Director of Catering and Kitchen Operations

Company: Kessler's Inc
Location: Aberdeen
Posted on: September 18, 2023

Job Description:

Director of Catering & Kitchen OperationsWe are seeking a dedicated and experienced Director of Catering & Kitchen Operations to oversee our culinary operations and catering services. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences, and a proven track record in managing kitchen operations and catering events.Pay: --$70,000 to $95,000 Depending on ExperienceGeneral Summary:The purpose of this position is to keep Kessler's kitchen above the competition by being a strong leader and driving innovation. This person is responsible for the profitability of the kitchen, catering program and maintaining a high gross margin. This person will also be sourcing and buying product, developing new items and recipes, writing ads, building relationships with vendors and store associates and providing exceptional customer service.Roles & Responsibilities 1. Kitchen Management:Supervise and lead kitchen staff, including chefs, cooks, and support personnel.Organize and oversee food preparation, ensuring dishes are prepared and presented to high standards.Oversee and manage Delicatessen--operations of Hot Case, Food Bar and GrillUpdate and develop menus for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner ServicesMonitor inventory levels, order supplies, and maintain a well-stocked and organized kitchen.Collaborate with culinary team to develop and update menus, considering seasonal ingredients, customer preferences, and dietary requirements.Maintain kitchen equipment and appliances, coordinating repairs and maintenance as needed.2. Catering Coordination:Plan, coordinate, and execute catering events, from small corporate meetings to large-scale gatherings.Work closely with clients to understand their catering needs, preferences, and budget constraints.Create customized menus and propose creative culinary solutions that align with the event's theme and requirements.Ensure timely and accurate setup, presentation, and breakdown of catering events.Manage catering staff, assign roles, and oversee event execution to guarantee seamless service.3. Quality and Hygiene:Enforce strict food safety and hygiene standards in accordance with local health regulations.Monitor food preparation techniques, portion sizes, and presentation to maintain consistent quality.Conduct regular inspections to ensure cleanliness, sanitation, and organization within the kitchen and catering areas.4. Team Development:Train and develop kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and motivated work environment.Set performance goals, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance evaluations.Identify training needs and opportunities for skill enhancement among team members.5. Budget and Cost Management:Assist in budget planning, cost analysis, and pricing strategies for both kitchen operations and catering services.Implement cost-saving measures while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.Keep accurate records of expenses, revenue, and inventory.6. Customer Relations:Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, addressing their concerns and requests in a professional and timely manner.Gather feedback from customers to continuously improve the quality of food and service.Qualifications:Proven experience in kitchen and catering management, demonstrating a successful track record in culinary leadership and catering event execution.Culinary degree or relevant certification is preferred.Strong knowledge of food safety standards and regulations.Proficiency in menu planning, recipe creation, and food presentation.Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.Experience in catering coordination and event planning is a plus.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and kitchen management software.Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.Benefits:Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.Health, vision,and dental insurance.Retirement savings plans.Professional development opportunities.Employee discounts on dining and catering services.If you are an enthusiastic leader with a culinary passion and a proven track record in kitchen and catering management, we invite you to apply by submitting your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our team of dedicated culinary professionals.

Keywords: Kessler's Inc, Fargo , Director of Catering and Kitchen Operations, Hospitality & Tourism , Aberdeen, North Dakota