Executive Chef Job Posting

Job Family – Food & Beverage

Job Title – Executive Chef

Job Type – Salary

Short Description 

The Executive Chef at the Memphis Zoo is a dynamic culinary leader responsible for overseeing the concession food department and catering food department. This role requires creativity, passion for food, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences to guests.

Detailed Description 

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement menus for concession stands and catering events, ensuring variety, quality, and seasonal relevance.
• Manage food production, including ordering ingredients, supervising cooking processes, and maintaining food safety standards.
• Train, mentor, and motivate kitchen staff to deliver consistent culinary excellence and exceptional customer service.
• Collaborate with vendors, suppliers, and culinary partners to source high-quality ingredients and support sustainable practices.
• Monitor food costs, budgeting, and inventory control to maximize profitability while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Stay updated with industry trends, culinary innovations, and customer preferences to enhance offerings and guest satisfaction.

Potential Functions

• Create special event menus and packages for weddings, corporate events, and private functions held at the zoo.
• Participate in promotional activities, such as cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and culinary workshops.
• Collaborate with marketing and events teams to develop food-related promotions and initiatives.
• Conduct regular evaluations of menu performance, customer feedback, and staff performance to drive continuous improvement.

Skills/Behavior

• Create special event menus and packages for weddings, corporate events, and private functions held at the zoo.
• Participate in promotional activities, such as cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and culinary workshops.
• Collaborate with marketing and events teams to develop food-related promotions and initiatives.
• Conduct regular evaluations of menu performance, customer feedback, and staff performance to drive continuous improvement.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 5 years of relevant experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to do the job
• Must be 18 years or older

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related field.
• 5 years of progressive culinary experience, including leadership roles in a high-volume food service environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, kitchen management best practices, and menu development.
• Experience in managing budgets, food costs, and inventory control.
• Proven track record of leading and developing culinary teams to deliver exceptional culinary experiences.
• Certification from recognized culinary institutions or organizations (e.g., Certified Executive Chef, ServSafe Manager) is a plus.

Supervisory Responsibility

The Executive Chef will supervise the Sous Chef - Concessions and Sous Chef - Catering, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.

Work Environment

Overseeing multiple kitchens and concessions across the expansive 60 acres of the Memphis Zoo, you'll find yourself immersed in a dynamic and diverse culinary landscape. The atmosphere is both exhilarating and challenging, with the breathtaking beauty of the zoo's natural surroundings serving as a constant source of inspiration.

Your work environment will vary, from the bustling energy of busy concessions and private/special events during peak seasons to the strategic planning and innovation required during quieter periods. You'll navigate through changing weather conditions, including hot summers and colder days, ensuring that food quality and safety standards remain top-notch regardless of the elements.

Physical Demands

This role requires standing, walking, and lifting heavy objects. The Executive Chef must be able to work in a kitchen environment with exposure to heat, steam, and food preparation equipment.

Expected Hours of Work

The position primarily involves day shifts, but some evening and weekend work may be required during special events or peak seasons. We prioritize a healthy work-life balance and encourage flexibility to accommodate scheduling needs.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Compensation – blank

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive and additional duties may be assigned, or existing duties may be modified, at any time to meet the needs of the organization.

Memphis Zoo is a drug free workplace. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening and background check.

By submitting your application, you hereby certify that the facts set forth in the above employment application are true and complete to the best of your knowledge.

Certification

I certify that the information provided on this application is truthful and accurate. I understand that providing false or misleading information will be basis for rejection of my application, or if employment commences, immediate termination.

I authorize PARC Inc to contact former employers and educational organizations regarding my employment and education. I authorize my former employers and educational organizations to fully and freely communicate information regarding my previous employment, attendance, and grades. I authorize those persons designated as references to fully and freely communicate information regarding my previous employment and education.

If an employment relationship is created, I understand that unless I am offered a specific written contract of employment signed on behalf of the organization by its CEO, the employment relationship will be "at-will". In other words, the relationship will be entirely voluntary in nature, and either I or my employer will be able to terminate the employment relationship at any time and without cause.

With appropriate notice, I will have the full and complete discretion to end the employment relationship when I choose for reasons of my choice. Similarly, my employer will have the same right. Moreover, no agent, representative, or employee of PARC INC, except in a specific written contract of employment signed on behalf of the organization by the CEO, has the power to alter or vary the voluntary nature of the employment relationship.

I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE ABOVE CERTIFICATION AND I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO ITS TERMS.

EEOC AND INCLUSION STATEMENT The Memphis Zoo believes that human diversity is as important as the biodiversity we seek to conserve. World-class zoos are comprised of world-class team members representing a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, and veterans to apply. The Memphis Zoo is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. If you need to request any accommodations for the interview or hiring process, please let the Human Resources team (HR) know. HR can be contacted at hrteam@memphiszoo.org. The Memphis Zoo participates in E-Verify and is an EEO/ADA/Veteran employer.