Executive Chef

Summary: The Executive Chef is the leader for all things culinary at Tulsa Zoo.  From setting the menu standards to training team members to ensuring impeccable safety in operations to representing our team in social media & partner events. This leader will inspire creativity and demonstrate hospitality in all operations and interactions.  Food is a central part of the guest experience and the Executive chef is the visionary behind that food. The ideal candidate will be an experienced food and beverage leader. A great coach with commercial acumen, who can get the best out of people and continually drive operational performance and execution. 

• Plans regular and modified menus according to established guidelines.
• Follows standardized recipes, portioning and presentation standards. Completes and utilizes daily production worksheets and waste log sheets. Tastes completed meals to ensure quality
• Trains kitchen staff in food preparation, safe handling, operation of equipment, food safety and sanitation based on Company and regulatory standards
• Establishes and maintains cleaning and maintenance schedules for equipment, storage and work areas. Ensures that kitchen staff follows and completes schedules as assigned
• Maintains inventory of food and non-food supplies to stay within established guidelines while assuring that necessary product is available when needed
• Makes all decisions regarding utilization of leftover food products staying within Company guidelines for such products
• Complies with federal, state and local health and sanitation regulations and department sanitation procedures as evidenced through local health department and third-party audits
• Follows facility, department, and Company safety policies and procedures to include occurrence reporting
• Participates and attends departmental meetings, staff development, and professional programs, as appropriate
• Demonstrate Levy Core Values in all actions:  Be Nice, Innovative, Passionate, Inclusive. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A.S. or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree or training
• Extensive catering experience a plus
• High volume, complex foodservice operations experience - highly desirable
• Institutional and batch cooking experiences
• Hands-on chef experience a must
• Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
• Must be experienced with computers; to include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Power Point), Outlook, E-mail and the Internet
• Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities 
• ServSafe certified