Executive Chef

Potomac, MD, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Compensation

Salary

Range $85,000.00 - $90,000.00

Benefits

competitive pay

meals

uniforms

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Job Description

Meriwether Godsey is a prominent hospitality company specializing in food service management with a strong reputation for excellence in delivering high-quality dining experiences. The company operates in the Greater Washington, DC area and is known for managing contract dining services across various sectors, including private schools, corporate dining, and event catering. Meriwether Godsey emphasizes sustainable and locally sourced food practices, creating menus that incorporate organic and fresh local ingredients whenever possible. Their commitment extends to fostering a positive workplace culture, promoting inclusivity, and advancing culinary creativity while supporting career growth for their team members.

The Executive Chef role at Meriwether Godsey is a critical leadership position responsible for managing and directing a high-volume food production operation at a distinguished private school in Washington, DC. This role demands a highly skilled culinary professional with a strong foundation in both kitchen leadership and contract dining services, particularly within a school setting. The successful candidate will be expected to oversee all facets of menu development, procurement, food safety compliance, and staff management, ensuring both quality and efficiency in day-to-day operations.

As the Executive Chef, you will play a key role in the entire food production process, from sourcing and purchasing sustainably produced foods to implementing current culinary trends into daily menus. You will lead a talented team, providing support, guidance, and ongoing coaching to ensure outstanding performance and development of staff. Your leadership will extend to managing special events and high-end catering, showcasing your ability to adapt and exceed expectations in diverse foodservice environments.

In addition, this position entails maintaining strong vendor relationships, controlling food costs, and ensuring compliance with all food safety and HACCP standards. You will collaborate closely with clients to maintain superior customer satisfaction and adapt to specific dining needs. You will also contribute to financial planning by assisting with budgeting, cost analysis, and reporting to meet operational goals.

Meriwether Godsey offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance, plus meals and uniforms. The company cultivates a fast-paced, team-oriented, and supportive environment where passion for hospitality and culinary excellence thrives. Joining Meriwether Godsey means becoming part of a dynamic organization dedicated to setting the standard for exceptional dining experiences in the Greater DC market.

Job Requirements

Associate’s degree or five or more years of related food service experience
3-5 years of executive chef experience
5+ years of experience in contract food service operation, high-end catering management, high-volume dining, and multi-unit experience
Experience in a school setting is preferred
Application and promotion of current food trends
Proficiency and growing knowledge of sustainable practices
Participative management style and excellent leadership skills
Demonstrated experience cultivating talent and promoting an inclusive work environment
Strong communication and presentation skills
Account and project management skills
Knowledge of food safety (HACCP), sanitation, and overall workplace safety standards
Ability to work in a collaborative team environment while fostering strong client and customer relationships
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification preferred
Allergen training and experience
Must be able to pass a background check

Job Qualifications

Associate’s degree or higher preferred
3-5 years of executive chef experience
5+ years of experience in contract food service operation, high-end catering management, high-volume dining, and multi-unit experience
Experience in a school setting preferred
Application and promotion of current food trends
Proficiency and growing knowledge of sustainable practices
Participative management style and excellent leadership skills
Demonstrated experience cultivating talent and promoting an inclusive work environment
Strong communication and presentation skills
Account and project management skills
Knowledge of food safety (HACCP), sanitation, and overall workplace safety standards
Ability to work in a collaborative team environment while fostering strong client and customer relationships
ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification preferred
Allergen training and experience

Job Duties

Communicate daily with production staff on all food production activities
Purchase organically and locally produced foods, whenever possible, and work alongside production staff to incorporate these products into recipes and menu offerings on a daily basis
Oversee menu development, purchasing, and production, incorporating the latest trends and practices
Ensure proper food temperatures are reached, maintained, and recorded
ensure daily records of food usage, organization of storage/cooler areas, and other compliance regulations are kept
Lead by example, engaging and developing direct reports and team members through ongoing support, monitoring, coaching, and feedback
Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships while researching price variations
Implement and maintain HACCP standards
Maintain effective client and customer-centric relationships
Deliver high-end catering
Assist in Back of House phases of financial planning, budget/cost analysis, and reporting to set, monitor, and achieve operating and financial goals