Executive Chef Chicago, IL

Convene Hospitality Group (CHG) operates a global portfolio of lifestyle brands focused on creating places and experiences that bring people together. The company designs, develops, and operates hospitality-driven destinations to host gatherings of all kinds, ranging from small corporate meetings to immersive brand activations and beyond. We love bringing people together in person, and that passion for great experiences extends to our employees as well.

If you're interested in creating inspiring moments of connection, consider joining our team.

We are looking for an executive chef who exemplifies a passion for Culinary, Hospitality, and is a proponent of educating a team and cultivating a positive and inclusive employee culture. If hired, you will play a key role in providing support and guidance to our culinary team, and help ensure a positive client and guest experience!

At Convene,
our cultural DNA is rooted in GRIT- a set of guiding principles that fuel our passion, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence to be 1% better every day. Standing for genuine, relentless, integrity, and teamwork, GRIT is more than just an acronym- it's a way of life that informs every aspect of our organization. From the initiatives we launch to the partners we choose to work with, GRIT is the thread that weaves our community together!

What You’ll Do:

In this role, the Executive Chef will partner with and report directly to the General Manager. Our Executive Chef has experience in high volume environments with a focus on presentation and conference style catering.

• Provide the direction for all day-to-day operations of the Culinary department and ensure the quality and standards are meeting the expectations of the guests and employees.
• Ensure that supplies are ordered, received, and properly stored. Maintain an inventory of supplies and kitchen equipment.
• Conduct regular inventory of food items and equipment.
• Manage department expenses and ensure food cost is reviewed weekly/monthly
• Manage staffing levels to ensure that guest service, operational needs and financial objectives are met.
• Attract, hire, retain, and motivate your team to uphold company standards and practices.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings with staff and review all information pertinent to the day’s business.
• Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Review PEOs, make notes, develop and assign production and preparation tasks accordingly
• Responsible for constant sanitation, organization, and proper food handling
• Responsible for all food production for all corporate meetings, conferences and events.
• Ensuring all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and serviced.
• Supervising daily setup for menu, anticipating business volume, and adjusting work areas/schedules accordingly

What We Look For:

• A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate and required experience
• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree of training
• Experience leading small culinary team up to 6 people
• Extensive catering experience
• High volume, complex food service operations experience – highly desirable
• Institutional and batch cooking experiences a plus
• Hands-on chef experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
• Proficient in Google Suite, Slack and Zoom
• Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required; work schedule may include early mornings and occasional weekends
• Move, lift, carry, push, pull and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance
• Re…