Estate Chef

Position Purpose

Acting on own initiative, the Estate Chef position is responsible for the development, preparation, and production of the Culinary Program for Black Stallion Estate Winery. The Chef oversees the tasks of the kitchen staff at the winery. 

Functional Responsibility

• Manages and monitors day-to-day operations and team performance to ensure smooth workflows and that company standards are met
• Manages company culture and holds self, peers, and direct reports accountable for demonstrating a constructive company culture through influential, personal behavior and actions; encourages strong work ethic and fosters an environment of trust and respect
• Develops and aligns individual goals with the department's operational goals; ensures that decisions, actions, and priorities are aligned with the company's vision, mission, and strategies 
• Researches best practices, stays abreast of industry trends, and maintains awareness of regulatory changes to ensure compliance and continually improve operations
• Assists in preparing the departmental budget, monitors spending, and directs team in cost-effective operations to ensure adherence to financial objectives
• Monitors performance and regularly communicates with direct reports to achieve mutual understanding and desired results
• Partners with immediate manager to determine staffing needs;  attracts, motivates, and retains a workforce with the appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to achieve goals and objectives
• Provides employees with a safe, healthy, and rewarding work environment; ensures delivery and completion of monthly safety topics
• Communicates and supports change initiatives and decisions in an effective manner to successfully guide team through change
• Fosters a work environment that encourages creative thinking, promotes flexibility, and drives innovation
• Addresses employee issues, concerns, and complaints in an objective and confidential manner; notifies HR Business Partner and keeps immediate manager informed as appropriate
• Ensures compliance and consistent application of company policies, initiatives, and decisions
• Coaches, guides, and develops direct reports; fully engages in the GPS (Performance Management) process; provides high-quality feedback, and ensures proper GPS documentation of employee performance, recognition, and deficiencies

Essential Duties

• Responsible for the development, preparation, and production of the BSEW Culinary Program including internal Company, Trade, Private Events, Public Events, Tasting Room, Wine Club, and any other requests as needed
• Collaborates directly with the department Managers to develop and maintain seasonally relevant and cost-effective menus that reflect the brand and winemaking
• Assigns food preparation and culinary tasks supporting culinary program
• Maintains appropriate inventory levels of food and supplies based on budgetary restraints and anticipated business to consistently offer a wide variety of experiences
• Manages departmental food costs and budget within the guidelines of the company
• Develops and maintains a network of food and supply purveyors, culinary staff, service staff, and utility staff to provide part time, temporary, or contract services
• Receives deliveries, ensuring the accuracy of the orders, and putting product away in accordance with the Health Department standards
• Manages utility personnel responsible for dish and glass washing, set-up, and breakdown of hospitality events
• Ensures kitchen machinery and equipment is properly cleaned and maintained, and kitchen and utility staff are properly trained
• Works closely with internal Landscaping Team to coordinate the planning, planting, harvesting, processing, and/or preserving of the fruits and vegetables from the onsite Culinary Garden for daily offerings, cooking classes and events

*Other duties may be assigned
 

Non-Essential Duties

*Other duties may be assigned

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

• High School Diplpoma or GED equivalent
• 5+ years managing a fast-paced kitchen environment
• 1+ years of leadership experience
• Winery experience preferred, but not required
• Previous experience maintaining food inventory, tracking, and reporting costs 
• Degree from a Culinary institute preferred

Certificates and Licenses

• Food Handler  Card- must be obtained within 30 days of hire
• Valid Drivers License and acceptable driving history

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of safe food handling, preparation procedures, safe handling, and precautionary procedures of chemicals, detergents, and sanitizers
• Understanding of use, operations, and care for all kitchen equipment
• Mastery of knife skills and cooking terms
• Working knowledge of hot and cold food preparations, seasoning, vinaigrettes, soups, sauces, stocks, vegetable preparations, basic butchery, meat and fish cookery, pastry, and bread
• Knowledge and excellent execution of sanitation rules
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 programs including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Teams

Working Conditions

• General kitchen environment
• Required to drive automotive vehicle or equipment
• Indoor environment with exposure to the elements/temperature variations
• Exposure to weather-related temperature & humidity extremes
• Extended Hours
• Required to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Work in close quarters or confined spaces
• Exposure to varying levels of dust, chemicals, fumes, gases, and noisy equipment 
• Occasionally may be required to lift and carry cases of wine
• May need to determine color, taste and smell of wine using eyes, tongue, and nose
• Exposure to flames and oil splatter 
• Must wear closed toed shoes  

Work Standards

• Acts in a manner reflective of the Company culture of High Moral Standards, Innovation and Continuous Evolution, Trust in Team, Continuous Improvement, and Sustainable Relationships
• Communicates, interacts, and works effectively with others; receptive to feedback and coaching; voices concerns in a constructive manner
• Demonstrates commitment to safety first; communicates safety concerns; promotes a safe work environment based on established safety standards and training
• Follows all Company policies and procedures
   

Additional Comments

Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.