Crew Chief

IHOP, a renowned restaurant brand known for its commitment to quality food and exceptional guest service, is seeking a dedicated and proactive Crew Chief to join their team at the Aurora, IL location. IHOP operates as a full-service family dining restaurant specializing in breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with a strong emphasis on providing a pleasant atmosphere and maintaining high standards in food preparation and presentation. The restaurant prides itself on fostering a work environment that supports teamwork, skill development, and excellence in hospitality. \n\nThe Crew Chief role at IHOP is a crucial leadership position filled by an employee who exhibits initiative and possesses demonstrated leadership abilities. This role is integral to ensuring the smooth operation of the restaurant, especially in the absence of management, where the Crew Chief temporarily assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Manager. This dual responsibility requires balancing hands-on craft work with supervisory duties, overseeing daily operations, and supporting staff to maintain service quality and operational efficiency. \n\nThe main purpose of the Crew Chief is to assist in directing employees in all facets of operation to achieve the highest standards in food preparation, presentation, guest service, cleanliness, and overall ambiance. This position involves actively engaging in training and orienting new staff, ensuring all team members are informed about menu items, specials, and promotions, and enforcing compliance with standard operating procedures, especially concerning portion control and inventory management. Furthermore, the Crew Chief is responsible for supervising employee performance and conduct while fostering a friendly and courteous work environment. \n\nAdministratively, the Crew Chief handles critical tasks such as managing cash receipts and store receipts, conducting register readings, preparing daily sales reports, reconciling cash and bank funds, and ensuring timely daily deposits. They also monitor employee schedules to minimize overtime and align staffing needs with business demands effectively. The role requires constant vigilance to control waste, maintain security regarding deliveries and inventory, and enforce company policies, including check cashing and cash handling during peak business hours. \n\nPhysically demanding, the Crew Chief must be able to perform duties that involve standing, walking, lifting, and handling kitchen equipment, sometimes requiring lifting up to 100 pounds. Adaptability and calmness under pressure are vital attributes, especially when addressing guest concerns, staff issues, or equipment problems. With exposure to a moderately noisy environment and occasional fumes or airborne particles, the candidate must maintain composure and professionalism at all times. This role also mandates a working knowledge of English for communication, reading instructions, and performing mathematical calculations necessary for effective cash handling and operational tasks. \n\nJoining IHOP as a Crew Chief offers an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills within a strong brand that emphasizes employee training and career growth. Candidates will engage in IHOP training coursework and have a direct impact on guest satisfaction and restaurant performance. This full-time position is ideal for motivated individuals passionate about the food service industry and eager to contribute to a well-established team focused on operational excellence and guest experience.