Catering Chef

EXECUTIVE CATERING CHEF

The Goddess & Grocer Catering Kitchen is looking for a dynamic leader. This is an exciting opportunity if you enjoy a fast-paced environment, think collaboratively, are detail-oriented, and have a genuine passion for cooking delicious, simple, and internationally influenced food.

Manage all aspects of the culinary operations including upscale high volume food production, culinary staff development, and growth, and achieve targeted financial goals in a high volume and environment.

• Embodies the culture and leadership style of commitment, passion and kindness while driving the desired result.
• Direct the day-to-day operations of all areas of the kitchen including purchasing, inventory management, prep standards, and upholding the Company’s food and facilities standards in a high volume environment.
• Menu development. Collaborate on new menu ideas and trends.
• Hire, develop and retain high-level culinary staff in accordance with business needs, productivity, and Company standards.
• Plan and manage the procurement, production, preparation, and presentation of all food in a safe, sanitary, and cost-effective manner.
• Develop, implement and manage the department's budget; continually analyze, forecast, monitor, and control the labor and food costs through various methods to meet/exceed management/budget objectives.
• Monitor and control the maintenance/sanitation of kitchen, equipment, and related areas to ensure a healthy, safe work environment that meets/exceeds federal, state, and Company standards.
• Comply with and enforce Company’s policies and procedures
• Perform any other job-related duties as assigned.

Specific Experience we are seeking:

• Five+ years of employment in a related position.
• Culinary Degree in a reputable culinary school.
• Catering and hotel/banquet experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of catering operations including food cost, budget, service techniques, forecast, portioning and presentation
• Requires advanced knowledge of the principles and practices within the food profession. This includes experiential knowledge required for the management of people and/or complex problems and food and beverage management.
• Leadership skills to motivate and develop staff and to ensure accomplishment of goals.
• Ability to work effectively under time constraints and deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences, such as effectively communicating with supervisors, coworkers, the public etc.
• Computer and software skills are a must.

ABOUT GODDESS & THE GROCER

Two parts rock n’ roll, one part Chicago, and one sassy Aussie. The Goddess and Grocer is anything but your ordinary sandwich spot, with inspired international and approachable food from all over the world, our menu has something for everyone. We strive to find the freshest ingredients and utilize them in a unique way.

We chalk our menu full of classic sandwiches like the California Dreaming with turkey and avocado to a terrific Mile–High Rueben that rivals any traditional deli. We carry an array of colorful, delicious salads with homemade dressings and prepared foods inspired by international fare from all over. Our menu is always growing with our inspiration for great food. In addition to a variety of savory meals and snacks – we have also become an iconic Chicago bakery, with sweets and treats that will make your eyes pop – like The Goddess Rainbow Cake, one of the most Instagrammed desserts in Chicago!

Our Goddess, Debbie Sharpe, got her background in rock n’ roll catering, traveling the globe, and feeding some of the most influential musicians of our time. Instantly falling in love with Chicago, she got off the Paul McCartney tour bus and laid down roots in the Wicker Park – Bucktown neighborhood in 1990. Serving a colorful, globally inspired menu of creative sandwiches, vibrant salads, mix-and-match square meals, and gourmet pantry items, she opened The Goddess and Grocer in 2004 and it was an instant hit.

As a grocer, we are proud to carry a variety of local products in the curated grocery section of our stores. From local confections to craft beer and unique local coffee we actively seek out Chicago-based small businesses and local artisans to add to our shelves. More than just a place to get a great bite or a gift, The Goddess and Grocer in actively involved in our Chicago communities and organizations we believe in. Our stores in Gold Coast, River North, and Bucktown serve as a neighborhood watering hole, hosting benefits, neighborhood functions, live music, craft beer launches, and more.

At The Goddess and Grocer, we believe in the power of community, the influence of music, and most of all, we believe great food brings people together.

Qualification + Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Language skills: Ability to read, write, and verbally communicate effectively and professionally with other business departments, guests, and vendors. Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism.
• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, or telephone. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10-25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds