Executive Chef/Dining Manager - Santa Rosa, United States - Union for Reform Judaism

Description

**Executive Chef/Dining Manager**

Camp Newman and Koret Retreat Center (Camp Newman) is a year-round conference center and childrens summer residential camp in the Santa Rosa Hills. At Camp Newman, we work together year-round to build a community of acceptance, where we role model positive behaviors, and acknowledge that each and every member of the community is vital and important. We live by the value of btzelem Elohim, which reminds us that each of us are created in the image of God meaning that each person at camp has a specific set of needs, wants feelings, hopes, and dreams.

Camp Newman is seeking an energetic, passionate, team-minded Head Chef with a caring personality who knows how to supervise and manage a kitchen efficiently and costs effectively. The Head Chef must be able to multi-task between various groups and thrive under pressure while maintaining a positive work environment. Head Chef is hands-on and is directly responsible for all food service-related items and will directly supervise a team of both back and front of house professionals. Our food service program has two principal lines of business: (1) year-round retreat groups and (2) Summer Camp.

Year-round retreats include a significant amount of weekends and summer camp runs seven days a week from June-August with staff expected to work 6 days a week. Onsite living can be arranged during the summer months.

**Key Qualities:**

The successful candidate will be an individual who:

Expert knowledge of all aspects of food service.

Knowledge of general marketing, sales, and customer service skills.

Ability to manage people, encourage their success, and to be a creative problem solver

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Experience in working together with others in planning, organizing, and managing complex events

Proficient, knowledge, and experience in the use of CRM software, productivity tools, and Microsoft Office.

The ability to prepare reports and other management tools

Maintaining confidentiality of work-related information and materials

A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethics

A flexible schedule based on the needs of the organization

Ability to do the heavy lifting and other physical work

A sense of humor and patience

Ability to speak effectively to individuals or large groups.

**Essential Functions include:**

**Operational**

Responsible for the preparation of retreat and camp menus.

Aware of and comply with Department of Public Health mandates.

Stays up-to-date with culinary trends and kitchen processes.

Develops new signature dishes and overhauling menus to delight and attract clients.

Responsible for the cleanliness and proper storage of equipment and the proper handling, serving, and storage of food.

Responsible for the cleanliness of kitchens, front-of-house dining areas, and delivery areas.

Keep records and file reports in connection with the foodservice program, as required by the Director of Retreat Services and local, State, and Federal authorities.

Arrange for substitutes when food service personnel are absent.

Responsible for food purchasing.

Coordinate the use of food service department facilities and/or equipment by staff or outside groups.

Obtain bids from vendors for the procurement of food, equipment, and services needed for the department and make recommendations

Respond and/or manage a response within 24 hours to all inquiries, calls, emails from colleagues and retreat organizers.

Maintain organized, proactive, and positive contact with guests.

Prepare routine summary reports for staff & management team.

Identify and process guest logistical requirements/special needs and effectively communicate these to food service staff and management.

Work with rental clients to meet agreed deadlines for menu, service styles, etc.

In coordination with the Director of Retreat Services follow up with rental hosts post-event to assess guest satisfaction.

Utilize the event management system database and ensure that event and guest food needs are correct and up to date.

Develop and maintain the Recology and compost system for all dining areas throughout camp

Maintain an understanding of the potential uses of dining and meeting room spaces.

Stay knowledgeable of and follow through on food service-related policies including cut-off dates, meal options, etc.

Be able to clearly articulate and manage kashrut policies and requirements.

Coordinate to ensure timely and accurate billing of food service-related items (e.g., food, tables, etc.).

Represent URJ Koret Retreat center as an ambassador in the community and build positive local relationships.

**Personnel Management and Development**

Develops policies and procedures to ensure staff safety, including emergency preparedness plans and appropriate orientation to safety and communication protocols.

Input and verify payroll for all foodservice staff

Ensure personnel policies and procedures are administered, monitored, and evaluated.

Ensure compliance with all legal requirements in hiring and termination procedures.

Oversees recognition of excellence and disciplinary actions within Food Service department.

Hires and/or approves all Food Service department employees.

Supervise, evaluate, and coach Food Service team members.

Documents performance as necessary and conducts written performance evaluations periodically for staff.

Builds a team that encourages the growth of each member and maintains a positive culture.

Ensures a cross-trained and motivated workforce capable of meeting staff/guest needs and delivering exceptional guest services.

**Financial**

Participates in the development of an annual Food Service budget

Oversees and monitors operation to assure that it complies with the established budget.

Makes annual recommendations for capital and operational investments.

**Qualifications**:

College degree in related area or equivalent work experience

Five years of progressive experience in Foodservice

Minimum five years of supervisory experience.

Knowledge of Jewish Practices and Dietary Guidelines

Bilingual English/Spanish strongly desired

**About the URJ:**

At URJ Camp Newman and Koret Retreat Center, we do not just accept difference - we celebrate and support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our services, and our community. URJ Camp Newman/Koret Retreat Center is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is a dynamic network of nearly 850 congregations, 15 camps, and the Religious Action Center, along with lay leaders, clergy and professionals across North America. Our progressive, inclusive approach to Jewish life unites thousands of years of tradition and values with modern experience to strengthen Judaism today and for future generations. Through immersive experiences, engagement with civic life, creative programs, information sharing and networking opportunities, our constituents enhance their capacity to build and expand community, deepen Jewish learning, pursue social justice and develop inspired leadership.

**Application Process:**

Please include a one-page cover letter along with your resume, outlining your skills and experience and how you meet the essential functions and qualifications of the position. We look forward to hearing from you Alternatively, please mail your resume and cover letter to: Union for Reform Judaism, Attn: HR Talent Manager, 633 Third Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY

The URJ is a welcoming and inclusive environment that promotes strenuous policies and practices of equal opportunity and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is our objective to recruit, hire, and retain the most qualified individuals including those of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, ag