Executive Chef

Albuquerque, NM, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $83,000.00 - $88,000.00

Work Schedule

Flexible

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

short-term disability

long-term disability

Parental leave

paid bereavement leave

meal plan

Employee Discounts

on-demand pay

Job Description

SSA Group at ABQ BioPark Zoo is a renowned hospitality management company with over 50 years of experience partnering with cultural attractions. They specialize in designing the hospitality experience journey, focusing on admissions, culinary, and retail services intertwined with innovation and human connection. SSA Group's unique approach, called 452 Hospitality, centers on creating exceptional moments with lasting impact for guests and partners alike. The ABQ BioPark Zoo location offers an exciting opportunity within the vibrant ecosystem of a cultural attraction, combining culinary expertise with community engagement and sustainable practices.

The Executive Chef position at SSA Group at ABQ BioPark Zoo is a full-time, exempt role dedicated to culinary leadership and operational excellence within a dynamic and high-volume cultural venue. This role is responsible for overseeing all culinary functions, managing kitchen personnel, and ensuring quality food production that aligns with SSA's standards and the expectations of the zoo's diverse visitors. Reporting to the General Manager, the Executive Chef will lead the kitchen team in delivering memorable culinary experiences, integrating sustainable and innovative approaches, and maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations.

This role involves strategic planning, menu development based on market trends and nutritional considerations, staff training, and rigorous quality control. The Executive Chef is also entrusted with financial management duties including food cost control, inventory management, sales forecasting, and payroll administration. The position demands exceptional leadership skills to foster an inclusive, supportive, and productive kitchen environment where staff can grow and thrive. Additionally, the Executive Chef will champion the company’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) and Belonging initiatives, promoting an inclusive workplace and community engagement.

Working at SSA Group provides an employee the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization that values cultural partnership, sustainability, and community impact. Benefits include competitive compensation with a cell phone stipend, medical and dental insurance, paid time off through flex time, participation in a 401(k) plan with a strong company match, disability insurance, parental and bereavement leave, on-demand pay programs, and meal discounts. The company is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all facets of its operations.

The Executive Chef will be integral to maintaining SSA's hospitality standards at the ABQ BioPark Zoo and embodying the principles of 452 Hospitality to create special, lasting guest experiences. This is an excellent career opportunity for culinary professionals experienced in high-volume and cultural attraction environments who wish to lead with innovation, sustainability, and community focus.

Job Requirements

Ability to work varied hours days including nights weekends and holidays
Physical ability to stand for extended periods and handle lifting boxes up to 35lbs
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Proven leadership skills with team building and development focus
Exceptional problem solving and decision making skills
Demonstrated financial management and planning abilities
Ability to remain flexible in a fast paced environment
Computer skills for basic office tasks

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 and team building experience
Exceptional problem solving and decision making skills
Financial management merchandising analytical planning and leadership skills
Ability to remain flexible in fast paced environments
Basic computer knowledge for office functions

Job Duties

Interview hire evaluate reward and progressively coach kitchen personnel as appropriate
Develop culinary training programs and serve as a culinary resource to promote quality food services
Train kitchen personnel in safe operating procedures and food production principles
Assist General Manager with accurate sales forecasting
Direct and coordinate production and dish room staff
Maintain positive working 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 inventory for food and beverage areas
Participate in preparation of food items and special functions
Monitor cooking and holding temperatures
Establish equipment maintenance schedules and provide safety training
Ensure consistency and quality across operations
Inspect quality and cleanliness of food preparation and service areas
Place food orders and maintain communication with vendors
Evaluate quality of raw and finished food products
Implement and enforce sanitary food handling practices
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations
Process invoices and manage vendor payments
Control food cost and waste
Prepare operational reports and analyze trends
Manage payroll and controllable profit
Schedule staff according to budget and forecasts
Set precedent to achieve sales and budget goals
Incorporate sustainable resources into culinary selections
Promote an inclusive and supportive unit approach
Support sustainability and conservation efforts
Drive community engagement and giving back efforts
Perform other necessary tasks