Executive Chef Job Description
The Executive Chef is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and educational support of all kitchen operations at SHMS. This role ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality culinary production for students, staff, and institutional events while promoting the school’s experiential learning philosophy.
The Executive Chef supervises all kitchen sections, ensuring compliance with Swiss food safety regulations, managing budgets and resources efficiently, and contributing to the development of innovative and sustainable culinary experiences that align with SHMS standards.
This position plays a crucial role in supporting academic programs by ensuring practical classes meet curriculum objectives and mentoring students in professional culinary standards.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Culinary Operations & Quality Control
- Supervise and coordinate daily kitchen operations across all production areas.
- Ensure food production meets SHMS quality standards, presentation guidelines, and service requirements.
- Develop, standardize, and maintain recipes, production procedures, and portion controls.
- Monitor food quality, consistency, and service delivery.
- Analyze consumption trends and student feedback to continuously improve food offerings.
- Support production planning for institutional events, banquets, and special functions.
Financial & Resource Management
- Plan and monitor kitchen budgets, ensuring cost control and financial efficiency.
- Monitor food cost percentages and implement corrective actions when required.
- Oversee procurement of food products, equipment, and kitchen materials according to institutional standards.
- Manage supplier relationships and ensure product quality, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.
- Control inventory levels and oversee stock management procedures.
Food Safety, Compliance & Sustainability
- Ensure full compliance with HACCP standards and Swiss food safety regulations.
- Lead hygiene and food safety training for staff and students.
- Participate in internal and external audits and implement corrective action plans when necessary.
- Ensure safe use, maintenance, and monitoring of kitchen equipment.
- Implement sustainable kitchen practices including food waste reduction, responsible sourcing, and energy efficiency initiatives.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, motivate, and supervise kitchen staff across all sections.
- Plan and manage staff schedules according to operational needs and academic activities.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate kitchen team members.
- Foster a professional, collaborative, and positive working environment.
- Support staff development through coaching and training initiatives.
Educational & Student Development Responsibilities
- Collaborate closely with academic faculty to support the delivery of practical culinary classes aligned with curriculum objectives.
- Supervise student practical training sessions in production kitchens when required.
- Provide technical expertise and mentorship to students.
- Promote professional culinary standards, discipline, and workplace behavior among students.
- Participate in curriculum development and continuous improvement initiatives as needed.
Communication & Collaboration
- Ensure effective coordination between kitchen, service teams, academic departments, and operational management.
- Maintain regular communication with student representatives and feedback channels.
- Participate in departmental meetings and institutional planning sessions.
- Provide operational performance reports to senior management.
Innovation & Experience Development
- Lead menu development and culinary innovation aligned with international hospitality trends.
- Ensure menus reflect the diversity of SHMS’s international student body.
- Support themed dining events, guest chef collaborations, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Contribute to the continuous enhancement of SHMS culinary reputation and student experience.
Qualifications & Experience
- Professional culinary qualification or equivalent professional certification.
- Minimum 5 years of progressive kitchen leadership experience.
- Experience in large-scale food production and banquet operations.
- Previous experience in hospitality education or training environment is highly desirable.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP and Swiss food safety regulations.
- Proficiency in English and French, both spoken and written.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and team development skills.
- Excellent organizational and financial management abilities.
- Strong mentoring and coaching skills.
- Ability to work in a multicultural academic environment.
- Innovation and creativity in menu development.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- High level of adaptability and problem-solving ability.
Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.