About Hotel ZaZa Austin & Group Therapy
Hotel ZaZa Austin is a bold fusion of luxury, art, and attitudelocated in the heart of downtown. Group Therapy, our signature restaurant and bar, is a lively social hub where elevated comfort food, creative cocktails, and rooftop views come together. Whether its brunch, happy hour, or late-night bites, Group Therapy is where guests come to unwindand where team members thrive.
Hotel ZaZa is seeking a dynamic and visionary Executive Chef to lead our culinary operations with creativity, precision, and passion. This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for crafting exceptional dining experiences across our restaurant, banquets, and in-room dining. The ideal candidate is a culinary innovator with a strong business acumen and a flair for hospitality.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership & Operations
- Oversee daily kitchen operations for all meal periods, outlets, room service, and banquets.
- Ensure consistent execution of recipes, plating, and culinary standards.
- Maintain operational excellence during high-volume service periods and special events.
- Create and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all culinary areas.
Menu Development & Innovation
Create, test, and implement seasonal menus, specials, and event menus.Maintain high-quality offerings aligned with hotel style, brand standards, and guest expectations.Collaborate with F&B leadership on menu engineering and guest experience initiatives.Staff Management & Development
Lead, motivate, and mentor sous chefs, line cooks, banquet cooks, and stewarding teams.Recruit, train, and onboard new culinary employees.Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, corrective actions, and succession planning.Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and continuous improvement.Financial Management
Manage food cost, labor cost, inventory levels, and waste control.Ensure accurate ordering, receiving, and product rotation (FIFO).Review financial reports and adjust purchasing, production, and staffing as necessary.Collaborate with F&B and Finance on budgeting and cost strategies.Safety, Sanitation & Compliance
Ensure all kitchens meet or exceed local health and sanitation standards.Maintain proper cleaning schedules, food handling procedures, and HACCP compliance.Ensure equipment is maintained and coordinate with Engineering for repairs.Lead food safety training for all culinary employees.Quality Assurance & Guest Experience
Ensure all dishes meet standards for taste, presentation, and consistency.Support service teams during peak hours and VIP events.Engage with guests when appropriate, addressing concerns or special requests.Uphold and enhance the hotels brand identity through culinary excellence.Collaboration & Communication
Work closely with the General Manager, F&B leadership, Catering, Banquets, and Stewarding.Attend F&B meetings, BEO meetings, and leadership huddles.Communicate operational updates, expectations, and priorities to the culinary team.Qualifications
57 years of progressive culinary experience, including leadership roles in upscale or luxury environments.Strong understanding of culinary techniques, menu development, and high-volume operations.Proven ability to lead and develop diverse kitchen teams.Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills.Strong financial acumen in food cost, labor management, and inventory controls.Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred.Flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and events.Physical Requirements
Ability to stand for extended periods and work in high-heat environments.
Ability to lift, push, or carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to bend, reach and move quickly in a busy kitchen setting
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary : $85,000 $90,000
Benefits : Health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO + Bonus
Why Join Hotel ZaZa?
Distinctive Culture : Be part of a brand that celebrates individuality, creativity, and bold hospitality.
Competitive Compensation : Attractive salary, performance-based bonuses, and full benefits.
Growth Opportunities : Advance your career within a dynamic and expanding hospitality group.
Creative Freedom : Bring your culinary vision to life in a setting that values innovation.