Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Life insurance
Employee Discounts
Professional Development
Job Description
Harper Associates is a distinguished executive search firm specializing in hospitality placements, known for connecting talented professionals with premier restaurant and hotel establishments. With a focus on excellence and personalized service, Harper Associates partners with clients to fill key leadership roles that shape the success and distinctive character of hospitality venues across the nation. The firm is currently managing an exclusive search for an Executive Chef position at the soon-to-open Red Room Restaurant located within The Keefer House Hotel in downtown Hillsdale, Michigan.
The Keefer House Hotel, a boutique hotel situated in the charming city of Hillsdale, MI, offers a unique opportunity to join a historic and vibrant community known for its family-friendly lifestyle and cultural richness. Hillsdale provides abundant outdoor recreational activities such as boating and fishing on Lake Baw Beese, exploring sandy beaches, biking scenic trails, and enjoying cultural events at Hillsdale College and the famed Hillsdale County Fairgrounds. This location is just 90 miles west of Detroit, making it an accessible yet peaceful destination for families and professionals alike.
The Executive Chef role at the Red Room is a leadership opportunity that will significantly impact the restaurant's successful launch and ongoing operations. This full-time position demands a strategic culinary professional with deep roots or connections to Michigan, ensuring that the new dining venue reflects local traditions and ingredients while offering an innovative culinary experience. The restaurant features an intimate 45-seat main dining area augmented by a flexible space for private dining or extra seating accommodating an additional 20 to 30 guests. There is also a lobby bar with 12 seats, designed to create a high-touch and memorable dining atmosphere for patrons.
In this role, the Executive Chef will oversee all kitchen operations, from pre-opening initiatives to everyday functioning, guaranteeing the highest standards in food quality, preparation, presentation, and safety. In collaboration with the General Manager and a third-party management company, the Executive Chef will develop and implement a comprehensive pre-opening plan that includes kitchen layout, equipment procurement, staff recruitment, and menu development. The ability to create innovative dishes incorporating locally sourced ingredients while ensuring accurate food costing and pricing is critical for success.
Once operational, the Executive Chef will lead culinary and front-of-house teams, fostering a positive, collaborative environment. Responsibilities extend to optimizing kitchen workflow, maintaining inventory and cost control systems, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and responding to guest feedback to continually enhance the dining experience. The Executive Chef will also manage catering and banquet events at the hotel, showcasing creativity and precision to elevate the venue's offerings.
Ideal candidates will have extensive experience as Executive or Sous Chefs in upscale or high-volume restaurant settings, expertise in menu creation and costing, and strong leadership and organizational skills. A culinary degree or equivalent professional training is preferred, along with a comprehensive understanding of kitchen operations, food safety, and inventory management. This role calls for a dynamic leader with a passion for culinary innovation and exceptional service, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to building inclusive and effective teams.
Joining the Red Room at The Keefer House Hotel offers an exceptional career path with the chance to build a new dining legacy within a historic property. The position provides an attractive benefits package, prioritizes work-life balance, and invites culinary leaders to leave a lasting mark on the local and regional food scene. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resumes to Ben Schwartz, President of Harper Associates, to embark on this exclusive opportunity.
The Keefer House Hotel, a boutique hotel situated in the charming city of Hillsdale, MI, offers a unique opportunity to join a historic and vibrant community known for its family-friendly lifestyle and cultural richness. Hillsdale provides abundant outdoor recreational activities such as boating and fishing on Lake Baw Beese, exploring sandy beaches, biking scenic trails, and enjoying cultural events at Hillsdale College and the famed Hillsdale County Fairgrounds. This location is just 90 miles west of Detroit, making it an accessible yet peaceful destination for families and professionals alike.
The Executive Chef role at the Red Room is a leadership opportunity that will significantly impact the restaurant's successful launch and ongoing operations. This full-time position demands a strategic culinary professional with deep roots or connections to Michigan, ensuring that the new dining venue reflects local traditions and ingredients while offering an innovative culinary experience. The restaurant features an intimate 45-seat main dining area augmented by a flexible space for private dining or extra seating accommodating an additional 20 to 30 guests. There is also a lobby bar with 12 seats, designed to create a high-touch and memorable dining atmosphere for patrons.
In this role, the Executive Chef will oversee all kitchen operations, from pre-opening initiatives to everyday functioning, guaranteeing the highest standards in food quality, preparation, presentation, and safety. In collaboration with the General Manager and a third-party management company, the Executive Chef will develop and implement a comprehensive pre-opening plan that includes kitchen layout, equipment procurement, staff recruitment, and menu development. The ability to create innovative dishes incorporating locally sourced ingredients while ensuring accurate food costing and pricing is critical for success.
Once operational, the Executive Chef will lead culinary and front-of-house teams, fostering a positive, collaborative environment. Responsibilities extend to optimizing kitchen workflow, maintaining inventory and cost control systems, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and responding to guest feedback to continually enhance the dining experience. The Executive Chef will also manage catering and banquet events at the hotel, showcasing creativity and precision to elevate the venue's offerings.
Ideal candidates will have extensive experience as Executive or Sous Chefs in upscale or high-volume restaurant settings, expertise in menu creation and costing, and strong leadership and organizational skills. A culinary degree or equivalent professional training is preferred, along with a comprehensive understanding of kitchen operations, food safety, and inventory management. This role calls for a dynamic leader with a passion for culinary innovation and exceptional service, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to building inclusive and effective teams.
Joining the Red Room at The Keefer House Hotel offers an exceptional career path with the chance to build a new dining legacy within a historic property. The position provides an attractive benefits package, prioritizes work-life balance, and invites culinary leaders to leave a lasting mark on the local and regional food scene. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resumes to Ben Schwartz, President of Harper Associates, to embark on this exclusive opportunity.
Job Requirements
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred
- Proven experience as Executive Chef or Sous Chef in upscale or high volume restaurant environment
- Strong leadership and team building skills
- Knowledge of food safety standards and compliance
- Experience with menu development and costing
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work in fast paced high pressure environment
Job Qualifications
- Proven experience as Executive Chef or Sous Chef in upscale or high volume restaurant environment
- Expertise in menu creation costing and seasonal menu development
- Highly skilled in front of house restaurant management
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training preferred
- Strong leadership and team building skills focusing on fostering an inclusive and supportive culture
- Advanced understanding of cooking techniques food preparation and kitchen operations
- Knowledge of food safety standards inventory control and cost management strategies
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities thriving in fast paced environment
- Passion for culinary innovation high quality food and exceptional service
- Effective communication and teamwork skills liaising between kitchen team management and front of house staff
Job Duties
- Oversee daily kitchen operations ensuring high standards in food preparation cooking plating and service
- Lead and inspire front of house and culinary teams fostering a collaborative professional work environment
- Optimize workflow kitchen efficiency implement inventory ordering and cost control systems
- Monitor food quality presentation and freshness addressing inconsistencies promptly
- Ensure compliance with food safety sanitation and health regulations maintaining a safe clean environment
- Collaborate with front of house management to deliver seamless dining experience and address guest feedback
- Plan and execute catering and banquet events with precision and creativity
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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