Vice President, Executive Chef of Culinary Operations

Universal Orlando Resort believes in-person collaboration is key to our success. Many of our Team Members work in a hybrid capacity, contributing from the workplace a minimum of three days per week. Some remote opportunities are available within specific departments. There are also roles that require being on-site full time. You'll learn more about this during the application process.

JOB SUMMARY: The Vice President, Executive Chef of Culinary Operations will report directly to and work closely with the SVP, Food and Beverage Operations for Universal Orlando. This position will provide oversight and overall leadership for all assigned culinary operations across Universal Orlando Resort, including the development and review of all menus, concepts, recipes, costing, and establishment of all quality standards for food product.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute short and long-term menu strategies that support brand positioning and business needs. Convert strategies into compelling new menu offerings and concepts that drive Guest satisfaction, Guest traffic and brand equity.
• Provide strategic direction in partnership with Research and Development to develop menu items within specified cost parameters to ensure the achievement of business targets (guest count, margin, menu mix and sales) while delivering on quality requirements.
• Partner with key stakeholders in developing and leveraging company purchasing and supplier networks; achieve cost efficiencies while procuring quality ingredients and introducing new menu offerings.
• Develop strategic business cases to secure approval for department budgets and funding needs; oversee and manage the department budget.
• Responsible for strategic planning, financial analysis and planning, budgets, inventory control, sanitation and safety, training and development, staffing, employee relations, menu planning and analysis, Capital planning, project work, event planning and execution, Catering support and Talent Review planning.
• Manage initial and ongoing relationships with external industry partners, including the National Restaurant Association, Florida Restaurant Association, ProStart, Women's Food Service Forum, etc.
• Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:Bachelor's degree in business, hospitality, culinary, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:15+ years of culinary and Executive Chef experience with high-volume food service operation and research and development required; or equivalent combination of education and experience, which includes working in high-volume fast-paced environment over a multi-concept property or diverse restaurant chain.

• Extensive menu, product, and concept development experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop culinary and beverage products in a multiple unit, high volume environment.
• Project management demonstrating the capability to achieve desired outcomes on time and within budget through the application of project management principles and techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current consumer and industry behaviors, trends, attitudes, preferences and needs.
• Strong ability to collaborate cross-functionally, specifically with the culinary and beverage execution teams.
• Demonstrated ability to develop individual talent and build strong capability in teams.
• Proven excellent verbal and written communication, interpersonal, organizational, and multi-tasking skills.
• Excellent management skills in leading a diverse team and working under tight and fast track deadlines.
• Strong P&L experience, command of budgeting and cost controls.
• Knowledge and maintenance of all costs/food purchasing function/recipe costing/yield testing.
• Ability to deal well with ambiguity and constant change.
• Knowledge of food related POS and EATEC systems.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

Universal Orlando Resort. Here you can.

Universal Orlando is an equal opportunity employer. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2023 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. EOE

• Contact: Recruitment Team
• Reference: CatererGlobal/1009_585373
• Job ID: 99584665