Tribute Eatery & Bar in Ankeny, IA is hiring an Executive Chef to lead our kitchen team.

We’re looking for an experienced culinary leader who can develop a strong team, maintain high standards, and successfully manage the day-to-day operations of a busy restaurant kitchen. This role is a great fit for a hands-on leader who takes pride in great food, team development, and creating an outstanding guest experience.

Tribute Eatery & Bar is a neighborhood restaurant serving elevated comfort food, handcrafted cocktails, and memorable dining experiences. Our Executive Chef plays an important role in leading the back-of-house team, maintaining food quality and consistency, managing costs, and building a kitchen culture where people can succeed.

Salary

$65,000 - $70,000 per year based on experience, plus quarterly incentive opportunities.

Schedule & Availability

• Full-time salaried leadership position
• Typically 40-45 hours per week
• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required based on restaurant needs

Benefits

• Medical insurance with 90% of the premium covered by Tribute Eatery & Bar
• Dental and vision options
• 401(k) retirement plan with discretionary employer match
• 2 weeks of PTO per year and up based on years of service
• Paid parental leave
• Free Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families
• Employee discounts and restaurant perks

What You’ll Do

• Lead the day-to-day operations and performance of the back-of-house team
• Coach, develop, and support Sous Chefs, kitchen managers, cooks, and other back-of-house team members
• Oversee hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and continued development of the kitchen team
• Build and manage back-of-house schedules based on staffing needs, employee availability, time-off requests, and restaurant and community events
• Maintain food quality, recipe execution, portioning, presentation, and consistency throughout service
• Manage food and labor costs while partnering with restaurant leadership to achieve financial goals
• Develop and manage weekly labor and cost-of-goods budgets
• Conduct weekly and monthly inventory and maintain appropriate product and supply levels
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, kitchen cleanliness, organization, and restaurant standards
• Ensure the kitchen team has the tools, systems, and checklists needed to prepare for and execute successful shifts
• Lead and develop back-of-house managers through regular communication, coaching, and accountability
• Partner closely with front-of-house leadership to maintain efficient service and an exceptional guest experience
• Monitor kitchen equipment and coordinate repair and maintenance needs
• Complete required administrative responsibilities and company communication in a timely manner
• Conduct performance and pay reviews in accordance with company processes
• Identify opportunities to improve kitchen operations, team performance, guest satisfaction, and restaurant results
• Uphold company policies, procedures, and Core Values
• Complete other duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• 3+ years of experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, or similar kitchen leadership role
• Proven experience leading and developing a restaurant kitchen team
• Strong understanding of food quality, kitchen operations, inventory, labor, and cost-of-goods management
• Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to hold team members accountable while supporting their development
• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively with both front-of-house and back-of-house leadership
• ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds

*Tribute Eatery & Bar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.