Executive Chef

Indianapolis, IN, USA|

Job Overview

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Employee Discounts

Career development opportunities

Flexible work schedules

Job Description

Quest Food Management Services has been a leading food service provider for over 40 years, proudly serving K-12 schools, higher education institutions, corporate dining programs, and event venues across the United States. Known for its commitment to fresh, scratch-made menus, locally sourced ingredients, and intensely personal service, Quest is consistently ranked among the top food service management companies in the nation. At the core of Quest’s success is the "Quest Ready" culture, which embodies values such as integrity, responsiveness, accountability, respect, and excellence. This culture is more than a set of principles—it is a commitment to serving with purpose and care, creating welcoming, nourishing, and reliable experiences for every community they serve. This approach fosters strong relationships with clients and continuously raises the standard of hospitality in the food service industry.

The Executive Chef role at Quest Food Management Services is a critical leadership position within their retail trade environment. This role is responsible for leading culinary operations to ensure all food offerings meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and presentation. The Executive Chef plays a pivotal role in designing creative and innovative menus that reflect customer preferences and current market trends while ensuring cost efficiency and sustainability. Managing kitchen staff, including overseeing hiring, training, and performance evaluations, is essential to maintaining a productive and motivated team. The role also requires overseeing inventory management and collaborating with suppliers to ensure the timely procurement of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Additionally, the Executive Chef works closely with marketing and sales teams to develop promotional food offerings that enhance customer engagement and drive sales growth. The position demands a fine balance between culinary creativity, operational excellence, and business acumen to uphold the brand’s reputation and achieve operational goals. This role is ideally suited for a highly skilled culinary leader with extensive experience in food service environments who is passionate about delivering exceptional culinary experiences and fostering a positive team environment.

Job Requirements

Proven experience as an executive chef or in a senior culinary leadership role within a retail or food service environment
Culinary degree or equivalent professional certification from an accredited institution
Strong knowledge of food safety standards and kitchen sanitation regulations, e.g., ServSafe certification
Demonstrated ability to manage kitchen staff, including hiring, training, and performance management
Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment

Job Qualifications

Proven experience as an executive chef or in a senior culinary leadership role within a retail or food service environment
Culinary degree or equivalent professional certification from an accredited institution
Strong knowledge of food safety standards and kitchen sanitation regulations, e.g., ServSafe certification
Demonstrated ability to manage kitchen staff, including hiring, training, and performance management
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Experience working in retail trade or a similar customer-facing food service industry
Advanced culinary certifications or specialized training in nutrition, menu development, or food sustainability
Proficiency with kitchen management software and inventory control systems
Experience in budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting related to culinary operations
Strong leadership skills with a track record of fostering a positive and productive team culture

Job Duties

Develop and implement creative and seasonal menus that reflect current food trends and customer preferences
Manage daily kitchen operations, including supervising and training culinary staff to maintain high performance and adherence to safety standards
Oversee inventory management, ordering, and supplier relationships to ensure quality and cost-effective procurement of ingredients
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations within the kitchen and food preparation areas
Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as marketing and sales to create food promotions and special events that drive customer engagement
Monitor food costs, labor costs, and overall kitchen budget to optimize profitability without compromising quality
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance kitchen efficiency, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction