Executive Chef Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

The Louisville Thoroughbred Society is seeking an experienced, innovative, and passionate Executive Chef to lead all culinary operations for our prestigious social club. The Executive Chef will be responsible for creating exceptional dining experiences for members and guests while overseeing kitchen operations, menu development, food quality, staff leadership, financial performance, and compliance with health and safety standards.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic culinary leader with a strong background in upscale dining, private clubs, hospitality, banquet services, and special events. This individual will embrace the traditions of the Thoroughbred community while introducing fresh culinary concepts that enhance member satisfaction and support the organization's mission.

Duties & Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Develop and execute creative, seasonally inspired menus, menus private events, and special functions.
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, presentation, consistency, and taste.
• Create menus that reflect regional Kentucky influences and contemporary culinary trends.
• Oversee recipe development, food costing, and menu pricing.

Kitchen Operations

• Direct all daily kitchen operations, including production, preparation, service, sanitation, and inventory management.
• Establish and maintain efficient workflows and operating procedures.
• Ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of kitchen facilities and equipment.
• Manage purchasing, receiving, storage, and inventory controls.

Team Management

• Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise all culinary staff.
• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative kitchen culture.
• Conduct performance evaluations and implement development plans for team members.
• Create staff schedules that support operational needs while controlling labor costs.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual culinary budgets.
• Monitor food and labor costs to meet established financial goals.
• Analyze financial reports and implement strategies to improve profitability and efficiency.
• Negotiate with vendors and suppliers to secure quality products at competitive pricing.

Member & Guest Experience

• Engage with members and guests to gather feedback and enhance dining experiences.
• Collaborate with management on special events, race-day gatherings, and member functions.
• Ensure exceptional hospitality and service standards throughout all food operations.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal health regulations.
• Maintain food safety certifications and sanitation standards.
• Enforce workplace safety practices and risk management procedures.
• Oversee proper handling, storage, and preparation of food products.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of food costing, budgeting, inventory management, and labor controls.
• Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication abilities.
• Ability to collaborate with other departments.
• Fosters a strong team culture.
• Must be willing to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

 Required Experience:

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, including experience as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef.
• Experience in private clubs, country clubs, upscale restaurants, hotels, resorts, or hospitality venues.
• Food Safety Manager Certification (ServSafe or equivalent).

 Preferred Experience:

• Experience working within a member-focused club environment.
• Certified Executive Chef (CEC) designation.

The Louisville Thoroughbred Society provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.