Executive Chef - job 1 of 2

The Executive Chef at DIG is responsible for managing the entire restaurant operations, including overseeing both front-of-house and back-of-house activities, ensuring culinary quality, maintaining health standards, managing P&L responsibilities, leading team development, and driving new menu initiatives. This role is pivotal in creating a productive and positive kitchen environment while ensuring guests enjoy remarkable service.

Candidates for the Executive Chef position at DIG should have 3 to 5 years of kitchen or operational restaurant management experience. The ideal candidate will also possess strong leadership skills, excellent communication abilities, and a genuine passion for culinary excellence. A ServSafe certification is also preferred, alongside experience with food costing and inventory management software.

At DIG, the Executive Chef is encouraged to engage in continuous professional development. This role includes the opportunity to collaborate on people development plans with the Field Leadership team. DIG also emphasizes mentorship, allowing chefs to develop future leaders within the kitchen, thus ensuring your growth aligns with the company’s mission.

The Executive Chef at DIG will work in a collaborative environment using a traditional brigade system. You will partner closely with the Chef de Cuisine and other restaurant leaders to ensure effective team organization. An inclusive and supportive atmosphere fosters creativity and productivity, allowing every team member to participate in the restaurant's success.

An Executive Chef at DIG enjoys a competitive compensation package, which includes a salary range of $80,000-$85,000, annual increases, quarterly bonuses, and extensive benefits. These benefits include 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave, health insurance, paid time off, a 401K program, phone reimbursement, commuter benefits, and complimentary meals. This comprehensive approach to employee well-being demonstrates DIG's commitment to taking care of its team.

When answering this question, highlight specific examples of your previous management roles. Discuss your responsibilities in overseeing kitchen operations, managing finances, and ensuring quality standards. Tailor your response to show how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Executive Chef role at DIG.

Discuss your philosophy on mentorship and skill development. Highlight your methods for coaching staff, creating training programs, or implementing feedback systems that promote growth. Sharing a success story of a team member you've helped develop can demonstrate your commitment to fostering talent.

Emphasize your proactive approach to guest engagement and feedback collection. Explain how you convert guest insights into actionable changes while maintaining high culinary standards. Provide examples of how you've handled feedback positively and successfully improved guest satisfaction.

Share specific strategies you’ve used in the past to control food costs, such as portion control and inventory management techniques. Discuss methods for enhancing labor efficiency through scheduling or cross-training staff, focusing on your impact on the bottom line.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to narrate a challenge you successfully overcame in past roles. This could range from staff shortages to operational hiccups. Highlight your problem-solving skills and the positive outcomes from your actions.

Mention current culinary trends that resonate with you and reflect on how they can align with DIG's offerings. Discuss potential ideas or menu items that could excite guests while integrating these trends, demonstrating your creativity and understanding of the market.

Outline your approach to fostering a supportive and collaborative kitchen culture. Share techniques, such as team-building activities, open communication, and recognition of hard work, highlighting the benefits of a positive work environment.

Discuss the digital systems and software you are proficient in, especially related to inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and order management. Emphasize your adaptability to learning new technologies and improving operational flow.

Speak to your detailed approach to staying informed about health guidelines, implementing sanitation protocols, and training staff on compliance. Share examples of your successes in maintaining high standards in previous roles, showing your commitment to safety.

Share your passion for cooking and how it translates into leadership. Discuss the joys you find in mentoring others, creating exceptional dishes, and the satisfaction of seeing your team flourish. This showcases your enthusiasm and commitment to the culinary industry.