Job Description
Join our award-winning culinary team as Executive Chef at The Apex Restaurant & Lounge, a premier destination in Manhattan's vibrant food scene. We seek a visionary leader to drive culinary excellence, craft innovative menus, and lead a dynamic kitchen team. This role offers creative autonomy, premium ingredients, and the opportunity to redefine fine dining in NYC. If you're passionate about gastronomy and thrive in high-energy environments, we want you on our team.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute seasonal menus that balance creativity, quality, and profitability
- Lead, mentor, and manage kitchen staff (15+ members) including hiring, training, and performance evaluation
- Ensure strict adherence to food safety standards (HACCP) and sanitation protocols
- Control inventory, minimize waste, and optimize cost management without compromising quality
- Collaborate with beverage director to create cohesive dining experiences
- Source premium local and sustainable ingredients through established vendor relationships
- Oversee kitchen operations during peak service hours and special events
Qualifications
- 7+ years of progressive culinary experience with 3+ years in executive leadership roles
- Formal culinary degree or equivalent professional certification (e.g., CEC, AAC)
- Deep knowledge of global cuisines and contemporary culinary techniques
- Proven track record of developing award-winning menus and managing high-volume kitchens
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting and P&L management
- Excellent communication skills and ability to inspire high-performance teams
- ServSafe certification required
- Portfolio of innovative dishes and menu development projects