Executive Chef | Upscale | HK
11 days ago
Wood-Ridge
Job Description Job Title: Executive Chef Location: Wood Ridge, NJ We are seeking a creative and driven Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at a vibrant rooftop restaurant and lounge. This role calls for a visionary leader with a strong foundation in upscale dining, modern plating, and high-volume execution. The Executive Chef will be responsible for setting the tone of the kitchen, leading a talented culinary team, and delivering an exceptional dining experience that complements the energetic ambiance of the venue. Key Responsibilities: * Oversee all kitchen operations, including menu creation, food preparation, plating, quality control, and execution of service. * Design and implement seasonal, innovative menus that align with the brand’s upscale, modern aesthetic. * Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff to uphold culinary excellence and maintain a positive, professional kitchen culture. * Manage food and labor costs, inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships to achieve budgetary goals. * Ensure consistency in taste, presentation, and portioning for all dishes, while adapting to guest feedback and industry trends. * Uphold all sanitation and food safety standards in accordance with local and federal regulations. * Work closely with FOH management to ensure smooth communication, timely service, and overall guest satisfaction. * Coordinate private events, tastings, and promotional menus in collaboration with the events and marketing teams. Qualifications: * Minimum 5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a high-volume restaurant or hospitality venue. * Proven leadership abilities with a focus on team development and kitchen morale. * Deep knowledge of contemporary cuisine, seasonal sourcing, and elevated plating techniques. * Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to perform under pressure. * Proficient in kitchen software, inventory systems, and cost control analysis. This is a unique opportunity to take creative ownership of a high-profile culinary program in a stylish and energetic setting. Company DescriptionGecko Hospitality, named to Forbes 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms, offers the largest selection of hospitality, restaurant, hotel, resort and club management positions. Our hospitality-exclusive team covers all 50 states and Canada and offers professional placement services with over 120 dedicated hospitality experts. With Gecko's extensive list of hospitality recruiter services, we get you and your resume in front of the hospitality industry's leading decision makers! Better yet, Gecko has exceptional national, regional, and local relationships and is well respected in the hospitality industry for enhancing hospitality careers. Our national network consists of 80 regional offices driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. From Las Vegas casinos to the finest New York hotels, Gecko recruits management positions for all facets of the hospitality industry. Gecko boasts generations of hospitality recruiting experience, consisting of over 1,900 collective years, that furthers the careers of those seeking professional management positions. Contact us today and we will get you in touch with one of our experts to discuss your opportunities.Gecko Hospitality, named to Forbes 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024 list of America’s Best Recruiting Firms, offers the largest selection of hospitality, restaurant, hotel, resort and club management positions. Our hospitality-exclusive team covers all 50 states and Canada and offers professional placement services with over 120 dedicated hospitality experts.\r\n\r\nWith Gecko's extensive list of hospitality recruiter services, we get you and your resume in front of the hospitality industry's leading decision makers! Better yet, Gecko has exceptional national, regional, and local relationships and is well respected in the hospitality industry for enhancing hospitality careers.\r\n\r\nOur national network consists of 80 regional offices driven to meet the needs of the hospitality industry. From Las Vegas casinos to the finest New York hotels, Gecko recruits management positions for all facets of the hospitality industry. Gecko boasts generations of hospitality recruiting experience, consisting of over 1,900 collective years, that furthers the careers of those seeking professional management positions. Contact us today and we will get you in touch with one of our experts to discuss your opportunities.