Executive Chef - Short Hills

Legal Sea Foods is always accepting applications for qualified Chef candidates for management at all locations.

The Chef has overall responsibility for food production in the restaurant. The Chef oversees all kitchen operations, ensuring restaurant and company standards of quality and service. The Chef, in partnership with the GM, is responsible for optimizing profits and increasing sales through proper control of food, supplies, labor, people and productivity.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for regularly managing and directing the work of BOH managers (and designated associate departments) which includes the following: hiring; scheduling; assigning and directing work; training, coaching, counseling, developing, and disciplining; conducting regular meetings and ensuring proper education; conducts performance reviews; initiates/recommends promotions & pay increases; resolves employee complaints; decides upon termination and other discipline of employees reporting to the Chef.
• Responsible for managing and directing the work of all BOH departments.
• Responsible for ensuring that all food is prepared and delivered to guests timely and consistent with Legal Sea Foods' recipes, standards, and specifications.
• Responsible for safety, security, and cleanliness of BOH areas and equipment in the restaurant in accordance with Company policies, standards, and applicable codes and regulations.
• Develops and presents an annual business and budget plan working cooperatively with the GM.
• With respect to the finalized business plan and budget adopted for the restaurant, is responsible for ensuring monthly compliance to budget (i.e. labor, food, and other costs).
• Responsible for exercising discretion and independent judgment with respect to the BOH Department, including interpreting, implementing, and enforcing management policies and operating practices, carrying out major assignments in conduct of operations, and investigating and resolving matters of significance to management, and representing the Company in complaints, disputes and other grievances.
• Responsible for controlling food costs by ensuring properly billed, received product, and investigating variances.
• Assures that all Company and restaurant specific policies and procedures are adhered to on a regular basis (e.g., Food Safety, Sanitation, Allergy, OSHA-related, Employee Handbook).
• Performs job functions of other management personnel in their absence and/or in addition to them.
• Addresses guest complaints and overall guest satisfaction issues promptly and professionally by taking appropriate action.
• Utilizes all Company business systems effectively (e.g., POS, HRIS, Hiring/Selection, Scheduling, Inventory and Labor Management Systems).
• Responsible for appropriate restaurant maintenance, i.e., snow removal, plumbing, landscaping, lighting, signage, equipment issues.
• Interacts with external vendors to obtain the best quality in pricing and product.
• Conducts cost analysis for respective products.
• Initiates negotiations regarding vendor contracts and appropriately involves Legal Department and maintains records of contracts.

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES:

• Sensitive Palate -Must have a well-developed sense of taste and smell. The Chef should recognize subtle nuances in flavors in order to explore bold new flavor combinations and make them work.
• Creativity -The position requires creativity. The Chef must develop creative and profitable features by putting his/her own stamp on menu items. Experimentation and creativity are essential for the job.
• Delegation and Teamwork - A harmonious meal requires cooperation in the kitchen. The Chef ultimately directs the whole process. Teamwork is essential. Ideal candidates must be passionate about people, able to manage workers, delegate responsibility and work closely with others.
• Determination - The Chef is an individual that is passionate about food. Successful candidates must show dedication to the craft by working diligently and updating their knowledge and skills routinely to stay current on trends, techniques etc.
• Organization -Bringing all the elements of a meal together quickly and elegantly takes preparation and organization. The ability to plan ahead is key to this position. A chef will help you keep your cool in a high-pressure kitchen environment.
• Adaptable - Legal Sea Foods' business evolves and changes frequently.  In order to be successful, the Chef must embrace change.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BACKGROUND DESIRED:

• Culinary degree or certificate with a minimum of three years relevant experience and/or minimum five years' experience coupled with on-the-job experience in related culinary field.
• High School Diploma required.
• Experience in restaurant management preferred.
• Experience with information systems related to restaurant management.