HEAD CHEF - Mercado Little Spain

Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $110,000.00

Company Overview:
José Andrés Group restaurants have always been centered around our original mission, Change the World through the Power of Food! From fast-casual to fine dining and everything in between, JAG’ers know they all play a critical role in the overall success of our brands.

Position Summary
Lead and manage restaurant operations at Spanish Diner in partnership with the Concept Chef to offer a world-class culinary experience, ensure concept vision and JAG standards are executed consistently. Demonstrate that employees are the highest priority, maintain a positive work environment and develop the next generation of restaurant leaders. Take ownership of the restaurant; ensure the restaurant operates efficiently and profitably. Position reports to the Concept Chef.

Job Functions/Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Work with the JAG culinary Team to create innovative and authentic menus.
• Educate self and team on regional history, culture and cuisine.
• Research and utilize industry trends, innovative techniques and environmentally friendly product/procedures.
• Be the expert of JAG standards.
• Understand, develop, coach and consistently execute JAG’s culinary standards.
• Ensure consistent menu execution by using tools such as line checks, menu change SOP’s and recipes.
• Constantly work to improve standards and guest satisfaction.
• Impact service by being present on the line during peak times, press events, and festival periods.

Performance and Talent Development

• Educate, coach and build teams to exceed expectations.
• Develop a team of leaders that are prepared and qualified to move upward in the organization.
• Clearly define expectations and hold individuals accountable.
• Provide both positive and constructive feedback to your team in a timely manner and documented when appropriate.
• When necessary, create and implement action plans to overcome employee opportunities.
• Delegate appropriately and fairly to develop and motivate the team.
• Use education budgets to develop and educate the team.
• Actively recruit and hire top tier talent.
• Treat potential employees with the same sense of hospitality and respect as employees and guests. Execute training program consistently for both hourly, management trainee and management employees.
• Facilitate and assist with the occasional stage or Home Office employee as they do their restaurant training.

Ambassador of JAG Culture

• Seek out opportunities to communicate JAGs vision to team, guests, students, vendors and community in a clear and positive manner.
• Lead by example in all interaction.
• Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and initiative in daily tasks by anticipating business needs and proactively addressing issues.
• Readily adjust to circumstances and manage change effectively by finding ways to accommodate team and guests by always ‘making it happen’, without sacrificing quality.
• Create a positive work environment by demonstrating no tolerance for negative behaviors.
• Welcome new ideas and seek feedback from the team by asking questions.
• Exemplify professionalism and hospitality in all interactions and especially in difficult situations.

Manage Daily Operations

• Responsible for the daily operations of JAG restaurants ensuring they operate efficiently and profitably. Understand, practice and teach JAG policies and procedures.
• Ensure concept and JAG vision and communicate policy to team and managers.
• Manage and oversee all day-to-day operations to maximize revenues and profits.
• Provide a safe, clean, organized and sanitary work environment.
• Teach and enforce Food Sanitation and Safety standards.
• Ensure all Health Standards, federal and state laws are met.
• Correct all violations with a sense of urgency.
• Work with Home Office support (Culinary Operations Director, Director of Restaurants, R&D, finance, marketing, PR, events, HR) to ensure standards are met.
• Maintain open lines of communication with staff: management and hourly.
• Create an environment where information is shared as the rule.
• Ensure that all deadlines are met and take accountability for completion.

Manage Financial Results

• Develop and execute a plan to stay within department budgets and maximize profits.
• Actively manages inventory, waste, and pricing to meet cost targets.
• Effectively manage kitchen and janitor labor, scheduling and payroll.
• Share financial information with the management team to develop and to give them understanding about the impact of the decisions they make.
• Ensure tools such as Compeat are utilized correctly and data is accurate.
• Reach out to the JAG community for support as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Position requires a minimum of 3+ years of sous chef experience and 5+ years of kitchen experience. Culinary degree preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of culinary fundamentals (knife skills, butchery, sauces, all kitchen stations) is required.
• Requires developed communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Most tasks are performed independently or in a team environment with the employee acting as a team leader.
• Ability to maintain compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Ability to supervise, train and motivate multiple levels of employees.
• Ability to assess/evaluate other employees’ performance in a fair and consistent manner.
• Extensive knowledge of food industry, restaurants and competitive markets.
• Basic knowledge of revenue management.
• Participation in the development of short- and long-term financial and operational goals of the restaurants.

Abilities & Working Conditions

• This position will spend 100% of the time standing or walking.
• Must be able to stand and exert well-paced mobility for up to 8 hours in length.
• Must be able to exert well-paced ability to maneuver between functions occurring simultaneously.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs. on a regular and continuing basis.
• May be required to lift trays of food or food items weighing up to 30 lbs. occasionally.
• Requires grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, climbing, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity.
• Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests and employees.
• Requires manual dexterity to use and operate all necessary equipment.
• Requires working nights, weekends and holidays.

JOSÉ ANDRÉS GROUP restaurants span across the world including Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, NYC, Chicago, LA, Dubai, Bahamas and of course our original home, Washington, DC. Since 1993, our restaurants reflect the authentic roots of each concept and showcase José's passion for telling the stories of a culture through food. José Andrés Group is an equal opportunity employer.