offerings., • Support customer retention efforts by helping maintain high-quality food and service standards., • Contribute ideas that increase repeat business, customer engagement, and brand visibility., • Participate in community events and promotional activities when needed to help expand the ZBest brand., • Help position the restaurant for long-term growth and expanded business opportunities throughout the Pittsburgh region. Fiscal & Operational Oversight:, • Understand and manage restaurant cost controls., • Monitor labor costs, food costs, and operational efficiency., • Assist ownership with budgeting and profitability goals., • Meet production deadlines and service timelines., • Support operational planning for catering and special events. Customer Service & Brand Representation:, • Maintain high customer satisfaction standards., • Address customer concerns professionally and promptly., • Support the restaurant’s reputation for quality and community engagement., • Assist in maintaining a welcoming and professional environment. Qualifications:Required Qualifications: • Minimum of 4 years of kitchen management or Executive Chef experience., • Strong leadership and team management skills., • Experience managing inventory, purchasing, and food costs., • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines., • Knowledge of restaurant operations and fiscal responsibilities., • Excellent communication and organizational skills., • Understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations., • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Preferred Qualifications:, • Experience in BBQ, Soul Food, Catering, or High-Volume Restaurant Operations, • ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification., • Experience with scheduling systems and restaurant POS systems., • Catering and event production experience., • Passion for community-centered business operations. Physical Requirements: • Ability to stand for extended periods of time., • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds., • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed., • Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Compensation & Benefits: • Competitive compensation based on experience., • Opportunity for growth into a full-time leadership position., • Flexible scheduling., • Opportunity to help shape and grow an established community brand., • Potential performance incentives based on operational growth. Ideal Candidate Profile:The ideal candidate is a strong culinary leader who understands both the art of cooking and the business of running a successful restaurant. This individual should be dependable, solution-oriented, fiscally responsible, and committed to excellence in food quality, staff leadership, and customer service. Candidates who value community engagement, mentorship, and helping grow a respected local brand are strongly encouraged to apply. How To Apply:Interested candidates should submit: • Resume., • Brief cover letter., • References., • Certifications (if available).