Executive Chef

National Western Center, 4655 Humboldt, Denver, Colorado, United States of America

Posted Monday, January 12, 2026 at 5:00 AM | Expires Friday, February 13, 2026 at 4:59 AM

SSA Group at National Western Center is looking for a talented Executive Chef to join our team!

All applications should be submitted within 7-days following posting of the job; applications will be prioritized based upon time submitted and may not be reviewed beyond this time. The employer reserves the right to shorten or expand this timeframe as necessary to the job scope.

SSA Group works with zoos, aquariums, museums, and other cultural attractions on integrating dining, retail, admissions and more. We increase revenue opportunities for partners across the United States. With 50 years in the business, SSA has refined the basics while pioneering better ways forward. With pillars of focus like sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation, SSA is transforming the cultural attraction industry.

SSA was built by families, for families, with a family’s sense of love and dedication. We don’t just rely on the best practices in our industry, we customize best practices for each partner to set the bar higher and higher, always. We do all we can to further the mission of our partners because their guests and the communities they serve,deserve it.

Executive Chef

General Manager

• Interview, hire, evaluate, reward, and progressively coach kitchen personnel as appropriate.
• Develop culinary training programs for food production employees and serve as a culinary resource to promote quality food services. Ensure SSAfety training(s) completed with all staff upon hire.
• Train kitchen personnel in safe operating procedures of all equipment, utensils, and machinery, as well as food production principles and practices.
• Assist General Manager with accurate forecast of weekly and monthly sales as necessary.
• Direct and coordinate the work of production and dish room staff.
• Maintains a close relationship with the client’s staff to insure a positive working relationship.
• Manage employees in accordance with State and Federal labor laws.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organized work environment.
• Uphold and demonstrate a complete understanding of company policies and procedures.
• Perform the steps of SSA EXTRA Guest Service to ensure a memorable experience for every guest and client.
• Supervise period end inventory for all food and beverage areas.
• Direct and participate in the daily preparation of standard and gourmet food items. Supervise and participate in the preparation and display of menu items for special functions
• Monitor and track proper cooking and holding temperatures.
• Establish maintenance schedules in conjunction with manufacturer's instructions for all equipment, provides safety training in lifting, carrying, hazardous material control, chemical control, and basic first aid. Facilitate the maintenance and repairs of facility and equipment.
• Ensure overall consistency and high quality across the various operations; plan menus based on such factors as market trends, customer preferences and nutritional considerations; design recipes, determine appropriate ingredients and specify individual serving portion for each recipe.
• Inspect all locations to observe quality of food preparation and service; food appearance; and cleanliness and sanitation of production and service areas, equipment and employee appearance.
• Place all food product orders and assist with shipping, receiving, and distribution, and maintain communication with vendors.
• Evaluate the quality of raw food and ensure the quality of the finished products.
• Implement and enforce sanitary practices for food handling, general cleanliness, and maintenance of kitchen and/or dining areas.
• Comply with all food safety regulations and practices. Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations.
• Process invoices to office team ensuring smooth communication so that all vendors are paid within terms.
• Manage all operational functions of the Culinary aspects within the Unit’s operation.
• Control food cost within HQ purchasing…