Executive Chef

Arlington, VA, 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 distinguished hospitality management company known for delivering exceptional food service and catering experiences in the Greater Washington, DC area. With a strong emphasis on quality, innovation, and sustainability, Meriwether Godsey partners with private schools and other high-profile clients to provide outstanding dining services that exceed expectations. The company is committed to creating a people-focused work environment that encourages career growth, teamwork, and high energy, making it a rewarding place for professionals who are passionate about culinary excellence and customer service. Meriwether Godsey takes pride in fostering an inclusive, equitable workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.

The Executive Chef role at Meriwether Godsey is a pivotal leadership position responsible for managing a high-volume food production program at an exceptional private school in Washington, DC. This role demands a leader with both strong culinary expertise and proven management skills, especially within contract dining services in educational settings. The Executive Chef will oversee all aspects of food preparation, menu development, purchasing, and event catering, ensuring the highest quality standards and client satisfaction. Responsibilities include purchasing organically and locally produced foods when possible, incorporating sustainable and current food trends, and maintaining strict compliance with food safety regulations such as HACCP standards. This role also requires managing vendor relationships, overseeing staff development through coaching and support, and collaborating on financial planning and budget management to meet operational goals.

This is a full-time position offering competitive pay along with benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance, uniforms, and meals. Candidates will find significant opportunities for professional advancement within a fast-paced and collaborative environment. The Executive Chef will also play a key role in supporting a positive and inclusive workplace culture by promoting talent growth and employee engagement. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced culinary leader passionate about delivering excellence and innovation in a prestigious school dining and catering program.

Job Requirements

Associate's degree or five or more years of related food service experience
Three to five years of executive chef experience
Five or more 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
Ability to apply and promote 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 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 equivalent experience
Three to five years of executive chef experience
Five or more 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
Knowledge of current food trends and sustainable practices
Strong leadership skills with a participative management style
Demonstrated experience cultivating talent and promoting an inclusive work environment
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Account and project management skills
Knowledge of food safety (HACCP), sanitation, and workplace safety standards
Ability to work collaboratively within a team and foster strong client 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