Operational Support Chef de Cuisine

The Operational Support Chef de Cuisine for Restaurant Associates is responsible for assisting with the overall success of the Food Program. This means adhering to the Client's culture and guidelines, the Health Department's regulations, and RA's standards and expectations of food quality, freshness and presentation. This position oversees the kitchen's daily administrative, operational, and culinary tasks, including sanitation and safety. This position motivates, trains, develops and directs the back of house employees to accomplish the objectives of the operation to the satisfaction of the customers, clients, and RA's Management Company.

The Operational Support Chef de Cuisine will also focus on intentional responsible sourcing (procurement) and maintaining excellent relations and service with distributors and suppliers for the Google Food program in order to support operational excellence.

This role is based in Seattle, WA.

• Teaches and adheres to RA's philosophy, culture and commitment to quality food and exemplary service.

• Supports the Director of Catering in having ownership of the Catering operation and works closely in conjunction with operations team and senior management

• Well versed in Catering Operations along with Cafe Operations

• Ensures that our food, beverages, and operating supplies are produced or created in the most responsible way possible

• Meet with key vendors quarterly to assess their commitment to our program, including supply chain integrity, innovation potential, food safety, capacity to serve our changing needs and pricing optimization opportunities

• Work closely with Foodbuy, the group purchasing organization that supports all of Sector and Compass Group

• Be an engaged member of the Risk Management Committee for product recalls and withdrawal and designate functions as appropriate

• Ensures that all products and ingredients that are used are purchased following sector and Google Food purchasing standards and sustainability commitments

• Has knowledge of and enforces the Client/RA contractual agreement

• Trains and supervises the daily conduct of the staff and treats all customers, vendors and suppliers with professionalism, care and respect

• Supervises the adherence to proper uniform standards following the employee handbook and established account guidelines.

• Helps develop and revise job descriptions.

• Helps Executive Chef conducts staff reviews, coaching sessions, and disciplinary actions

• Oversee the execution of menus, programs, and tasks set by the Executive Chef in an efficient, timely manner.
• Ensure high-quality, creative food preparation and presentation, while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
• Lead and train culinary staff on RA Corporate initiatives and standards.
• Develop balanced menus that cater to guests' cultural and dietary needs.
• Meet and exceed customer expectations and client value perceptions.
• Ensure all ingredients meet RA's purchasing standards and sustainability commitments.
• Collaborate with the management team to meet display, catering, and cafe culinary setup standards.
• Ensure proper and sustainable disposal of kitchen waste as supported by the client.
• Represent the company professionally in all interactions with customers, clients, and employees.
• Address customer complaints in a friendly, service-oriented manner.
• Communicate accurately and promptly with the client.
• Ensure culinary staff follows time and attendance policies.
• Work with Executive Chef and Cafe Manager to meet labor goals.
• Assist in placing orders, sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, and following purchasing guidelines.
• Complete inventory on schedule.
• Collaborate with the Director of Catering and Executive Chef to meet food cost and budget goals.
• Ensure kitchen space meets standards outlined in Great Expectations and maintain its appearance.
• Supervise food garnishing and presentation to ensure quality standards.

• Degree from a post secondary culinary arts training program or comparable work experience

• 2 years in a professional kitchen or bakery in similar position with like volume and quality food service establishment

• Strong passion for great food and hospitality

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal

• Maintain a positive attitude under pressure and motivate team

• Working knowledge of Google Suite

• Manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines

• Ability to follow all Health & Safety standards

• Demonstrate good judgment and decision making skills

• Maintain a positive attitude under pressure and motivate team

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team

• Ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment