Executive Sous Chef

Company Description

Fairmont Dallas, located in the Arts District of downtown Dallas, offers 545 elegant guestrooms and suites, with over 73,000 square feet of flexible meeting space. For over 50 years, Fairmont Dallas has been the setting for countless civic, social cultural, convention and corporate events, setting the stage for countless memories.

Job Description

Responsible for managing all aspects of the Kitchen and Kitchen personnel, ensuring the quality preparation of all menu items and proper handling/ storage of all food items in accordance with standards.  Coordinates the purchase/product inventory of all food and assist in development of menus, assist in maintaining approved food costs and labor costs.

• Maintain complete knowledge of and comply with all departmental policies/service procedures/standards.
• Maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment.  Use equipment only as intended.
• Anticipate guests’ needs, respond promptly and acknowledge all guests, however busy and whatever time of day.
• Maintain positive guest relations at all times.
• Be familiar with all Hotel services/features and local attractions/activities to respond to guest inquiries accurately.
• Resolve guest complaints, ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness, sanitation and organization of assigned work areas.
• Review the daily activities; check the following:

1. housecount
2. forecasted covers for each outlet
3. catering activity
4. purchases
5. meetings
6. appointments
7. VIPs/special guests

• Establish the day's priorities and assign production and prep task to staff to execute.
• Review daily menu and offer feedback to Sous Chefs.
• Attend Department Head meetings, F&B meetings, pre-convention meetings, and Banquet Event Order (B.E.O.) review meetings.
• Review Banquet Event Order sheets and make note of any changes; post function sheets for the next 7 days.
• Meet with Sous Chefs to review schedules, assignments, anticipated business levels, changes and other information pertinent to the job performance.
• Communicate additions or changes to the assignments as they arise throughout the shift.  
• Review the purchase order list.
• Requisition the days supplies and ensure that they are received and stored correctly.  Communicate needs with Purchasing and Storeroom personnel.  Ensure quality of products received.
• Meet with the Executive Steward to review equipment needs, such as, banquet plate up assistance, cleaning schedule/project status, health/safety and sanitation follow up.
• Ensure that staff reports to work as scheduled; document any late or absent employees.
• Coordinate breaks for staff.
• Inspect grooming and attire of staff; rectify any deficiencies.
• Check and ensure that all opening duties are completed to standard.
• Ensure that each Kitchen work area is stocked with specified tools, supplies and equipment to meet the business demand.
• Ensure that recipes, production schedules, plating guides, photographs are current and posted.
• Ensure that all staff prepares menu items following recipes and yield guides, according to department standards.
• Monitor performance of staff and ensure all procedures are completed to the department standards; rectify deficiencies with respective personnel.
• Work on line during service and assist wherever needed.
• Be aware of any shortages and make arrangements before the item runs out.
• Observe guest reactions and confer with service staff to ensure guest satisfaction.
• Conduct a frequent walk- through of each Kitchen area and direct respective personnel to correct any deficiencies.  Ensure that quality and details are being maintained.
• Inspect the cleanliness of the line, floor, and all Kitchen stations.  Direct staff to rectify any deficiencies.
• Ensure that staff maintain and strictly abide by State sanitation/Health regulations and Hotel requirements.
• Maintain proper storage procedures as specified by Health Department and Hotel requirements.
• Instruct staff in the correct usage and care of all machinery in the Kitchen operation, stressing safety.
• Complete work orders for maintenance repairs and submit to Engineering.  Contact Engineering directly for urgent repairs.
• Develop new menu items, test and write recipes.
• Assist Catering Department with developing special menus for functions; meet with clients as requested.
• Supervise and direct the organization and preparation of food for the Colleague Cafeteria.
• Minimize waste and maintain controls to attain forecasted food and labor costs.
• Ensure that excess items are utilized efficiently.
• Monitor and ensure that all closing duties are completed to standard before staff clocks out.
• Foster and promote a cooperative working climate, maximizing productivity and colleague morale.
• Provide feedback to staff on their performance; handle disciplinary problems and counsel colleagues according to Hotel standards.
• Conduct performance reviews in a timely basis.
• Document pertinent information in the logbook and follow up on items notated during other shifts.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience in a similar position at a Full service Hotel or Restaurant.
• Culinary college degree or apprenticeship.
• Fluency in a second language, preferably Spanish.
• Sanitation certificate (Food Service Manger).
• Maintain good coordination.
• Certification in CPR.
• Ability to input and access information in the property management system/computers/point of sales system.
• Previous guest relations training.
• Artistic talent.
• Work all stations in Kitchen.
• Fluency in English, both verbal and non-verbal.
• Compute basic arithmetic.
• Provide legible communication.
• Knowledge of food cost controls.
• Previously worked with all products and food ingredients.
• Operate, clean and maintain all equipment required in job functions.
• Plan and develop menus and recipes.
• Ability to:
• perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy.
• prioritize and organize.
  • be a clear thinker, remaining calm and resolving problems using good judgement.
  • follow directions thoroughly.
  • understand guest’s service needs.
  • work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team.
  • work with minimal supervision.
  • maintain confidentiality of guest information and pertinent hotel data.
  • ascertain departmental training needs and provide such training.
  • direct performance of staff and follow up with corrections when needed.

Additional Information

What’s in it for you:

• Paid time off
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401K
• Complimentary Shift Meal
• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates in Accor worldwide
• Learning programs through our Academy designed to sharpen your skills
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities, such as Planet 21
• Career development opportunities with national and international promotion opportunities
• Eligible performance based bonus