Manager, Executive Chef

Culinary Leadership & Quality Control

• Monitors, organizes, and expedites all plates leaving the kitchen to ensure impeccable execution, temperature, and presentation according to strict specifications.
• Inspects each Cook’s station daily to monitor preparation readiness, par levels, and mise en place for service.
• Keeps menus vibrant and current by maintaining an active personal knowledge of culinary trends (e.g., industry literature, cookbooks, food journals).
• Upkeeps the active recipe book daily detailing specials, soups, and standard menu items.
• Maintains technical mastery across all kitchen roles with the capability to seamlessly step in and fill any line position as operational needs dictate.
• Fosters a professional, courteous, and high-energy kitchen culture, ensuring strict compliance with uniform upkeep and respectful employee relations.

Strategic Administration & Financial Control

• Manages inventory volumes, processes batch invoices, reviews POS reports against the bottom line, and builds accurate month-end forecasts.
• Maintains strict fiscal control over inventory and food costs to minimize waste, preserve resources, and achieve planned food cost and menu pricing percentages.
• Executes food and supply orders in strict accordance with Corporate Purchasing Contracts while maintaining highly professional, close relationships with all restaurant vendors.
• Drives the entire restaurant operation to achieve and maintain a 90% score or better on seasonal secret shop reports and health sanitation evaluations.

Catering & Event Strategy

• Partners with store leadership to plan, coordinate, and execute the culinary requirements for specialized promotions, catering needs, and high-profile private events.

Whole-House Operations & Hospitality FOH Integration

• Fosters a seamless, collaborative partnership with the front-of-house waitstaff to ensure synchronized kitchen-to-table service and gracious guest interactions.
• Maintains an active leadership role in front dining room procedures, driving the team to keep a pristine, efficient work environment both inside and outside of the kitchen.
• Enforces rigorous Health and Sanitation standards as directed by Saks Global, local/federal health departments, and third-party sanitation auditors across all kitchens and dining spaces.

Associate Development & Training

• Trains, mentors, and allocates professional development for kitchen workers across their respective areas of responsibility.
• Enforces all Saks Global policies uniformly; delivers constructive feedback, conflict resolution, and disciplinary action for Associates when necessary.
• Partners closely with the People Business Partner (PBP) and Employee Relations (ER) on strategic matters relevant to culinary Associates (e.g., onboarding, payroll, benefits, and active coaching/counseling).

Executive Communications Management

• Briefs the restaurant management team regarding labor scheduling, P&L adjustments, upcoming events, and employee relations.

• Physical Requirements & Scheduling Flexibility

  • Role requires physical stamina for extended periods of standing, bending, climbing stairs, working in high-temperature environments, and lifting/carrying up to 35 pounds.
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule tailored to premium retail and hospitality business needs, which will include evenings, weekends, and holidays.

  What You Will Bring

  • 4–6 years of progressive culinary and restaurant management experience, preferably in a premium, fine-dining, or luxury high-volume environment.
  • 4-year degree or Culinary Arts degree preferred.
  • A proven history of leading, motivating, and coaching diverse teams to exceed operational and creative objectives.
  • Strong business and financial acumen, with direct experience handling P&L reports, food cost percentages, and inventory budgets.
  • Exceptional communication skills with the ability to effectively and tactfully advise, counsel, coach, resolve conflict, and negotiate across all levels of the organization.
  • Thorough knowledge of the high-end order of service, proper placement of table settings (china, glass, flatware), and premium customer service standards.
  • Attributes: Highly organized, results-driven, strong attention to detail, and a firm champion of a collaborative "win together" mindset.
  • Technical Savvy: Proficiency with Google Workspace and MS Office Product Suite, with advanced proficiency preferred.