Culinary Operations Assistant

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the culinary team, including regional chefs and culinary directors.
• Oversee and partner closely with the Culinary CIRCLE, ensuring effective collaboration and innovation in culinary practices.
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement within the culinary team.
• Inspire the team with your passion for culinary arts and innovation, encouraging creative thinking and innovative ideas.
• Establish and safeguard Quest’s culinary standards across all locations.
• Drive culinary innovation, stay abreast of industry trends, and incorporate new techniques and ingredients.
• Develop and implement new recipes, menus, and food concepts that align with Quest’s mission and vision in collaboration with the Procurement and Ops Support Teams.
• Challenge the status quo by exploring unconventional ideas and pushing the limits of what is possible in the culinary world.
• Provide culinary support to field operations, ensuring high-quality food service delivery.
• Conduct regular site visits to ensure compliance with culinary standards and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with operations teams to address and resolve culinary challenges.
• Contribute to the development and execution of Quest’s strategic culinary initiatives.
• Assist in positioning Quest as the premier foodservice provider in the Midwest through innovative and high-quality culinary offerings.
• Support business development efforts by participating in presentations and leading tastings for potential clients.
• Manage the culinary department budget.
• Establish culinary best-practices for field operators ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising quality.

  Requirements

  • Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field preferred. Minimum of 10 years of experience in a senior culinary leadership role, preferably within a large food service or hospitality organization.
  • Skills & Ability: A visionary mindset with the courage to take risks and the resilience to see ideas through to fruition. Strong leadership and team management skills, with a servant-leader mentality Exceptional culinary skills with a passion for innovation and quality. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders. Strong organizational and time management abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and culinary management software. Certified Executive Chef (CEC) or equivalent certification preferred. ServSafe certification or equivalent food safety certification required.
  • Physical Demands: Ability to travel frequently up to 50% to various locations as required. Flexible work schedule to accommodate business needs, including some evenings and weekends.