Executive Chef Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

A rare opportunity to join the City Winery team as we reimagine the future of live music and hospitality. City Winery delivers the highest end combined culinary and cultural experience to our customers who are passionate in sharing wine, music, and culinary arts. We are a unique facility, combining a fully functioning winery with intimate concerts, food & wine classes, private events in a variety of configurations, and fine dining. We have created a compelling mix for our sophisticated clientele of foodies, and active cultural patrons-bringing the wine country experience to the middle of a large city.

Position Summary
The Director of Culinary Operations serves as the operational leader for all culinary programs across City Winery's national portfolio. This position partners closely with the National R&D Executive Chef to ensure all menu initiatives, seasonal offerings, wine dinners, and culinary programs are successfully executed while maintaining operational excellence across every property.

The Director of Culinary Operations is responsible for overseeing Executive Chefs throughout the organization in partnership with General Managers to improve kitchen performance, food quality, financial results, and leadership development. This role owns culinary operational standards including food cost management, inventory controls, purchasing, Department of Health compliance, menu execution, PMIX analysis, labor collaboration, and operational consistency.

This leader is expected to spend significant time in the field coaching Executive Chefs, conducting operational audits, identifying opportunities for improvement, and partnering with property leadership to drive financial performance while protecting City Winery's culinary standards and guest experience.

Why us?

• Competitive pay

• We are a rapidly expanding national entertainment and hospitality company, offering tremendous opportunities for driven and ambitious individuals.

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

• nDORFins program designed to promote a healthy and active lifestyle!

• 401K (and yes we match!)

• Flexible Savings Accounts,HSA and Dependent Care, Basic Life and AD&D Insurance

• Amazing discounts, 50% OFF all dining/retail wine

• Free Family Meal

• Tickets to available shows

And more!

Overview of Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for all culinary operations across City Winery's national portfolio.

• Partner with General Managers and Executive Chefs to improve operational execution, financial performance, and overall guest satisfaction.

• Conduct operational reviews and kitchen audits across all markets.

• Develop action plans and follow-up strategies for underperforming locations.

• Maintain consistency of culinary standards, execution, and food quality throughout all restaurants, venues, wineries, and private event operations.

• Support new property openings, leadership transitions, and operational improvement initiatives.

• Own food cost performance across all markets.

• Monitor Prime Cost and key culinary financial metrics.

• Analyze PMIX reporting and menu performance.

• Partner with the National R&D Executive Chef to evaluate menu profitability and recommend operational improvements.

• Oversee inventory controls, purchasing standards, and vendor compliance.

• Monitor waste, yield, portion control, and purchasing opportunities.

• Review monthly P&Ls and develop action plans with General Managers and Executive Chefs.

• Measure the success of promotions, seasonal features, wine dinners, and limited-time offerings across the portfolio.

• Drive continuous improvement in culinary profitability while protecting the guest experience.

Executive Chef Leadership & Development

• Directly coach, mentor, and develop Executive Chefs across all markets.

• Partner with General Managers on Executive Chef performance, accountability, and development.

• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and succession planning for culinary leadership.

• Conduct performance evaluations and provide continuous coaching.

• Support disciplinary action and performance management in partnership with Human Resources and Operations Leadership.

Culinary Standards & Operational Excellence

• Ensure all kitchens consistently execute City Winery culinary standards.

• Maintain recipe adherence, portion standards, plating consistency, and operational execution.

• Conduct quality assurance audits and operational inspections.

• Ensure Department of Health compliance and food safety standards throughout all markets.

• Oversee sanitation programs and kitchen organization.

• Monitor preventive maintenance and equipment standards.

• Drive operational best practices and continuous process improvement.

Menu Rollouts & Culinary Execution

• Partner with the National R&D Executive Chef to successfully implement all new menus, seasonal features, wine dinners, and culinary initiatives.

• Coordinate culinary rollout timelines across all markets.

• Ensure Executive Chefs receive proper training prior to implementation.

• Conduct post-launch evaluations and identify opportunities for improvement.

• Monitor guest feedback and operational execution following menu launches.

Cross Functional Leadership

• Partner closely with Operations, Beverage, Marketing, Finance, Private Events, and Property Leadership.

• Support culinary execution for national promotions and company initiatives.

• Participate in operational planning meetings and annual budgeting.

• Assist in development of culinary operational policies and SOPs.

• Travel extensively to support operational priorities throughout the portfolio.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership within multi-unit restaurant or hospitality organizations.

• Strong financial acumen with demonstrated success managing food cost, Prime Cost, inventory, purchasing, and operational KPIs.

• Strong understanding of PMIX analysis, menu profitability, and culinary financial reporting.

• Strong communication, organizational, and project management abilities.

• Ability to analyze financial reports and develop operational improvement strategies.

• Proven experience leading multiple culinary teams across several locations.

• Ability to travel frequently throughout City Winery markets.

• Extensive Department of Health and food safety knowledge.

• Exceptional coaching and leadership development skills.

• Passion for hospitality, culinary innovation, wine, and guest experience.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and restaurant technology platforms.

About Us

Wine, food, and live entertainment collide at City Winery to create a dynamic and incredibly unique workplace. Since 2008, City Winery has been turning heads across the nation with amazing live performances, delectable cuisine, and award winning, locally produced wines. But there's more to us than that we're a haven for community and creativity, a place where the philosophy of hospitality is more than just a buzzword, but a way of life. City Winery, founded by music industry veteran & visionary Michael Dorf, has established itself as a one-of-a-kind brand providing unforgettable experiences for guests. From world class music venues to sustainably produced wines with ratings of 90+ points, City Winery offers a range of topnotch events & experiences.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at City Winery. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Additionally, City Winery participates in the E-Verify Program in certain locations, as required by law.