Executive Chef

Job Summary We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Executive Chef to lead our culinary team and elevate our dining experience. In this vital role, you will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu development and food preparation to staff supervision and quality control. Your leadership will ensure that every dish served reflects excellence, creativity, and consistency, delighting our guests and maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hospitality. Responsibilities Develop and maintain a high-quality, creative menu that reflects the Smoke & Timber brand and seasonal offerings. Ensure consistency in food taste, quality, preparation, and presentation for all menu items. Lead recipe development, recipe costing, and standardized preparation methods. Stay updated on culinary trends, smoking techniques, and seasonal ingredients to enhance the overall dining experience. Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and cleanliness. Ensure full compliance with food safety, sanitation, and NC Health Department standards. Maintain accurate inventory levels, coordinate ordering, and manage vendor relationships. Monitor food waste, portion control, and quality-control systems to maximize efficiency. Oversee all equipment maintenance, coordinating repairs/servicing when needed. Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor all back-of-house staff, including sous chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, and dish team members. Support restaurant events, specials, and seasonal menu rollouts. Analyze weekly and monthly reports, including inventory, waste, and food cost percentages. Collaborate with restaurant management on catering strategies, menu planning, pricing strategies, and promotional initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction. Qualifications Proven experience in fine dining environments with strong banquet experience preferred. Demonstrated supervising experience within a high-volume kitchen setting. Extensive culinary experience with expertise in food production, catering, and restaurant management. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse team. Knowledge of inventory management, inventory control, and food cost analysis. Excellent skills in food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen management. Familiarity with food safety standards, HACCP protocols, and food handling regulations. Background in hospitality or food service management is highly desirable. Experience working within the food industry with a focus on quality service delivery. Ability to manage shift schedules effectively while maintaining operational excellence. Join us as an Executive Chef where your culinary expertise will inspire creativity in the kitchen while delivering unforgettable dining experiences! Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Work Location: In person