Executive Chef - Olivine Rooftop at RAM Auburn Hospitality Four LLC - Olivine – Auburn, Alabama

Executive Chef - Olivine Rooftop

Location: Olivine Rooftop Restaurant

Position Type: Full-Time | Culinary Leadership

Job Summary:

The Executive Chef is responsible for leading the culinary team at Olivine Rooftop, overseeing all kitchen functions to deliver exceptional food quality, service consistency, and operational excellence. This position is key in executing the Southern-Italian fusion concept, guiding the kitchen team through all service periods to drive profitability while maintaining Olivine's elevated dining experience. The Executive Chef will collaborate with the VP of Food & Beverage and restaurant leadership to create a memorable dining experience by focusing on innovative menu design, seasonal ingredients, and impeccable presentation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, ensuring the smooth execution of service for brunch, dinner, and late-night offerings.
• Maintain the highest standards in food quality, presentation, and consistency in line with the Southern-Italian fusion concept.
• Collaborate with the VP of Food & Beverage to develop innovative and seasonally focused menus, incorporating locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices ensuring profitability.
• Supervise kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to recipes, cooking techniques, and safety standards.
• Lead, mentor, and train kitchen staff, fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and excellence.
• Assist in training to ensure consistency across the kitchen team, from line cooks to sous chefs.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, setting development goals for kitchen staff and encouraging continuous learning.
• Oversee kitchen inventory management, maintaining proper stock levels and ensuring efficient use of ingredients to minimize waste.
• Control labor costs and ensure the kitchen operates within the established budget.
• Ensure the kitchen maintains compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and licensing regulations.
• Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless service and effective communication during peak times.
• Oversee the creation of new menu items, special promotions, and seasonal dishes, ensuring they align with Olivine’s brand identity.
• Monitor guest feedback and adjust the menu to enhance customer satisfaction and address emerging culinary trends.
• Ensure every dish served meets Olivine’s high standards of quality, presentation, and flavor.
• Occasionally engage with guests to gather feedback and enhance the dining experience.
• Lead the kitchen in creating an unforgettable culinary experience for guests, driving satisfaction and repeat visits.

Professional Experience:

• 5+ years of experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or a similar leadership role in upscale or high-end dining environments.
• Experience in Italian and Southern fusion cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and elevated culinary techniques.
• Proven track record of leading and developing kitchen teams in luxury, high-volume, or destination restaurant settings.
• Strong background in cost control, P&L management, and budget oversight.

Required Skills:

• Deep knowledge of Italian culinary techniques and Southern cuisine.
• Strong experience in menu creation, kitchen management, and food innovation.
• Leadership skills, with a history of successfully managing and mentoring kitchen teams.
• Expertise in cost control, inventory management, and labor planning.
• Exceptional ability to maintain quality, consistency, and presentation in high-volume settings.

Essential Skills:

• Ability to innovate and evolve a dining concept while remaining true to the brand.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, ensuring smooth collaboration between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.
• A passion for guest satisfaction, culinary excellence, and sustainability.
• Calm under pressure with the ability to make quick decisions and adjust to changing conditions in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits:

· RAM Hotels hires the best people; we work extremely hard to provide benefits that make work-life balance that much more enjoyable. As a leader in the hospitality industry, we promote advancement opportunities, we offer our eligible employees comprehensive health benefit packages for you and your family, vacation time, quarterly bonuses, 401K, and other additional perks being an employee of RAM Hotels.

· RAM Hotels is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmation Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.