Executive Chef

About the role

Join D.H. Lescombes Winery and Bistro in Las Cruces, New Mexico. As the premier vineyard and winery in the state since 1981, Lescombes Family Vineyards offers a diverse range of wines and a variety of dining locations including the Las Cruces location.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the creation and preparation of food at the Las Cruces location.
• Cook, conceive, create, and coordinate food items.
• Ensure food safety protocols are in place and being followed.
• Lead, manage, and inspire the kitchen staff, ensuring high standards of food preparation, presentation, and service.
• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, including inventory management, ordering, and ensuring proper storage of ingredients.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, as well as maintain cleanliness and organization within the kitchen.
• Manage kitchen budgets, food costs, and labor costs to achieve profitability goals.
• Hire, train, and mentor kitchen staff.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment where team members are encouraged to grow and thrive.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to support ongoing development.
• Ensure consistently high food quality by conducting quality checks, tastings, and evaluations of dishes.
• Interact with guests as needed, ensuring their dining experience exceeds expectations and addressing any dietary needs or preferences.
• Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service and enhance the overall guest experience.
• Supervise food preparation to include methods, portion control, and garnishing; ensure attractive presentation of all foods.
• Ensure line checks are being completed twice daily.
• Find ways to minimize food waste.
• Ensure food inventories are accurate and are being submitted in a timely manner.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Culinary Director, COO, and Bistro General Manager.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager/Executive Chef or in a senior culinary role, preferably in a fine-dining restaurant or winery setting.
• Strong knowledge of wine and food pairings is preferred.
• Expertise in high-volume kitchen management, food preparation, and presentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• In-depth understanding of food safety, hygiene regulations, and kitchen operations.
• A culinary degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Ability to understand and apply principles of all Food and Beverage metrics of measurement.
• Analytical and written communication skills, problem-solving, and presentation.
• Excellent computer proficiency (Google Sheets, Documents, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong leadership and teaching skills.

Qualifications

• Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
• The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job with or without some other combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Skills

• Proven experience as a Kitchen Manager/Executive Chef or in a senior culinary role, preferably in a fine-dining restaurant or winery setting.
• Strong knowledge of wine and food pairings is preferred.
• Expertise in high-volume kitchen management, food preparation, and presentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• In-depth understanding of food safety, hygiene regulations, and kitchen operations.
• A culinary degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Ability to understand and apply principles of all Food and Beverage metrics of measurement.
• Analytical and written communication skills, problem-solving, and presentation.
• Excellent computer proficiency (Google Sheets, Documents, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong leadership and teaching skills.

Benefits

• The opportunity to enroll in Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance.
• Generous employee discount.
• The opportunity to enroll in Teladoc, a virtual health program.
• The opportunity to participate in our 401(k) plan immediately after employment, with up to a 4% company match with immediate vesting.
• Aflac supplemental insurance options.