Chef de Cuisine

Job Description

Position:                   Chef de Cuisine

Department:             Food and Beverage

Job Summary:       

To provide technical and administrative guidance to the restaurants. Ensures effective operation of the kitchen, costs, labor, and food production.

Duties and Responsibilities (specific areas of responsibility include but are not limited to):

• Reviews schedules and station inventory at the start of the shift to plan the day’s activities.
• Coordinates with inventory clerks to ensure that all needed items are in stock and that orders meet par levels.
• Inspects individual workstations to ensure team members are prepared (mise en place) for the day’s activities.
• Inspects tools and equipment before and after use makes sure they are clean and in proper working order.
• Inspects grooming and attire of team members and takes corrective action, if necessary; serves as a role model with own personal appearance.
• Receives food orders from the dining room, leads the other cooks in preparing and plating, and coordinates orders for pick-up.
• Ensures orders are prepared exactly following established recipes.
• Oversees the consistency of food production from the point of view of portions, taste, and presentation.
• Assures the production of the best quality product possible in a proper, sanitary, and professional manner.
• Informs direct report of any problems encountered during the shift.
• Maintains organization of food storage areas according to health code, FIFO, and hierarchy.
• Oversees the cleanliness of workstations, kitchen area, walk-in cooler, and freezer in accordance with departmental and health and safety standards.
• Ensures proper storage of leftover food products; ensures all food items are properly dated and rotated, and all products are held at the proper temperature.
• Controls waste by monitoring proper rotation, storage, and overproduction.
• Plans or participates in menu planning and food production and portions meats, vegetables, and desserts, as well as food surpluses to control costs.
• Resolves guest and team member complaints in a diplomatic and level-headed manner quickly, professionally, and effectively.
• Manages inventory and ordering to ensure that supplies and products are neither over- nor under-ordered; ensures inventory is managed and controlled.
• Maintains product and service quality standards by conducting ongoing evaluations.
• Enforces health and safety standards rigorously; ensures work-related injuries or incidents are reported to Security, but also maintains own accurate and timely records for purposes of assessing training needs and taking corrective action.
• Ensures implementation, enforcement, and adherence to all policies and procedures.
• Maintains appropriate staffing levels; schedules staff to ensure an adequate number are available to serve guests.
• Supervises and develops direct reports by mentoring, coaching, and providing performance feedback; works collaboratively with them to design professional development plans that support their continuous learning.
• Interviews, recommends hires, writes and issues performance appraisals, resolves problems, provides open communication, and recommends corrective action and/or termination, when appropriate.
• Assigns decision-making and work functions to maximize effectiveness; communicates clearly the parameters of the delegated responsibility and required actions, constraints, or deadlines.
• Conducts regular on-the-job training and coaching sessions to ensure that team members can perform their duties correctly; ensures that team members also receive training through Training and Development.
• Prepares financial reports and uses financial plans for spotting trends, measuring productivity, and monitoring progress.
• Recommends and implements techniques to improve productivity, reduce costs, and improve guest service.
• Assists with the development of short and long-term strategic planning.
• Confers with supervisor to review achievements and discuss needed changes in goals or objectives resulting from current or projected future status or conditions.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Essential functions of the position:

• Must be able to lift, carry, and transport materials and/or equipment frequently up to fifty (50) pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Must be able to sit, walk, or stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to reach high areas, stoop, pull, kneel, squat, twist, grip, and bend for duties.
• Must be able to work at and travel to all CDS properties.
• Must be able to follow both verbal and written directions.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment that is sometimes stressful.
• Must be able to read, write, and effectively communicate with all guests and team members positively and professionally.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of food and beverage operations as well as products, services, equipment, and health code standards.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, production methods, and coordination of people.
• Knowledge of budgetary principles and practices.
• Knowledge of human resources principles, practices, and procedures.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite software, especially word processing and spreadsheet applications.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Skill in working courteously with the public as well as developing and maintaining strong working relationships.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to inspire the other departmental team members to provide the highest levels of guest service.
• Ability to effectively use senses such as sight, hearing, and smell to distinguish product, taste, texture, and presentation.
• Ability to perform mathematical computations of the position.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school or General Equivalency Diploma OR five (5) years progressively responsible experience in a full-service restaurant or hotel.
• Must successfully pass a Chef de Cuisine audition.
• Must either possess or obtain a valid Food Handler’s card and ServSafe certification within three (3) months of employment.
• Must be able to work any shift, weekends, holidays, and special events, as needed.
• Must be able to successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening in accordance with company policy.
• Must have employment eligibility in the U.S.
• Must be able to obtain and retain a valid gaming license/background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in the culinary arts or completion of a culinary certificate program.
• Understanding of the region as well as a willingness to learn and understand tribal customs, knowledge, and culture.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).