Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Range $95,000.00 - $100,000.00
Work Schedule
Flexible
Day Shifts
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life insurance
401k plan
short-term disability
long-term disability
Paid parental leave
paid bereavement leave
on-demand pay program
meal plan
Employee Discounts
Paid sick leave
Job Description
SSA Group at Denver Zoo is an esteemed hospitality management company with a legacy of over 50 years partnering with cultural attractions to enhance the visitor experience through expertly designed hospitality services. The company specializes in integrating admissions, culinary, and retail operations to deliver a seamless guest journey that prioritizes innovation, human connection, and operational intelligence. SSA Group's unique approach, known as 452 Hospitality, serves as a foundation for fostering memorable moments that leave lasting impressions on guests and communities alike. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of exceptional service, creativity, and dedication to quality across all facets of hospitality.
We are currently seeking a talented Executive Chef to join our team at the Denver Zoo. This exciting full-time, exempt position offers a rewarding salary package, including a $75 monthly cell phone stipend, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for employees and their families, and participation in a 401(k) plan with a 15% company match. Additionally, the role includes flex time off, paid sick leave, parental and bereavement leave, and access to an on-demand pay program, among other benefits.
As Executive Chef, you will report directly to the General Manager and be instrumental in managing all culinary operations within the venue. Your role will center around leading kitchen personnel by interviewing, hiring, evaluating, and coaching to develop a high-performing team. You will ensure that rigorous culinary training programs are in place to promote quality, safety, and consistent food production, including adherence to SSA Safety standards upon hiring. The Executive Chef will train and guide kitchen staff on the safe operation of all equipment and food production practices and work closely with management to forecast sales and manage daily production.
This role requires hands-on leadership for both production and dish room staff and relies heavily on maintaining a positive, professional relationship with Zoo staff and SSA management. You will be responsible for upholding labor laws, fostering a clean and organized kitchen environment, and driving company policy compliance throughout food service operations. Your oversight will include inventory management, quality control of food products, and the daily preparation and presentation of menu items, including special functions.
The Executive Chef will also monitor food safety protocols, manage vendor relationships for procurement, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Financial duties include controlling food costs, analyzing sales and inventory data for operational decisions, handling payroll within established budgets, and scheduling staff to optimize coverage. You will champion sustainability initiatives by incorporating eco-friendly practices and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the culinary team. Moreover, the position involves community engagement activities aligned with SSA Group's values of giving back and social responsibility.
This role demands strong interpersonal and communication skills, proven leadership abilities, excellent problem-solving, organizational competencies, and financial acumen. You should be adaptable in a fast-paced environment, proficient in basic computer functions, and physically able to meet the demands of kitchen operations, including lifting and standing for extended periods. The ideal candidate holds a Culinary Arts degree, ServSafe certification, knowledge of HACCP principles, and has at least five years of executive chef experience in high-volume restaurant, country club, catering, or cultural attraction venues.
Join SSA Group at Denver Zoo and be part of a company that not only values diverse backgrounds and inclusive practices but also encourages its team members to grow professionally while contributing meaningful, memorable experiences to visitors. We believe that by building a diverse and supportive team, we can elevate our collective impact and share extraordinary hospitality moments with the community and future generations.
We are currently seeking a talented Executive Chef to join our team at the Denver Zoo. This exciting full-time, exempt position offers a rewarding salary package, including a $75 monthly cell phone stipend, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits for employees and their families, and participation in a 401(k) plan with a 15% company match. Additionally, the role includes flex time off, paid sick leave, parental and bereavement leave, and access to an on-demand pay program, among other benefits.
As Executive Chef, you will report directly to the General Manager and be instrumental in managing all culinary operations within the venue. Your role will center around leading kitchen personnel by interviewing, hiring, evaluating, and coaching to develop a high-performing team. You will ensure that rigorous culinary training programs are in place to promote quality, safety, and consistent food production, including adherence to SSA Safety standards upon hiring. The Executive Chef will train and guide kitchen staff on the safe operation of all equipment and food production practices and work closely with management to forecast sales and manage daily production.
This role requires hands-on leadership for both production and dish room staff and relies heavily on maintaining a positive, professional relationship with Zoo staff and SSA management. You will be responsible for upholding labor laws, fostering a clean and organized kitchen environment, and driving company policy compliance throughout food service operations. Your oversight will include inventory management, quality control of food products, and the daily preparation and presentation of menu items, including special functions.
The Executive Chef will also monitor food safety protocols, manage vendor relationships for procurement, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Financial duties include controlling food costs, analyzing sales and inventory data for operational decisions, handling payroll within established budgets, and scheduling staff to optimize coverage. You will champion sustainability initiatives by incorporating eco-friendly practices and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the culinary team. Moreover, the position involves community engagement activities aligned with SSA Group's values of giving back and social responsibility.
This role demands strong interpersonal and communication skills, proven leadership abilities, excellent problem-solving, organizational competencies, and financial acumen. You should be adaptable in a fast-paced environment, proficient in basic computer functions, and physically able to meet the demands of kitchen operations, including lifting and standing for extended periods. The ideal candidate holds a Culinary Arts degree, ServSafe certification, knowledge of HACCP principles, and has at least five years of executive chef experience in high-volume restaurant, country club, catering, or cultural attraction venues.
Join SSA Group at Denver Zoo and be part of a company that not only values diverse backgrounds and inclusive practices but also encourages its team members to grow professionally while contributing meaningful, memorable experiences to visitors. We believe that by building a diverse and supportive team, we can elevate our collective impact and share extraordinary hospitality moments with the community and future generations.
Job Requirements
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to articulate to our client, Resident Area General Manager and HQ personnel
- Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building/development, while fostering partnerships
- Exceptional problem solving/decision making skills combined with the ability to be organized
- Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills
- Demonstrates the ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment
- Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and to move and handle boxes (35lbs) as necessary to operation, which entails lifting, and perform all functions as set forth above
- Ability to work varied hours/days, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed
Job Qualifications
- Five years chef experience in high volume restaurant, country club, catering or cultural attraction venue
- Culinary Arts Degree
- ServSafe Certified
- Knowledge of HAACP
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Proven leadership skills with an understanding of the importance of team building and development
- Exceptional problem solving and decision making skills combined with ability to be organized
- Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills
- Demonstrates ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment
- Computer knowledge and skill level for basic office functions
Job Duties
- Interview, hire, evaluate, reward, and progressively coach kitchen personnel as appropriate
- Develop culinary training programs for food production employees and serve as a culinary resource to promote quality food services
- Train kitchen personnel in safe operating procedures of all equipment, utensils, and machinery, as well as food production principles and practices
- Assist General Manager with accurate forecast of weekly and monthly sales as necessary
- Direct and coordinate the work of production and dish room staff
- Maintain a close relationship with the client’s staff to insure a positive working relationship
- Manage employees in accordance with State and Federal labor laws
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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