Executive Steward

Job Title: Executive Steward

Location: Cooperstown, NY

Salary: $62,000 – $70,000 (Based on experience)

Type: Full-Time

Housing Benefit: Up to 2 months rent-free employee housing available while relocating

Overview

The Executive Steward is responsible for leading all stewarding, dishwashing, and sanitation operations supporting two full-service restaurants, a coffee shop, and large-scale banquets and weddings. This role oversees daily cleaning operations, staffing, scheduling, safety, and compliance across all food service areas.

This position manages a seasonal team of 5–12 employees and plays a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and uninterrupted food & beverage operations during both daily service and high-volume events.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Staffing

• Oversee all dishwashing and cleaning operations supporting:
• Two restaurants
• Coffee shop
• Banquets and weddings
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise stewarding staff
• Manage seasonal staffing fluctuations (5–12 direct reports)
• Ensure proper coverage for all meal periods, banquets, and special events
• Maintain a visible, hands-on presence during service periods
• Conduct department meetings and performance reviews

Sanitation, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local health regulations
• Maintain cleanliness of kitchens, dish rooms, storerooms, hallways, docks, and equipment
• Design and execute daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules
• Lead and document regular safety walkthroughs and inspections
• Train staff on proper dish machine operation, assembly, and cleaning
• Inspect hood systems for grease buildup and schedule service as needed
• Coordinate pest control services
• Enforce SOPs and safety standards across all stewarding areas

Inventory, Equipment & Loss Prevention

• Order and control inventory of cleaning compounds and stewarding supplies
• Maintain appropriate par levels and communicate variances
• Conduct quarterly inventories of china, glass, linen, and silver
• Participate in monthly, quarterly, and annual inventory counts
• Monitor trash removal schedules and waste management
• Maintain and operate burnishing equipment
• Coordinate and monitor loss prevention efforts within stewarding operations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Chef and Food & Beverage leadership to anticipate operational and equipment needs
• Review banquet event orders and prepare stewarding support for weddings and large events
• Communicate operational issues, safety concerns, and staffing needs proactively to leadership

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of Executive Steward experience in a hotel or resort environment
• Minimum 3 years of Food & Beverage experience
• Previous supervisory and scheduling responsibility required
• High School Diploma required
• Strong understanding of sanitation standards, safety compliance, and inventory control
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, event-driven environment

Benefits & Perks

Core Benefits

• Free health and vision insurance (employee)
• Dental coverage
• 401(k)
• FSA
• Profit-sharing pension plan (10% of annual income, vested after 3 years)
• Free term life insurance (1x annual salary)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Optional Teledoc coverage ($10/month – family included)

Time Off & Lifestyle

• 13 paid holidays (including birthday)
• Vacation:
• 80 hours (Years 1–4)
• 120 hours (Years 5–9)
• 160 hours (Year 10 )
• 56 hours sick time annually
• Free hot meals while working
• Free gym membership
• Retail, restaurant, spa, and golf discounts
• Friends & family room discounts

Educational Support Program

After one year of employment:

Student Loan Repayment

• $500 per quarter after Year 1
• $750 per quarter after Year 2

Education Sponsorship

• 50% reimbursement for approved industry-related education
• Up to $5,000 per year
• One-year post-completion employment commitment required