Executive Chef

Salinas, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $79,200.00 - $109,200.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

full-time employment

Monthly Cell Phone Stipend

Flexible Time Off

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

401(k) plan with Company Match

short-term disability

long-term disability

Parental leave

paid leave

paid bereavement leave

on-demand pay program

meal plan

Employee Discounts

Paid sick leave

Job Description

SSA Group has been a leader in the hospitality industry for over 50 years, specializing in partnering with cultural attractions to craft unique and immersive hospitality experiences. Our commitment to innovation, human connection, and operational intelligence empowers our partners to remain focused on their mission while we take care of creating memorable guest journeys. Combining admissions, culinary, and retail services, SSA Group operates under the philosophy of '452 Hospitality,' which prioritizes exceptional service, guest satisfaction, and community impact. We are proud to support a team culture that emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, making SSA Group not just a workplace but a community dedicated to growth and positive influence.

The Executive Chef role at SSA Group is a pivotal leadership position reporting directly to the General Manager. This role oversees all culinary operations within our units, ensuring the delivery of high-quality food services, innovative menu planning, and exceptional guest experiences. The Executive Chef is responsible for managing kitchen personnel by interviewing, hiring, coaching, and guiding a team to meet both high culinary standards and operational efficiency. You will lead culinary training programs, ensure food safety compliance, and maintain effective relationships with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders. This position demands a strategic mindset to forecast sales accurately, control budgets, manage payroll, and promote sustainable culinary practices.

The Executive Chef role demands creativity, precision, and leadership, requiring hands-on participation in menu development and daily food preparation while supervising the execution of catering and special event food services. You will manage inventory, food costs, equipment maintenance, and ensure adherence to state and federal labor laws, fostering a clean and safe working environment. As the culinary ambassador, you'll embody the 452 Hospitality promise by creating warm, welcoming, and memorable experiences for every guest and client.

Compensation for this full-time, exempt position includes a competitive salary with additional benefits such as a monthly cellphone stipend, flexible time off philosophy, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, parental leave, and various paid leave options including bereavement and paid sick leave compliant with regional laws. SSA Group also promotes an inclusive workplace and community engagement, emphasizing sustainability and belonging within the team and with the community at large. Join us and bring your culinary expertise into a place where your leadership shapes not only the menu but also the culture and legacy of hospitality excellence.

Job Requirements

Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Proven leadership skills with team building and development
Exceptional problem solving and organizational skills
Demonstrates financial management, merchandising, analytical, planning and leadership skills
Demonstrates flexibility in a fast-paced environment
Basic computer knowledge and skills
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift 35lbs
Ability to work varied hours including nights, weekends, and holidays

Job Qualifications

Culinary Arts Degree
ServSafe Certified
Knowledge of HAACP
Proven leadership skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Demonstrates financial management and analytical skills
Ability to remain flexible in a fast-paced environment
Computer knowledge for basic office functions
Five years of chef experience in high volume settings

Job Duties

Interview, hire, evaluate, reward, and coach kitchen personnel as appropriate
Develop culinary training programs and serve as a culinary resource
Train kitchen personnel in safe operating procedures and food production principles
Assist General Manager with sales forecasts
Direct and coordinate production and dish room staff
Maintain positive relationships with client staff
Manage employees in accordance with labor laws
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
Uphold company policies and procedures
Deliver warm, welcoming, and memorable guest experiences
Supervise period end inventory for food and beverage areas
Participate in daily preparation of standard and gourmet food items
Monitor cooking and holding temperatures
Establish equipment maintenance schedules and provide safety training
Ensure consistency and quality in culinary operations
Inspect food preparation, cleanliness, and employee appearance
Place food product orders and maintain vendor communication
Evaluate quality of raw and finished food products
Enforce sanitary practices and comply with food safety regulations
Process invoices ensuring timely vendor payments
Manage culinary operational functions
Control food costs and waste
Prepare operational reports and analyses
Analyze sales and inventory
Manage payroll and controllable profit
Schedule staff according to budget and forecast
Achieve sales and budget goals
Incorporate sustainable culinary resources
Promote inclusive and supportive work environment
Support sustainability and community engagement efforts
Perform other necessary tasks as required