Executive Chef

Mandarin Oriental New York is looking for an Executive Chef to join our Culinary team.

Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional. 

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognised for creating some of the world’s most sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.

A stunning fusion of modern design with stylish oriental flair, Mandarin Oriental, New York features 244 elegant guestrooms and suites — all with breath-taking views of Manhattan and Five-Star hospitality. Luxurious amenities include MO Lounge, all-day dining overlooking Central Park and the Manhattan skyline; a 14,500 square-foot Five-Star Mandarin Oriental Spa; and a state-of-the-art fitness center with a 75-foot lap pool. In addition, there is premium meeting and event space, including a 6,000 square-foot pillar-less ballroom with three walls of windows overlooking Central Park.

About the job

Based at the Mandarin Oriental New York within the Culinary Department in New York City, the Executive Pastry The Executive Chef is responsible for the entire culinary operation of the hotel, including but not limited to the planning, and implementation of menu offerings at the MO Lounge, In-Room Dining, Banquets, and Pastry, and will oversee the production, presentation, and successful execution of all menu items. The Executive Chef will ensure the highest standards for kitchen, and BOH cleanliness and ensure all culinary and BOH colleagues follow all Health Department Guidelines to ensure proper food handling, storage, and sanitation. 

As Executive Chef, you will be responsible for the following duties:

• Leadership and Development:
  • Take full ownership of the culinary team; build trust with them by engaging, observing, learning, and listening to their wisdom, experience, and needs.
  • Plan, coordinate and supervise all menu planning and implementation.
  • Conduct regular staff meetings, training, and workshops to enhance culinary skills, knowledge, and service standards.
  • Be a focused and consistent evaluator of personnel, ensuring that standards of conduct and delivery are met; this includes oversight of high standards of appearance, hospitality, service, and cleanliness of the kitchen facilities.
• Business and Strategic Planning:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive culinary strategy aligned with the hotel’s overall goals and guest expectations.
  • Be creative and innovative with the ability to think outside the box and approach all issues with a completely fresh approach.
  • Stay current with local hotel luxury industry trends and market demands to enhance the hotel’s culinary offerings and maintain a competitive edge.
• Operational and Financial Management:
  • Oversee the day-to-day culinary offerings of all food and beverage outlets, including MO Lounge, IRD, and Banquets.
  • Monitor and maintain high standards of service, cleanliness, and presentation in all F&B back of house areas.
  • Prepare necessary data for applicable parts of the Food and Beverage budget; project annual food, labor, and other costs and monitor actual financial results; take corrective action as necessary to help ensure that financial goals are met.
  • Control food cost by maintaining food standards at reasonable cost through liaison with the Purchasing Department to check prices, market price fluctuation, quality, inventory. Assist the Purchasing Department with the purchase of all food related items and kitchen equipment.
  • Review and approve culinary and stewarding departmental payroll to ensure they are in line with budget and goals.
  • Plan and assist with pricing menus for all food outlets in the hotel, for special occasions and events.
  • Review regular inventory processes to assist in the management of the kitchen and the financial performance of the operation.
  • Maintain strong relationships with local vendors and identify new vendors to ensure the best prices for the best quality products.
• Menu Development:
  • Work closely with Food and Beverage Director and other leaders to develop and execute creative and diverse menus that align with our culinary vision and regularly update innovative and diverse menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea that cater to the preferences and dietary needs of guests and customers, ensuring menus reflect local industry and competitive market trends.
  • Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and taste through regular recipe development, testing, and refinement.
  • Stay up to date with current food trends, techniques, and industry developments to incorporate fresh ideas into our culinary offerings.
  • Ensure menu offerings and pricing are competitive and reflect the quality and standards expected of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
• Quality Management:
  • Ensure food standards and presentation are maintained and always improved.
  • Enforce Forbes and LQA standards and ensure colleagues are performing to those standards.
  • Develop quality improvement plans based on guest and customer feedback, internal audits, LQA and Forbes audits and to address guest and customer feedback.
  • Ensure colleagues continuously review and discuss guest and customer feedback and ensure teams is accountable. 
• Banquet and Event Planning and Execution:
  • Collaborate with the Food and Beverage Director and Catering Teams to coordinate the execution of private events, weddings, and other special occasions, ensuring all events meet MOHG standards for service and quality.
• Sales & Marketing:
  • Collaborate with Sales and Marketing on special initiatives and promotional events ensuring maximum traction and exposure.
  • Promote menu offerings at the hotel to internal and external customers.
• Compliance and Safety:
  • Conduct regular inspections of food preparation areas, equipment, and storage areas to ensure cleanliness, organization, to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, as well as food handling and sanitation standards.
  • Manage the FLHSS process as it relates to all Culinary and Stewarding

NOTE: The above is not an all-inclusive list of job duties and responsibilities. Mandarin Oriental, New York reserves the right to add, delete, change or modify the job duties and responsibilities described in this job description at its discretion

As Executive Chef, we expect from you: 

• Minimum of 10 years in the luxury hotel culinary business
• Minimum of Five years Management Experience as a Restaurant Chef, Executive Sous Chef or Executive Chef.

• Previous experience in a Unionized environment with a strong understanding of the IWA and local labor laws is highly preferred.
• Strong Understanding of food inventory, ordering, and cost control measures to optimize resource utilization and minimize waste.
• Must have strong established vendor relationships and ability to develop new relationships as necessary to meet the demands of the operation.
• Must have strong attention to detail and approach all issues with a fresh perspective.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to clearly and pleasantly communicate with guests, customers, and all colleagues, both in person and on the telephone.
• Proficient computer knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and POS systems.

Physical Requirements

• Stand/Walk 8 – 12  hours a day
• Sit 8 - 12 hours a day

Occasionally = 1/3 of the workday, frequently = 2/3 of the workday

• Lift or Carry 0-20 pounds frequently
• Lift or Carry 21-50 pounds occasionally
• Lift or Carry 51-100 pounds occasionally
• Bend frequently
• Squat frequently
• Kneel occasionally
• Climb occasionally
• Reach above shoulders occasionally
• Perform repetitive hand motions frequently

Other Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and work continuously in confined spaces for long periods of time
• Possess Sufficient dexterity to use all kitchen equipment
• Ability to lift, bend, stoop, walk, push, and pull heavy equipment for long periods of time
• Ability to perform all duties in extreme temperature ranges

Our commitment to you

• Learning & Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow, continuously.
• MOstay. When you work as hard as our colleagues do, it’s important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily, you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your loved ones.
• Heath & Colleague Wellness. Finding the right work-life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us. A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our colleagues, globally.
• Retirement Plans. When you show commitment to us, we reciprocate. We offer different retirement plans depending on the length of your service and your role.

Salary and Benefits:

•  Salary $150,000 to $185,000 yearly + Bonus eligible
• A competitive benefits package, including health, dental and vision, 401(K), etc

It is Company policy to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including by providing reasonable accommodations that do not constitute an undue hardship on the Company. Colleagues or candidates should direct requests for accommodation to the Director of People and Culture.

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