Lodge Casino - Executive Chef

A Legacy of Excellence Entertaining Your World Jacobs Entertainment, Inc. (JEI) is a developer, owner and operator of gaming and entertainment facilities across the United States. Core to the company's value is our commitment to ethical leadership, outstanding training, and open employee communication. The Lodge Casino is currently in search of a "Executive Chef". We are Colorado's First Choice For Fun not only for our guests, but for our employees too! If you are looking for a fun and exciting atmosphere, now is the perfect time to jump start your career. The Lodge Casino opened its doors in June 1998, in Black Hawk, CO. Our property features more than 52,000 square feet of state-of-the-art gaming space, four delicious restaurants, nearly 900 slot machines, 23 table games, four bars and 50 spacious boutique hotel rooms. The Executive Chef is the senior culinary leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational performance, and financial results of all culinary operations across the casino resort. This role sets the culinary vision and standards for the property while ensuring consistent execution, innovation, food safety compliance, and cost discipline across all kitchens and concepts. As a key member of the food and beverage leadership team, the Executive Chef partners closely with the Director of Food & Beverage, Assistant Director of Food & Beverage, outlet leaders, and corporate stakeholders to align culinary strategy with business objectives, guest expectations, and brand standards. Our employees are supported with a comprehensive benefits program that include the following: $200 Referral BonusTuition Reimbursement7 paid Holidays80 hours of Vacation after 1 year of employment48 Hours of Sick Time available immediately and renews annuallyWe offer a variety of affordable medical, dental, vision and flexible spending account plans after 60 daysEmployee Assistance Program FREE of chargeCompany paid Life Insurance and AD&DMatching 401K program after 90 daysEmployee Meal DiscountsFree ParkingDiscounted Bus TicketsOngoing learning and development programsWork towards your future advancement within the company—most of our supervisors and managers are promoted from within

Essential Job Responsibilities and Duties:

Establish and maintain the overall culinary vision, philosophy, and standards for the propertyEnsure consistent quality, presentation, and execution across all menus, outlets, and service periodsLead, mentor, and hold accountable all culinary leaders, including Sous Chefs, Executive Sous Chefs, and kitchen management teamsPromote a culture of professionalism, creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement within culinary operationsLead menu development, concept refinement, and culinary innovation across all outletsEnsure menus align with brand positioning, guest demographics, and profitability targetsPartner with food and beverage leadership and marketing teams to support promotions, seasonal offerings, and special eventsOversee recipe standardization, portion controls, and culinary documentationOwn culinary financial performance, including food cost strategy, labor efficiency, and waste reductionDevelop and manage culinary budgets in alignment with overall food and beverage financial goalsImplement effective purchasing, inventory, and cost control systemsAnalyze financial performance and partner with outlet leaders to address variances and improve marginsOversee all kitchen operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and operational excellence.

Partner closely with outlet General Managers to ensure seamless front-of-house and back-of-house alignmentCollaborate with executive leadership on business planning, growth initiatives, and capital projectsSupport operational readiness for peak business periods, events, and high-volume operationsMaintain ultimate accountability for culinary food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance across the propertyEnforce corporate food safety policies, procedures, and standards in all culinary operationsServe as a primary leader for health department relationships, inspections, and corrective action plans related to culinary operationsProactively identify and mitigate food safety, operational, and reputational risksLead continuous improvement initiatives related to food safety, sanitation, and operational controlsConsistent delivery of culinary excellence, quality, and innovationAchievement of food cost, labor, and financial performance targetsDevelopment of strong culinary leadership bench and succession plansPositive compliance outcomes and inspection readinessStrong collaboration with food and beverage and property leadershipProperty-wide governance of culinary food safety and sanitation standardsEnforcement of corporate food safety policies and proceduresLeadership of health department relationships and inspection responsesApproval and oversight of corrective action strategies and continuous improvement initiativesUltimate culinary food safety accountability for the propertyFinal authority on culinary standards, enforcement, and corrective actionsOther related duties including but not limited to complying with the following: Food Safety Guidelines, Colorado Limited Gaming Act, Colorado Gaming Rules and Regulations, Colorado Internal Control Minimum Procedures, Colorado Liquor and Beer Codes, Federal requirements for Anti-Money Laundering, Company Policies, and IRS reporting

Skills, Education and Other Requirements:

Must possess a minimum of three years' experience as an Executive Chef and/or a minimum of ten years in the culinary field in kitchen managementA degree in Culinary Arts and Food Service Manager's Certification recommendedMust have moderate computer skills, basic math skills and be able to read, write and have command of the English languageExecutive-level culinary leadership experience in a complex, multi-outlet environmentStrong financial acumen, strategic thinking, and operational expertiseProven ability to lead large, diverse culinary teamsExcellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skillsKnowledge and familiarity with kitchen equipmentResponsible Alcohol Training CertificationFood Safety Manager CertificationEnterprise or corporate food safety leadership training (recommended)Identification that establishes identityIdentification that establishes the right to work in the United States Don't want to drive to Black Hawk? Take a look at the casino bus routes at www.casinoshuttle.com and www.aceexpresscoaches.com. BHWK123