Executive Pastry Chef jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

Position Summary:

The Executive Chef responsibilities include directly supporting and enforcing all initiatives given by the Senior Director of Food & Beverage. Responsibilities also include leading, directing and supervising all culinary and stewarding activities as well as overseeing the performance and coordination of all work performed by all culinary and steward Team Members assigned, passing on pertinent information to Room Chefs, Sous Chefs and Team Members and ensuring proper service standards are used in all internal and external Guest experiences. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for practicing, supporting and promoting Gun Lake Casino’s “Unsurpassed Service” standards at all times.
• Oversee all hiring, staffing and training of culinary and stewarding employees.
• Assist in training of all culinary employees, including the development of training agendas and materials.
• Responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing Food & Beverage Department policy and procedures relevant to all aspects of kitchen operations.
• Oversee and assist with menu design, recipe development and training for all Food venues.
• Develop budgets for all culinary and stewarding activities.
• Responsible for overall cleanliness, sanitation and safety of all areas within the Food & Beverage operation.
• Responsible for overseeing proper receiving, storage, rotation and pars for food items within the Food & Beverage Department.
• Assist the Purchasing Department with developing and monitor all product specifications.
• Responsible for maintaining consistent food specifications, including: taste, appearance, presentation, portion control and quality.
• Responsible for holding Room Chefs accountable for the food cost, labor cost, and direct expenses.
• Responsible for morale, engagement and overall performance of all culinary and stewarding Team Members.
• Must maintain the highest level of professionalism at all times. Will work with departmental and property peers to ensure a strong working relationship and high levels of teamwork.
• Practice and observe safety rules and regulations and ensure Team Members reporting to you do so as well.  Ensure your areas comply with Board of Health standards and regulations.
• Responsible for handling any Team Member or Guest opportunities.
• Evaluate and oversee the job performance of Team Members.  
• Set schedules and specific job duties, while maintaining Team Members’ hours for proper staffing as defined through established service standards.
• Treat each individual with care, dignity, fairness, respect and recognition and ensure open door policy in an “Unsurpassed Service” manner.
• Coach and counsel Team Members who are not meeting standards. Understand the steps of discipline according to Gun Lake Casino’s policies.
• Communicate on a consistent basis with all manager, keeping them abreast of all department activities.
• Ensure that all Team Members adhere to all policies and procedures as set forth by the Senior Director of Food and Beverage and adhere to all Gun Lake Casino’s policies and standards.
• Have a comprehensive and complete knowledge of all food and beverage menu items including their preparation, ingredients, cooking methods, portions and prices.
• Oversee the departments to ensure requisitioning, production, fabrication and quality is in strict adherence to Gun Lake Casino’s specifications, standards and guidelines.
• Work closely with Management team to ensure that all products comply with Gun Lake Casino’s specifications and cost controls.
• Responsible to direct and supervise the Executive Steward to maintain cleanliness and sanitation standards in accordance with department policies and the Department of Health.
• Ensure that kitchens and equipment are in good working order to ensure a clean and hazard free work area that complies with the Department of Health, OSHA and Gun Lake Casino’s guidelines.  Monitor, work with facilities and document any culinary and sanitation departments if any area is below standards or not functioning properly.
• Must be available to work a variety of shifts, weekends and holidays.
• All other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s degree in culinary studies preferred.
• Six (6) years of culinary leadership experience and ten (10) years of overall culinary experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years in varied high volume and/or buffet environment with P&L responsibilities preferred.
• Must possess Serv-Safe or equivalent certification, with a comprehensive understanding of all food safety and sanitation requirements.
• Proven knowledge of budget development, scheduling and cost control skills. 
• Demonstrated strong understanding of Human Resources related policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Guests, Team Members and Management in both written and verbal form.
• Must manage time effectively with minimum supervision.
• Must be able to handle a flexible schedule.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment and maturity in his or her decision-making ability, even when dealing with difficult situations.
• Must possess and demonstrate great attention to detail in order to maintain unit’s appearance and operating standards.
• Comprehensive food knowledge, which includes basic knowledge of profit and loss statements, cost control, menu planning, budgeting, training, inventory control and sanitation.
• Must have strong knowledge of tracking and maintaining Cost of Sales while in conjunctions with creating recipe cards for all styles of cooking bulk, plated and action.
• Must possess and demonstrate strong leadership skills and ability that will enhance and exemplify the “Unsurpassed Service” culture.
• Comprehensive computer skills in Microsoft Office systems and requisitioning.
• Must possess the ability to work hands on in any kitchen environment pertaining to a three meal period and high volume production in batch, fine dining, butchering, baking soups, stocks, sauces, roasting, sautéing, broiling, grilling and cold food production.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires normal, corrective vision range, the ability to see color and the ability to distinguish letters, numbers and symbols.
• Requires the physical ability to stand for long periods of time, walk frequently, bend or reach to a height of 6 feet with or without assistance.
• Must be capable of lifting 50lbs, push 150 to 250lbs on a pushcart, in/out of walk-ins of -10 degrees to 140 degrees with or without assistance.
• Requires normal sense of smell, taste and touch.
• Requires normal dexterity to use job related equipment.

Work Conditions:

Work is typically in an area which may be unusually hot, cold and/or noisy and may contain second hand smoke.  Work may be performed in small areas with a 3 ft. wide access.  Tasks performed from a sitting or non-sitting position.  Performance of job duties will require standing, walking, lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling and grasping.  These tasks include the maintenance and care of assigned area.   Work may entail trained chemical usage.   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts.  The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock.  The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Constant contact with fellow Team Members and Guests.

Disclaimer and Conditions of Employment:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job.  These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.   

All applicants must be able to demonstrate their US work authorization during the employment verification process. The pre-employment process also requires the ability to pass a criminal background investigation, and drug/alcohol test.    

Indian Preference:

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians abides by Native American preference in its hiring and employment policies. 

Gun Lake Tribal Gaming Authority reserves the right to make changes to the above job description as necessary.