Taskforce - Executive Chef at VH Maliha Vin Inc – Chicago, Illinois

Join Vinayaka Hospitality, a growing hospitality management company known for operating distinctive hotels and delivering elevated guest experiences across our portfolio. Our culture is rooted in operational excellence, teamwork, and a commitment to “doing well, and doing good”—supporting both our guests and our associates while building strong, sustainable teams.

We are seeking a highly accomplished Task Force Executive Chef to provide expert, hands-on culinary leadership across the Vinayaka Hospitality portfolio. This role is designed for a seasoned culinary professional who thrives in dynamic environments and can step in quickly to support hotels during leadership transitions, openings, renovations, performance turnarounds, or periods of increased operational need.

Duties

• Lead and supervise the culinary team, including cooks, sous chefs, and kitchen staff to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Develop and update menus that reflect current culinary trends while maintaining consistency with restaurant standards.
• Oversee food preparation, presentation, and quality control to ensure dishes meet high standards of taste and appearance.
• Manage inventory control, including ordering supplies, managing food costs, and minimizing waste through effective inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations and maintain a clean, safe working environment in accordance with health standards.
• Coordinate catering events, banquets, and special functions with attention to detail in menu planning and execution.
• Train staff on proper food handling, safety procedures, and service techniques to uphold excellent customer experiences.
• Monitor shift management to ensure smooth service flow during busy hours while maintaining high standards of hospitality.
• Collaborate with management on budgeting, staffing schedules, and operational improvements to optimize restaurant performance.

Skills

• Extensive culinary experience, particularly in fine dining environments with banquet experience preferred.
• Proven supervising and team management skills with the ability to lead a diverse culinary team effectively.
• Strong background in menu planning, food production, and food service management.
• Expertise in inventory management, cost control, and food handling procedures ensuring efficient kitchen operations.
• Excellent leadership qualities with the ability to motivate staff and foster a positive work environment.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and compliance regulations within the hospitality industry.
• Experience in catering, restaurant management, and overseeing large-scale events such as banquets or special functions.
• Skilled in food preparation, kitchen management, and maintaining high standards of food quality throughout service hours.
• Familiarity with various aspects of the food industry including food industry trends, culinary techniques, and hospitality best practices. Join our team as an Executive Chef to bring innovative culinary concepts to life while leading a dedicated team committed to excellence in every dish served

The Task Force Executive Chef must demonstrate the ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation, through experience, training, or a combination thereof:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak, read, write, and understand the primary language(s) of the workplace.
• Proven ability to lead with minimal supervision in fast-paced, transitional, and multi-property environments.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing and mentoring large, diverse culinary teams.
• Advanced knowledge of menu development, culinary trends, food safety, standard recipes, and food preparation techniques.
• Strong financial acumen, including food and labor cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and payroll management.
• Proficiency with basic computer systems, office applications, and food & beverage operational tools.
• Ability to analyze data, assess operations quickly, and implement effective solutions across varying properties.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage professionally with associates, leadership, vendors, and guests.
• Creative culinary skill to support menu concepts, special events, themed offerings, and presentation standards.
• Ability to document and standardize recipes, training materials, and operational processes.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in kitchen environments with varying temperatures, including freezers and hot production areas.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and perform hands-on culinary duties for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs. regularly and up to 50 lbs. occasionally; push or pull equipment up to 250 lbs.
• Ability to safely operate kitchen equipment and demonstrate culinary techniques.
• Requires bending, reaching, squatting, manual dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to work amid elevated noise levels.

Availability & Flexibility

• Vinayaka Hospitality operates 24/7 across multiple locations.
• Must be available to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.
• This is a portfolio support role requiring travel and temporary assignments based on business needs.