Position Summary & Objectives

Under the direction of the SPP Executive Chef and guided by regional operations leadership, the Regional Chef will provide front-line culinary support within their assigned airport locations. This support function’s primary objective is to drive a “food focused” culture. This position will support new restaurant openings, provide technical culinary training, assist with product cost performance, ensure all SSP food quality, food safety standards & policies are followed, analyze and train production efficiency and processes, assist with the development & implementation of new menu items, menus, concepts, and corporate initiatives. The Regional Chef will report directly to the SPP Executive Chef and will primarily support airport restaurant field operations. Regional Vice Presidents and Directors of Operations will provide guidance on specific regional culinary support needs. This role is based in Houston, TX and requires 80% travel.

This position pays $75,000 - $90,000 a year with bonus potential.

Essential Functions: Food Quality, Food Training, Food Safety, Food Cost, Production Efficiency

• Works with SPP Executive Chef and Operational Leaders in fostering SSP corporate culinary initiatives to drive a “Food Focused” culture.
• Implement, train and audit food operational plans and systems to optimize food quality, SSP & brand partner food operational standards (Use of Recipes, Recipe Flavor/Quality, Recipe Yield, Recipe Cost, Plating).
• Provides technical culinary training and serves as the culinary leader, team builder and mentor for their respective airport culinary teams.
• Supports SSP procurement initiatives and procedures including product sampling, recipe performance, technical & sensory evaluations.
• Assists in the development & implementation of new menu items, menus, products, station diagrams and corporate culinary initiatives as required in and outside of their respective support geographies.
• Assists with the auditing, training & compliance with federal, state, and local health sanitation regulations (USDA, FSMA, FDA FOOD CODE, HACCP, OSHA, etc.) and SSP Food & Operations Safety initiatives and procedures as directed by the offices of Food Safety & Risk Management.
• Serves as the Back of the House (BOH) labor and production expert, resulting in maximizing production & labor efficiencies, product cost and overall kitchen organization.
• Communicates effectively with Operations Leadership, Airport Operations and Culinary Leadership.
• Conducts, compiles, and communicates site visit plans with SSP Executive Chef and Operations Leadership.
• Provide support for new restaurant openings, existing restaurant renovations and menu refresh initiatives.
• Regular attendance as per the SSP Attendance Policy
• Performs any other duties as assigned by SSP Executive Chef

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, & Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts from a recognized culinary school with a minimum of seven (7) years of progressive food service management experience. Extensive experience may be substituted for a degree.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience with high volume and multi-unit operations
• Possess an expert knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls and presentation.
• Full Service and/or Quick Service restaurant experience preferred.
• Proven experience in the coaching and development of kitchen staff
• Demonstrated experience in Food Cost Management as well as a demonstrated understanding of operating a food and beverage business.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), presentation, organization, time management, problem solving, and follow-up skills; ability to relate to and communicate with all levels within the organization, senior management, operations management & hourly team members.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, & Experience (cont.)

• Proven ability to effectively manage conflict/uncomfortable situations involving clients, customers, peers, and direct reports and ensure successful outcomes; work under pressure and deal with high stress situations while exercising sound judgment and decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and among cross-functional teams with minimal supervision, ability to juggle multiple tasks, work in a fast-paced environment, successfully manage multiple projects, and effectively prioritize assigned job duties to meet deadlines and objectives on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis.
• Displays consistent ownership attributes, which provide a high level of customer service at all points of contact.
• Demonstrated ability to improve food quality across a business unit or an organization.
• Proven ability to adhere to/comply with established Purchasing and Inventory Control methods, as well as Pricing and Merchandising strategies
• Strong business acumen with a desire to make a positive impact on the business; highly motivated to take ownership of assigned roles and to improve upon current processes and procedures
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Dynamic, positive attitude with a service oriented approach is essential to support our culture/work environment and foster positive working relationships with all team members of the organization
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Proven knowledge of procedures and standards related to Food Safety and Sanitation
• Ability to effectively influence through knowledge, relationship management, and trust.
• Effective organizational and planning skills
• Food Handlers Permit as required by SSP Office of Food Safety
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

SSP America is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against team members and applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, protected U.S. military or veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information, union activity or any other bases protected by law. All SSP America, Inc. employees, other workers and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination.