Executive Chef

Job Summary

Are you a passionate culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys variety, and excels at leading high-performing teams? We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to join our ACE Team and provide culinary leadership and operational support across Flik Hospitality Group accounts.

As a member of the Ace Team you will be responsible for supporting and/or managing Flik accounts. Being based in Chicagoland, you will mainly support units in the Tri-State region.  Additionally, you will be assigned to support non-local Flik locations requiring up to 25% travel. Ace schedules vary each week based on business needs. The majority of the assignments fall between Monday through Friday. There will be periodic evening, weekend and holiday assignments given with advance notice.

What You'll Do

• Provide hands-on culinary leadership and operational support across multiple Flik accounts.

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation, and guest satisfaction.

• Develop and execute menus, including regular and modified offerings, while following company culinary standards.

• Lead high-volume food production, catering, and special events as needed.

• Train, coach, and develop culinary associates in food preparation, equipment operation, food safety, and sanitation.

• Maintain standardized recipes, portion controls, production records, and waste management procedures.

• Manage purchasing, inventory, food costs, and product utilization to support financial goals.

• Establish and maintain cleaning, sanitation, and equipment maintenance standards.

• Ensure compliance with HACCP, food safety, workplace safety, and regulatory requirements.

• Partner with account leadership and culinary teams to improve operational efficiency and implement culinary programs.

• Adapt quickly to different accounts, teams, and operational needs while maintaining Flik's standards of excellence.

What We're Looking For

• Associate's degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent professional experience.

• Five or more years of progressive culinary or kitchen management experience.

• Strong background in high-volume food production and complex food service operations.

• Extensive catering and special event experience preferred.

• Experience with institutional dining, batch cooking, and large-scale food preparation.

• Hands-on culinary leadership experience required.

• Strong knowledge of menu development, purchasing, inventory, food cost controls, sanitation, and presentation.

• Ability to adapt quickly to new environments, lead different teams, and manage changing priorities.

• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and general computer applications.

• ServSafe Certification highly preferred.

• Ability to travel up to 25% and work a flexible schedule based on business needs.

Why Join Us?

• Enjoy the variety of working across multiple Flik Hospitality Group accounts throughout the Chicago region.

• Opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise while supporting diverse dining operations and teams.

• Gain exposure to different accounts, leadership teams, and culinary programs.

• Career growth and professional development opportunities.