Executive Sous Chef

About The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton operates over 100 award-winning properties globally, focusing on delivering exceptional luxury service. The company values the unique backgrounds of its associates and fosters an environment where creativity, thoughtfulness, and compassion are encouraged. The Ritz-Carlton is committed to non-discrimination and believes in empowering its team members to curate lifelong memories for guests.

Role Summary: Executive Sous Chef

The Executive Sous Chef will exhibit culinary talent by performing tasks while assisting in leading staff and managing all food-related functions. This full-time role involves continually improving guest and employee satisfaction while maximizing financial performance across all areas of responsibility. The Executive Sous Chef will assist in supervising all kitchen areas to ensure consistent, high-quality product production and will be responsible for guiding and developing staff, including direct reports. The role requires ensuring sanitation and food standards are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direction for all day-to-day culinary operations.
• Supervise and coordinate activities of cooks and workers engaged in food preparation.
• Provide guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Utilize interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others, advocating sound financial/business decision-making.
• Ensure property policies are administered fairly and consistently.
• Review staffing levels to ensure guest service, operational needs, and financial objectives are met.
• Establish and maintain open, collaborative relationships with employees.
• Solicit employee feedback and review satisfaction results to identify and address concerns.
• Prepare and cook foods of all types, either on a regular basis or for special guests or functions.
• Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring quality, standards, and customer expectations are met.
• Interact with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels, and respond to guest problems and complaints.
• Empower employees to provide excellent customer service and ensure ongoing training.
• Administer the performance appraisal process for direct report managers.
• Manage employee progressive discipline procedures for areas of responsibility.

Culinary and Operational Management

• Oversee all food preparation areas (*, banquets, room service, restaurants, bar/lounge, employee cafeteria) and support areas (*, dish room, purchasing) as applicable.
• Develop and implement guidelines and control procedures for purchasing and receiving areas.
• Manage department controllable expenses, including food cost, supplies, uniforms, and equipment.
• Participate in the budgeting process for areas of responsibility.
• Provide direction for menu development.
• Monitor the quality of raw and cooked food products to ensure standards are met.
• Determine how food should be presented and create decorative food displays.
• Ensure compliance with food handling and sanitation standards, including proper handling and temperature of all food products.
• Ensure employees maintain required food handling and sanitation certifications.
• Train kitchen associates on the fundamentals of cooking and plate presentations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Demonstrated culinary talents and leadership experience.
• 5-10 years of experience in a relevant culinary leadership role.
• Ability to understand employee positions well enough to perform duties in their absence or determine appropriate replacements.
• Strong understanding and implementation of brand safety standards.
• Proficiency in analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solutions and solve problems.

Company Culture and Values

As part of The Ritz-Carlton team, you will be expected to deliver the "Gold Standards" graciously and thoughtfully every day. These standards, including the Employee Promise, Credo, and Service Values, guide the company's culture and contribute to its reputation as a global leader in luxury hospitality. Joining The Ritz-Carlton means becoming part of a portfolio of brands within Marriott International, where associates are encouraged to do their best work and grow professionally.