Executive Chef

As an Executive Chef at DIG in New York City, you will oversee the entire restaurant operation, which includes managing food cost, labor efficiency, guest experiences, and driving top-line sales. You'll also collaborate with the Chef de Cuisine on quality assurance processes, ensuring culinary standards are maintained and that your team is equipped to tackle new challenges, while monitoring operational flow effectively.

To become an Executive Chef at DIG, you should have a minimum of 3-5 years of kitchen or restaurant management experience. You need a passion for quality food and leadership skills to manage a constantly evolving kitchen. Additionally, strong communication skills, proficiency in restaurant costing and inventory software, as well as a Department of Health and/or ServSafe certification are required to excel in this role.

DIG is dedicated to the professional growth of its Executive Chefs. We provide opportunities for continued education, collaborative feedback sessions with the Field Leadership Team, and thoughtfully crafted succession plans to help your team members grow into future leaders. We empower you to inspire and teach your team, ensuring everyone's skills are on the rise.

As an Executive Chef at DIG, you'll receive a competitive salary range of $80,000-$85,000 a year, with the potential for annual increases and quarterly bonuses. Additionally, you’ll enjoy great perks including 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave, comprehensive health insurance, paid time off, 401K programs, and complimentary meals every day. We aim to foster a supportive work environment that makes a difference in your daily life.

DIG is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We actively encourage applicants from various backgrounds to join us, including female, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and diverse candidates. Our commitment is reflected in our hiring practices, ensuring that all staff are treated with respect and have equal opportunities to thrive.

When discussing your leadership style, focus on how you inspire and support your team. Share examples of how you mentor cooks to enhance their skills and how you create a positive environment that promotes collaboration and communication. Highlight your adaptability and willingness to roll up your sleeves to help in various tasks.

In responding to this question, emphasize your understanding of food cost management, including how to analyze inventory, negotiate with suppliers, and implement efficient kitchen practices. Provide examples of strategies you've used to optimize costs without compromising quality, showcasing your financial acumen.

Discuss how you take customer feedback into consideration when developing menus, and share your passion for using quality, seasonal ingredients that enhance flavor. Mention your method for testing new dishes and how you balance innovation with maintaining popular staples on the menu at DIG.

Highlight your conflict resolution skills by discussing specific situations where you successfully navigated challenges. Explain how open communication and a focus on solutions helped you resolve issues while maintaining a strong team dynamic.

Speak about your familiarity with DOH guidelines and food safety protocols, illustrating your commitment to maintaining a clean, safe kitchen. You can also mention your certifications and any training sessions you've conducted for staff to promote food safety within the team.

Provide a specific example where you identified an area for improvement—such as operational efficiency, menu changes, or staff training—and explain the steps taken and the positive outcomes achieved. This demonstrates your proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement.

Discuss your training approach, emphasizing hands-on learning opportunities, workshops, or mentorship programs you’ve implemented. Highlight how you facilitate career growth and how investing in your staff ultimately benefits the restaurant and customer experience.

Emphasize the importance of guest feedback and how you use it to improve culinary experiences. Provide examples of how you engage with customers directly, listening to their feedback while interpreting preferences in menu offerings to enhance satisfaction.

Mention any platforms or software you're proficient in, along with how you utilize technology to streamline ordering processes, manage inventory, or improve overall kitchen workflow. This displays your adaptability and enthusiasm for improving operational efficiency.

Explain your methods for managing stress, such as staying organized, maintaining open communication, and fostering teamwork. Share how you support your team during busy shifts and how you maintain a calm and composed attitude to ensure quality service.