Executive Chef Job at Kennedy Concepts, Inc., Knoxville, TN

emI5SldDK3lzSHp6ZlRPdU45cUpUcWl4SWc9PQ==
  • Kennedy Concepts, Inc.
  • Knoxville, TN

Job Description

At Kennedy Concepts, our mission is to enrich the lives of our guests and team members. We do this by delivering exceptional food and beverage quality, legendary service, and a clean, comfortable environment with an energetic ambiance. We treat our team members and guests like family, knowing that our success relies on building and retaining a team capable of creating memorable dining experiences every time.

The Executive Chef is responsible for overseeing all Back of House (BOH) operations, including culinary execution, staff management, cost control, sanitation, and overall kitchen performance. This role ensures consistent food quality, guest satisfaction, and team development, while also driving profitability and maintaining the highest operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

  • Supervise, train, and lead BOH staff including cooks, prep team, and dishwashers.
  • Recruit, interview, hire, and onboard new BOH employees.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, manage accountability, and foster a positive, disciplined, and team-oriented culture.
  • Lead regular BOH staff meetings (minimum monthly).
  • Ensure compliance with all company standards, policies, and procedures.

Culinary Operations

  • Oversee daily food preparation, execution, and presentation to maintain brand standards.
  • Ensure recipe accuracy, portion control, and plating consistency.
  • Develop and test new menu items and specials.
  • Ensure proper storage, handling, and rotation of all food items in line with safety standards.

Cost Control & Purchasing

  • Manage purchasing, receiving, and inventory control for all food, supplies, and kitchen equipment.
  • Conduct weekly and monthly inventories and prepare COGS reports.
  • Monitor food and labor costs to meet or exceed budget targets.
  • Negotiate with vendors and maintain cost-effective purchasing practices.
  • Implement strategies to minimize waste and reduce expenses without compromising quality.

Training & Standards

  • Ensure all BOH employees are fully trained in recipes, portions, presentations, and procedures.
  • Maintain and update training materials as needed.
  • Enforce food safety, sanitation, and workplace policies at all times.

Cleanliness, Maintenance & Compliance

  • Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation throughout the kitchen.
  • Ensure monthly equipment maintenance schedules are followed.
  • Coordinate with maintenance personnel and vendors for timely repairs.
  • Oversee pest control, ensuring swift resolution of issues and vendor accountability.
  • Prepare for and lead successful health inspections, maintaining a minimum score of 93 or higher.

Food Quality & Guest Experience

  • Guarantee all food meets company and ownership standards.
  • Oversee recipe execution, shelf-life specifications, and cooking procedures.
  • Ensure food is served at proper temperatures, in a timely manner, and to the guest’s specifications.
  • Research and develop innovative recipes, presentations, and weekly/monthly specials.

Administrative Duties

  • Complete and submit reports, invoices, and BOH documentation accurately and on time.
  • Collaborate with the General Manager on business needs, events, and operational challenges.
  • Ensure invoices and vendor communications are properly coded and documented.

Scheduling & Staffing

  • Create weekly BOH schedules to ensure proper coverage and labor cost efficiency.
  • Maintain appropriate staffing levels by proactively hiring or adjusting schedules as needed.
  • Approve overtime only when necessary, and ensure supervisors enforce company policies.
  • Recognize and reward strong performance while addressing policy violations with proper documentation.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of culinary leadership in a high-volume kitchen.
  • Proven track record managing BOH teams and kitchen operations.
  • Strong financial acumen, including food and labor cost control.
  • Expert knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
  • Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Culinary degree or equivalent training preferred.
  • ServSafe Manager Certification (or ability to obtain).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
  • Comfortable working in hot and cold kitchen environments.
  • Flexible schedule with availability on nights, weekends, and holidays.

Job Tags

Flexible hours, Night shift, Weekend work,

Similar Jobs

North Lawndale Employment Network

Director of Grants Job at North Lawndale Employment Network

 ...goaloriented, and capable of multitasking Experience with Salesforce or other donor management software preferred Experience with...  ...financial management experience a plus Experience with staff or intern supervision a plus Passion for NLEN mission and goals A... 

Pearson

Faculty Advisor - Business and Economics Job at Pearson

**Description**The Faculty Advisor for Business & Economics is a key member of the Faculty Advisory Team within the Pearson North America Higher Education Customer Success Organization. They will strategically identify and partner with key course-level administrators,... 

Philips

Healthcare Technical Consultant - North Florida Job at Philips

JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title Healthcare Technical Consultant - North Florida Job Description Allow your passion for improving lives to shine in this role where youll be responsible for customer relationship management through the effective application of... 

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom

Research Scientist Job at Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom

 ...dry lab scientists. Qualifications ~ B.S. in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Genetics or other life sciences related field required ~2+ years of industry experience in R&D setting ~ Extensive experience and expertise in molecular biology... 

Broad River Retail

In Home Craftsman Job at Broad River Retail

 ...and repairing furniture in the customers home Assessing damages and choosing...  ...leather, fabric, marble and upholstery Working comfortably with hands Displaying an aptitude...  .... Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options Paid time off and 401K matching...