Austin
About Hotel ZaZa Austin & Group Therapy Hotel ZaZa Austin is a bold fusion of luxury, art, and attitude—located in the heart of downtown. Group Therapy, our signature restaurant and bar, is a lively social hub where elevated comfort food, creative cocktails, and rooftop views come together. Whether it’s brunch, happy hour, or late-night bites, Group Therapy is where guests come to unwind—and where team members thrive. Hotel ZaZa is seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Chef to lead our culinary operations with creativity, precision, and passion. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for crafting exceptional dining experiences across our restaurant, banquets, and in-room dining. The ideal candidate is a culinary innovator with a strong business acumen and a flair for hospitality. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Culinary Leadership & Operations • Oversee daily kitchen operations for all meal periods, outlets, room service, and banquets., • Ensure consistent execution of recipes, plating, and culinary standards., • Maintain operational excellence during high-volume service periods and special events., • Create and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all culinary areas. Menu Development & Innovation • Create, test, and implement seasonal menus, specials, and event menus., • Maintain high-quality offerings aligned with hotel style, brand standards, and guest expectations., • Collaborate with F&B leadership on menu engineering and guest experience initiatives. Staff Management & Development • Lead, motivate, and mentor sous chefs, line cooks, banquet cooks, and stewarding teams., • Recruit, train, and onboard new culinary employees., • Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, corrective actions, and succession planning., • Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement. Financial Management • Manage food cost, labor cost, inventory levels, and waste control., • Ensure accurate ordering, receiving, and product rotation (FIFO)., • Review financial reports and adjust purchasing, production, and staffing as necessary., • Collaborate with F&B and Finance on budgeting and cost strategies. Safety, Sanitation & Compliance • Ensure all kitchens meet or exceed local health and sanitation standards., • Maintain proper cleaning schedules, food handling procedures, and HACCP compliance., • Ensure equipment is maintained and coordinate with Engineering for repairs., • Lead food safety training for all culinary employees. Quality Assurance & Guest Experience • Ensure all dishes meet standards for taste, presentation, and consistency., • Support service teams during peak hours and VIP events., • Engage with guests when appropriate, addressing concerns or special requests., • Uphold and enhance the hotel’s brand identity through culinary excellence. Collaboration & Communication • Work closely with the General Manager, F&B leadership, Catering, Banquets, and Stewarding., • Attend F&B meetings, BEO meetings, and leadership huddles., • Communicate operational updates, expectations, and priorities to the culinary team. Qualifications • 5–7 years of progressive culinary experience, including leadership roles in upscale or luxury environments., • Strong understanding of culinary techniques, menu development, and high-volume operations., • Proven ability to lead and develop diverse kitchen teams., • Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills., • Strong financial acumen in food cost, labor management, and inventory controls., • Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred., • Flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and events. Physical Requirements Ability to stand for extended periods and work in high-heat environments. Ability to lift, push, or carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to bend, reach and move quickly in a busy kitchen setting Compensation & Benefits Base Salary: $85,000 $90,000 Benefits: Health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO + Bonus Why Join Hotel ZaZa? Distinctive Culture: Be part of a brand that celebrates individuality, creativity, and bold hospitality. Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary, performance-based bonuses, and full benefits. Growth Opportunities: Advance your career within a dynamic and expanding hospitality group. Creative Freedom: Bring your culinary vision to life in a setting that values innovation.