Executive Chef

Convene is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and we believe that diverse teams are the best teams. We live our values of GRIT (Genuine, Relentless, Integrity & Teamwork) and strive to create an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone can be their true selves, where we all show up for each other. In line with our goal to be 1% better every day, we are committed to listening, learning, growing and improving. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives to join us on this journey.

We are looking for an executive chef to be part of the opening team at Convene 30 Hudson Yards! We are seeking an Executive Chef who exemplifies a passion for Culinary, Hospitality, and is a proponent of educating a team and cultivating a positive and inclusive employee culture. If hired, you will play a key role in providing support and guidance to our culinary team, and help ensure a positive client and guest experience! 

Convene at 30 Hudson Yards offers an extraordinary event destination across 72,000 square feet on the building's 24th floor, featuring ten uniquely designed event spaces, including a grand hall that can accommodate up to 780 guests. The venue can also host full buyouts for up to 1,495 guests!

At Convene, our cultural DNA is rooted in GRIT- a set of guiding principles that fuel our passion, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence to be 1% better every day. Standing for genuine, relentless, integrity, and teamwork, GRIT is more than just an acronym- it's a way of life that informs every aspect of our organization. From the initiatives we launch to the partners we choose to work with, GRIT is the thread that weaves our community together!

What You’ll Do:

In this role, the Executive Chef will partner with and report directly to the General Manager. Our Executive Chef has experience in high volume environments with a focus on presentation and conference style catering.

• Provide the direction for all day-to-day operations of the Culinary department and ensure the quality and standards are meeting the expectations of the guests and employees.
• Ensure that supplies are ordered, received, and properly stored. Maintain an inventory of supplies and kitchen equipment.
• Conduct regular inventory of food items and equipment.
• Manage department expenses and ensure food cost is reviewed weekly/monthly
• Manage staffing levels to ensure that guest service, operational needs and financial objectives are met.
• Attract, hire, retain, and motivate your team to uphold company standards and practices.
• Conduct pre-shift meetings with staff and review all information pertinent to the day’s business.
• Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably. Handle employee issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Review PEOs, make notes, develop and assign production and preparation tasks accordingly
• Responsible for constant sanitation, organization, and proper food handling
• Responsible for all food production for all corporate meetings, conferences and events.
• Ensuring all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and serviced.
• Supervising daily setup for menu, anticipating business volume, and adjusting work areas/schedules accordingly

What We Look For: 

• A.O.S. Degree in Culinary Arts or culinary certificate and required experience
• Minimum 3-5 years of progressive culinary/kitchen management experience, depending upon formal degree of training
• Experience leading small culinary team up to 6 people
• Extensive experience managing high-end event catering for large-scale events (600+ guests), ensuring seamless execution and exceptional service.
• High volume, complex foodservice operations experience – highly desirable
• Institutional and batch cooking experiences a plus
• Hands-on chef experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, and presentation
• Proficient in Google Suite, Slack and Zoom 
• Must be willing to participate in client satisfaction programs/activities
• Flexible and long hours sometimes required; work schedule may include early mornings and occasional weekends
• Move, lift, carry, push, pull and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance
• Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping
• Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time

Compensation: 

The above job definition information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on changing business needs and conditions.

Base Salary:

Salary Min: $100,000  Salary Max: $120,000

This role is also eligible for Convene's annual incentive performance bonus plan.

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors

Who We Are:

Convene is a global lifestyle hospitality company that designs and operates premium meeting, event, and flexible office spaces.  It is the largest single provider of dedicated meeting and event venues in North America and the UK with a network of 39 locations across nine cities; Convene’s portfolio of brands includes etc.venues, Club 75, and the “by Convene” label for bespoke locations in partnership with other organizations.  With a combined 44 years of experience, Convene brands bring hospitality and lifestyle into traditional commercial real estate assets, partnering with the industry’s top landlords to deliver increased building value while also creating premium experiences for tenants.  The company counts Ares, RXR Realty, and Hudson’s Bay Company among its investors, and has been named one of America’s 100 Most Promising Companies by Forbes and a Best Workplace by Inc. magazine, Fortune magazine, and Built In.  Learn more at https://convene.com/.   

We’re Here For You: 

At Convene, you’ll receive:

Health and Wellness

• Excellent health coverage for you and your family starting day one
• 24/7 virtual care through Centivo Care
• Employee Assistance Program: emotional well-being and support for everyday life
• Fertility & family planning through Kindbody

Time Off and Work-Life Balance

• Generous paid time off plus time off for your birthday
• A Holiday closure each year to allow all employees to unplug and recharge
• Paid time off for new parents: maternity, paternity, adoption

Financial Support and Benefits

• 401K plan with company matching
• Financial support for education: for attending conferences, taking courses, or gaining certifications

Professional Development and Recognition

• Continuous professional and personal development support
• Employee recognition and reward programs to mark achievements and milestones

Community and Impact

• Opportunities to volunteer, donate, and participate in community give-back initiatives
• The opportunity to have a significant impact on your team and the business in the work that you do

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