Executive Chef | Relocate to Lake Charles, LA
Talently
Job Description
Job Title: Executive Chef
Location: Lake Charles, LA
Salary: $65,000
Skills: High-Volume Production & Execution, Kitchen Leadership & Team Development, Cost Control & P&L Management, Menu Development & Standardization, Food Safety & Quality Assurance
About Company / Opportunity:
Two dining concepts offering guests a mix of classic American comfort food and casual, beach-inspired fare. Claim Jumper serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a broad menu of steaks, seafood, pastas, and signature desserts, while Bill’s specializes in burgers, sandwiches, and beverages in a relaxed setting. Both restaurants operate in a high-volume resort environment, emphasizing quality, consistency, and excellent guest service.
Responsibilities:
The Executive Chef is responsible for leading all back-of-house culinary operations, ensuring consistent food quality, cost control, sanitation standards, and team development. This role requires a hands-on culinary leader experienced in high-volume, scratch kitchens with a strong focus on execution, guest satisfaction, and financial performance.
Culinary Leadership & Execution
- Oversee daily kitchen operations for high-volume service, ensuring consistency with Claim Jumper & Bill’s brand standards
- Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation, taste, and timeliness
- Execute menu items according to standardized recipes and plating guidelines
- Lead by example on the line during peak service periods
Team Management & Development
- Recruit, train, coach, and retain kitchen management and hourly staff
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
- Conduct performance evaluations and implement corrective action when necessary
- Develop sous chefs and kitchen leaders for internal promotion
Financial & Cost Control
- Manage food cost, labor cost, and controllables to meet or exceed budgeted targets
- Oversee ordering, inventory control, waste reduction, and vendor relationships
- Analyze P&L reports and adjust operations accordingly
Food Safety & Sanitation
- Ensure compliance with all health department regulations, HACCP standards, and company policies
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment at all times
- Lead and prepare for health inspections and internal audits
Collaboration & Operations
- Partner with the General Manager to drive overall restaurant performance
- Support banquets, catering, seasonal features, and special events as needed
- Communicate effectively with front-of-house leadership to ensure seamless service
Must-Have Skills:
- 5+ years of culinary management experience, including Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef level
- Proven success in high-volume, scratch-kitchen restaurants
- Strong leadership, training, and team-building skills
- Solid understanding of food cost, labor management, and inventory systems
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment
- ServSafe Certification (or ability to obtain)
- Flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
Nice to Have Skills:
- Corporate casual or polished-casual dining background
- Experience with Landry’s, similar multi-unit brands, or large-format restaurants
- Menu execution involving steaks, comfort classics, and high-volume prep
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person