Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Milestone Service Awards
Access to Pay During the Pay Period
employee assistance fund
Paid holidays
Health Insurance
401k with employer match
Paid Time Off
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life insurance
Disability insurance
Job Description
Zest Culinary Services, formerly known as MMI Dining Systems, is a reputable company specializing in culinary and dining management services. With a strong commitment to delivering exceptional food and beverage experiences, Zest Culinary Services operates contract dining locations providing high-quality culinary operations with a focus on hospitality and guest satisfaction. As a recognized leader in the dining services industry, Zest Culinary Services prides itself on creating an inclusive, diverse, and supportive work environment, where employees can grow and thrive. The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
This job opportunity for a Chef/Culinary Manager is based in Jackson, Mississippi, and is a full-time, onsite position. The role offers a consistent Monday through Friday work schedule, granting employees weekends and holidays off for an improved work-life balance. Although occasional weekend coverage might be required during emergencies, this position generally maintains a stable weekday timetable. The position is ideal for culinary professionals passionate about hospitality but seek balance in their personal and professional lives.
The Chef/Culinary Manager will assume comprehensive responsibility for the overall food and beverage operations at the contract location. This leadership role includes overseeing food preparation, restaurant service, banquet and catering services, and lounge service functions. The successful candidate will act as a hands-on leader who ensures exceptional guest experiences, maintains high food quality standards, and enforces strict sanitation and operational efficiency protocols. By managing the culinary team effectively, the Chef/Culinary Manager will lead efforts to innovate menus while controlling food costs and managing departmental budgets. Duties will also encompass inventory management, ordering, and receiving to sustain smooth kitchen operations.
The role demands expertise in labor cost management and maintaining consistent, superior quality across all culinary and service areas. The Chef/Culinary Manager will foster an environment of high performance, motivation, and collaboration within both front-of-house and back-of-house teams, contributing to overall success and guest satisfaction. They will serve as a pivotal figure in training and developing team members to achieve operational excellence. This role offers the unique blend of creativity, leadership, and administrative responsibility necessary to drive the location’s culinary success.
Zest Culinary Services offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes milestone service awards, health insurance, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, access to pay during the pay period, paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), a 401k retirement plan with employer match, and access to an employee assistance fund. These benefits support employee wellbeing and reinforce Zest Culinary Services’ commitment to its workforce. Overall, this role provides a rewarding career opportunity for culinary managers looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic and supportive environment.
This job opportunity for a Chef/Culinary Manager is based in Jackson, Mississippi, and is a full-time, onsite position. The role offers a consistent Monday through Friday work schedule, granting employees weekends and holidays off for an improved work-life balance. Although occasional weekend coverage might be required during emergencies, this position generally maintains a stable weekday timetable. The position is ideal for culinary professionals passionate about hospitality but seek balance in their personal and professional lives.
The Chef/Culinary Manager will assume comprehensive responsibility for the overall food and beverage operations at the contract location. This leadership role includes overseeing food preparation, restaurant service, banquet and catering services, and lounge service functions. The successful candidate will act as a hands-on leader who ensures exceptional guest experiences, maintains high food quality standards, and enforces strict sanitation and operational efficiency protocols. By managing the culinary team effectively, the Chef/Culinary Manager will lead efforts to innovate menus while controlling food costs and managing departmental budgets. Duties will also encompass inventory management, ordering, and receiving to sustain smooth kitchen operations.
The role demands expertise in labor cost management and maintaining consistent, superior quality across all culinary and service areas. The Chef/Culinary Manager will foster an environment of high performance, motivation, and collaboration within both front-of-house and back-of-house teams, contributing to overall success and guest satisfaction. They will serve as a pivotal figure in training and developing team members to achieve operational excellence. This role offers the unique blend of creativity, leadership, and administrative responsibility necessary to drive the location’s culinary success.
Zest Culinary Services offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes milestone service awards, health insurance, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, access to pay during the pay period, paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), a 401k retirement plan with employer match, and access to an employee assistance fund. These benefits support employee wellbeing and reinforce Zest Culinary Services’ commitment to its workforce. Overall, this role provides a rewarding career opportunity for culinary managers looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic and supportive environment.
Job Requirements
- minimum of high school diploma or equivalent
- at least three years of managerial or supervisory experience in culinary or hospitality settings
- proficiency in food safety and sanitation practices
- ability to manage food costs and departmental budgets effectively
- strong communication and leadership abilities
- experience with inventory management and ordering
- availability to work onsite in Jackson, MS, full time
Job Qualifications
- at least three years of management or supervisory experience in a hotel or full-service restaurant
- strong culinary skills with the ability to lead by example in the kitchen
- experience training and developing both front-of-house and back-of-house team members
- knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards
- experience with inventory management, food cost control, budgeting, and p&l statements
- excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills
Job Duties
- leading and developing the kitchen and food service team
- preparing and overseeing high-quality food production
- creating innovative menus while managing food costs
- managing inventory, ordering, and receiving
- ensuring compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards
- overseeing banquet and catering food operations
- managing labor costs and departmental budgets
- maintaining quality, consistency, and outstanding guest satisfaction
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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