Durham
Job Description JOB TITLE: Executive Chef REPORTS TO: General Manager POSITION SUMMARY: This role of Executive Chef for Lloyd's Full Service will be located in Cary, NC. The Executive Chef is responsible for leading all culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and execution across food menus. This role oversees back-of-house operations, menu development, team hiring and training, cost control, and food safety while working collaboratively with the General Manager and all leadership to uphold service standards and guest experience. The Executive Chef leads by example, mentors kitchen teams, and balances creativity with operational discipline to drive performance, accountability, and long-term success. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Menu Design, Quality, and Execution • Design, develop, and evolve all food menus informed by seasonality, guest feedback, and brand direction, • Create, document, and train teams on recipes, preparation standards, and plating for all menu items, • Ensure consistent execution of high-quality dishes, meeting standards for design, taste, and presentation, • Provide strategic oversight of menu execution, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and proper training across teams, • Own and define responsibilities for all back-of-house roles and ensure clear accountability, • Directly supervise kitchen staff and oversee daily kitchen operations, • Work the line and act as Expo as needed, managing ticket flow, pacing, dietary needs, and service recovery, • Actively engage with front of house team to gather feedback on food quality and overall experience, • Monitor guest feedback and reviews to inform menu development, training, and quality improvements, • Collaborate with Marketing to ensure menus, descriptions, and food-related collateral accurately reflect the guest experience, • Lead by example with professionalism, integrity, and a solutions-oriented mindset, • Maintain consistent, professional communication with ownership, managers, team members, vendors, and partners, • Communicate expectations, priorities, and operational updates clearly and effectively, • Champion a kitchen culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, craftsmanship, and pride in work, • Perform administrative duties including weekly ordering and monthly inventory to maintain product levels aligned with food cost targets, • Oversee food purchasing and inventory management to ensure accuracy, waste reduction, and cost control, • Prepare kitchen schedules based on forecasts, budgets, and business demands, • Review labor and cost reports to minimize overages while maintaining quality and operational standards, • Enforces all food safety policies and procedures in compliance with FDA, Health Department, and local regulations, • Ensures proper inventory storage, rotation, and ongoing quality control, • Maintain organization, cleanliness, and systems within all BOH areas, including walk-ins, • Oversees cleaning programs, identifies trends, and recommends process improvements, • Identify strengths, weaknesses, and development opportunities for each BOH team member and actively mentor their growth, • Hire, onboard, and train kitchen staff with intentionality to support long-term success, engagement, and retention, • 2+ years holding an Executive Chef position, • 5+ years of culinary experience, • Strong leadership skills and the ability to train, coach, develop and motivate others, • Possess or have ability to obtain Food Handlers and Tips Certification within six months of commencement of employment, • Highest level of integrity and a hands-on management style, • Exceptional organizational and operational skills, and detail-oriented with proven time management skills EDUCATION: High School Diploma / GED required Degree or training in Culinary Arts, Hospitality or related field or certificate preferred PHYSICAL ABLITIES: • Ability to be on your feet and alert for extended periods of time, • Ability to lift up to 35 lbs. as needed, • Continuous use of hands and arms