Executive Chef - Hospitality & Food Service

As Executive Chef at the Cleveland Zoo with Aramark, you will lead all culinary operations across zoo dining venues, creating memorable guest experiences. You'll design innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective menus, oversee food preparation and presentation, and enforce strict food safety and sanitation standards. You will recruit, train, schedule, and mentor culinary teams, manage inventory and budgets, and collaborate closely with zoo partners. Aramark offers growth, training, and a culture focused on service, teamwork, safety, and community impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen and culinary operations for multiple zoo dining outlets
• Develop seasonal, high-quality, cost-effective menus
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and compliance with health regulations
• Manage food and labor costs, inventory, and ordering
• Hire, train, schedule, and coach culinary and support staff
• Maintain strong relationships with zoo partners and vendors
• Implement Aramark culinary standards, recipes, and branding
• Drive guest satisfaction through quality, speed, and presentation
• Monitor performance metrics and implement continuous improvement
• Support special events, catering, and promotional initiatives

Required Skills

• Menu development
• High-volume kitchen operations
• Food safety and sanitation (HACCP)
• Cost control and budgeting
• Staff leadership and training
• Inventory and supply chain management
• Catering and event execution
• Vendor and stakeholder management
• Quality assurance and standards
• Culinary production planning