SSA Group logo

Executive Chef

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Range $80,000.00 - $85,000.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
Night Shifts
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Benefits

Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life insurance
401(k) Plan
short-term disability
long-term disability
Parental leave
paid leave
paid bereavement leave
on-demand pay
meal plan
Employee Discounts
Paid sick leave

Job Description

SSA Group is a distinguished hospitality management company that has been operational for over 50 years, specializing in partnering with cultural attractions to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences. SSA Group's innovative approach encompasses admissions, culinary, and retail services, seamlessly blending operational intelligence with human connection to craft memorable guest journeys. The company emphasizes a people-centric philosophy driven by innovation and operational excellence, encapsulated in their unique 452 Hospitality framework. This framework underscores their commitment to creating lasting positive impressions for their partners and the communities they serve.

SSA Group is currently seeking a skilled and experienced Executive Chef to join the team at the San Antonio Zoo. This full-time, exempt position reports directly to the General Manager and is integral to the daily operations and strategic culinary management within the Zoo's food service department. The Executive Chef will lead and inspire kitchen personnel through effective hiring, training, and performance management, ensuring that all culinary offerings meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and guest satisfaction.

The role requires the Executive Chef to develop comprehensive culinary training programs, promote safe food handling and equipment operation, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the General Manager to forecast sales, manage inventories, oversee food preparation for standard menu items and special events, and maintain strict adherence to health and safety regulations including ServSafe and HACCP standards.

Further responsibilities include managing labor compliance with State and Federal laws, integrating sustainable resources into menu planning, and upholding SSA Group's commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. This role also involves administrative duties such as invoice processing, payroll management, and preparation of operational reports and analyses to track performance and recommend improvements.

The Executive Chef position offers a $75 monthly cell phone stipend, flexible paid time off, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options, a competitive 401(k) plan with a 15% company match, and disability and parental leave benefits. Additional perks include paid bereavement leave, an on-demand pay program, and employee meal plans and discounts.

By joining SSA Group, candidates become part of a team that values diversity, equity, inclusion, and a supportive working environment. SSA Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to grow and contribute meaningfully. This role represents a unique opportunity for a culinary professional with visionary leadership skills to make a significant impact in a vibrant cultural setting.

Job Requirements

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • proven leadership with team building ability
  • exceptional problem solving and organizational skills
  • financial management and planning experience
  • flexibility in fast-paced environments
  • basic computer knowledge
  • physical ability to stand for long periods and handle 35lbs boxes
  • willingness to work varied hours including nights, weekends, and holidays

Job Qualifications

  • Culinary Arts Degree
  • ServSafe Certified
  • knowledge of HACCP
  • five years chef experience in high volume restaurant or similar venue
  • demonstrated leadership and team-building skills
  • strong financial management and analytical capabilities
  • excellent communication skills
  • flexibility in a fast-paced environment
  • computer literacy for basic functions

Job Duties

  • Interview, hire, evaluate, reward and coach kitchen personnel
  • develop culinary training programs and promote quality food services
  • train kitchen staff in safe equipment operation and food production
  • assist General Manager with sales forecasting
  • direct work of production and dish room staff
  • maintain positive relationships with client staff
  • manage employees per labor laws
  • maintain clean, safe and organized kitchen environment
  • uphold company policies and 452 Hospitality standards
  • supervise inventory for all food and beverage areas
  • participate in food preparation and menu display for special functions
  • monitor cooking and holding temperatures
  • establish maintenance schedules and safety training
  • ensure high quality and consistency in food operations
  • inspect food preparation, service and sanitation
  • place food product orders and coordinate vendor communications
  • evaluate raw and finished food quality
  • enforce sanitary practices and food safety compliance
  • process invoices to office team
  • manage culinary operational functions
  • control food costs and analyze sales and inventory
  • manage payroll and budgets
  • schedule staff according to budget and forecast
  • achieve sales and budget targets
  • incorporate sustainable resources
  • promote inclusive and supportive unit culture
  • support sustainability and community engagement efforts
  • perform additional tasks as needed

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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