Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Florence, KY 41042

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming

The Executive Chef attracts and retains staff, maintains a cooperative relationship with team members, optimizes staff productivity, and serves as a replacement in team members' absence. The chef trains staff to use new recipes, cooking techniques and equipment, oversees cooks performing food preparation, manages delivery of food supplies, prepares special dishes and supervises overall kitchen operations across the entire property.

• Plan and direct food preparation and culinary activities consistent with the brand and annual plan.
• Ensure high quality food and beverage to guests while maintaining costs at an acceptable level.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization, always cleaning.
• Emphasize food diversity and quality with appropriate presentation.
• Direct and manage culinary and stewarding staff.
• Develop new recipes, plan menus and perform other administrative tasks.
• Hire, train, and coach staff to deliver prompt, fresh and appealing products.
• Train staff in safe operating procedures for all equipment and machinery.
• Establish and review staffing levels to maintain budgeted employment.
• Enforce company policies, procedures, safety and health regulations.
• Monitor service execution, ticket times and production schedules.
• Develop recipes for all menu items and ensure proper execution.
• Create prep and production schedules to ensure product availability.
• Control food costs, establish purchasing specifications, procure requisitions, manage storage and portion control, and reduce waste.
• Set maintenance schedules for equipment based on manufacturer instructions.
• Develop annual budgets and business plans and collaborate with the F&B team to achieve results.
• Cooperate with staff to improve menu, recipe ideas and pricing.
• Coordinate with the Marketing team for VIP events and promotions involving food and beverage.
• Maintain relationships with property management and vendors to meet goals.
• Obtain feedback on food and service quality and handle customer complaints.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Culinary skills; a true professional in all aspects.
• Leadership and management; maintain professional and interpersonal relationships among all staff.
• Financial and business acumen, including budget preparation and reporting.
• Willingness to assume overall responsibility for the performance of the F&B operation.
• Creative problem solving and resolution management.
• Sense of urgency toward tasks and goals as directed.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Availability to work weekends, holidays and nights.

• 2+ years of culinary education preferred.
• 3-5+ years of experience in a similar position required.
• Advanced knowledge of food profession principles and practices.
• Proficient knowledge of human resources management.
• Excellent knowledge of BOH systems, ordering and inventory.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Availability to work on call, all shifts, after hours, weekends and public holidays.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word; aptitude to learn automated inventory and purchasing systems.
• Experience or involvement in bar operations preferred.
• Able to obtain and maintain a valid Kentucky gaming/racing license.

The physical demands of this position include frequent sitting or standing; walking, using hands to reach and handle objects; reaching with arms; climbing or balancing; stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling; talking or hearing; lifting, pushing and pulling up to 25 lbs; and exposure to moderate to loud noise.

Churchill Downs Incorporated is an inclusive and fun place to work. We celebrate unique approaches and points of view, and we believe that diversity is a mindset that drives excellence. We’re always learning, growing, and building a common language that inspires our team and propels us toward achieving our vision.