Executive Chef - The Willard InterContinental Washington

The Willard InterContinental Washington, DC is one of the most iconic hotels in the Nation's Capital. Since 1818, the Willard InterContinental Hotel has played host to the world's social and political elite. Often referred to as the 'Residence of Presidents', The Willard has welcomed U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries and celebrities, as well as has been the site of many historic moments in U.S. history. Located in the heart of the nation's capital on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Willard continues to be the hotel of choice for heads of state and leaders of the world's business, cultural, social and political sectors. The hotel's 335 well-appointed large guestrooms include 41 elegant suites. Dining options consist of the Cafe du Parc, a popular French bistro with seasonal outdoor seating, traditional Afternoon Tea in Peacock Alley, the classic Round Robin Bar and Private In-Room Dining. There is over 20,000 square feet of Conference and Banquet space and the hotel hosts events ranging from intimate meetings to luxurious weddings. The Willard InterContinental combines heritage, sustainability and luxury with contemporary comfort and the latest technology.

Role Purpose

As Executive Chef you'll direct all kitchen activities and prepare our delicious food - helping create memorable experiences for guests - whenever and wherever they dine. You'll also ensure quality, kitchen maintenance, and inventory functions kept to our high standards - to make sure your kitchen is always running smoothly.

Key Accountabilities

People

• Direct daily kitchen activities, plan and assign work ensuring you always have the right staffing numbers.
• Develop your team and improve their performance through coaching and feedback, and create performance and development goals for colleagues - recognise good performance.
• Recommend or initiate any HR elated actions where needed.
• Drive a great working environment for teams to thrive - connect departments to create sense of one team.
• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments. Communicate with all hotel department heads to stay informed of kitchen needs and ensure timely responses to requests.

Guest Experience

• Encourage guest feedback to improve guest satisfaction.
• Answer guest questions about dishes and kitchen services.
• Help the Food and Beverage Director with event planning.

Responsible Business

• You'll make sure our dishes are always at their best - we have standards - but it's down to you to make that room special and memorable for guests.
• Keep an eye on competitor activity / industry innovation to develop your own ideas in the kitchen
• Make sure food and drinks are secure and stored safely - always keep stock replenished to minimise waste.
• Ensure that all kitchen equipment and environment are hygienic and working properly.
• Always follow governmental regulations and company policies and procedures.
• Ad-hoc duties - unexpected moments when we have to pull together to get a task done.

Financial

• Complete forecasts, plans, and departmental production reports for management.
• Help prepare the hotel's annual budget and the setting of departmental goals.
• Maintain costing and documentation of all dishes prepared and sold from the kitchen.

Accountabilities

Supervise kitchen team in a large, luxury, or resort hotel with multiple major food and beverage outlets and banquet facilities with capacity to cater to more than 500 people. May oversee managers and/or supervisors and professional culinary staff.

Key Skills & Experiences

• Degree or certificate in culinary arts
• 5 years' experience as a chef
• Must speak local language(s)
• At least one year in a supervisory capacity, or equivalent combination of education and culinary/kitchen operations experience

Don't quite meet every single requirement, but still believe you'd be a great fit for the job? We'll never know unless you hit the 'Apply' button. Start your journey with us today and let's #GoFurtherTogether.

At IHG, we've made a promise. As one of the world's leading hotel groups, we're here to deliver True Hospitality for Good. Making our guests and colleagues feel welcome, cared for, recognised and respected - wherever they are in the world. Want to be part of the journey?

As the world's first and most global luxury hotel brand, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has pioneered international travel since the 1940s, we are passionate about sharing our renowned international know-how and cultural wisdom in truly impressive surroundings. We all take great pride in being genuine ambassadors of the InterContinental® brand and to be part of the brand you will have a thirst for travel, passion for culture and appreciation for diversity. We create inspiring experiences for those seeking a richer perspective on the world. If you'd like to embrace a world of opportunities, we'd like to welcome you to the world's most international luxury hotel brand. Let's Go Further Together.