Executive Chef

Unleash Your Culinary Genius as Executive Chef - Amazing Benefits & Growth Opportunities!

posted May 22, 2026

Compensation: $95,000 to $120,000 per year plus bonus

What’s in it for you…

  • Insurance enrollment available from DAY 1!
  • Paid time off available from DAY 1!
  • Holiday pay available from DAY 1!
  • 401(k) enrollment after 30 days!
  • Hotel and travel discounts at worldwide destinations!
  • Professional development and promotion opportunities!

The impact you’ll make…

The Executive Chef is responsible for supporting the management and direction of food and beverage and culinary operations. Key responsibility areas include department performance, effective cost controls and development, training and retention of key employees.

What you’ll be doing…

  • Support the Food and Beverage operations efficiently and effectively within the company’s fiscal and operational guidelines and assume the role of Director of Food + Beverage in their absence.
  • Support the Food and Beverage operation to meet the brand’s target customer needs, ensure employee satisfaction, focus on growing revenues and maximize the financial performance of the department.
  • Support in meeting or exceeding budgeted sales and profit goals, maintain labor efficiency ratios to ensure guest service and cost effectiveness.
  • Assist in developing initiatives to build profitability and maintain effective cost controls in support of these initiatives.
  • Support in managing and reporting on expenses (payroll + supplies) to aid in controlling costs while ensuring adequate staff and supplies are on hand to provide quality service.
  • Maintain accuracy and thoroughness on various reporting requested on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
  • Assist in the preparation of departmental schedules according to business forecast, payroll budget guidelines and productivity requirements.
  • Engage and make contact with every guest in line with Hotel culture. Respond to guest comments and criticism in a constructive and positive manner, looking at such as an opportunity to build guest satisfaction. Educate and empower associates to act in a similar capacity. 
  • Assists in conducting regular employee/departmental meetings and administer counseling, discipline to associates as necessary and provide training and recognition to employees at all levels to maintain a team-oriented environment.
  • Assist in staffing departments with quality employees who value guest service and are committed to high standards of performance.
  • Other duties as assigned

You should be able to…

  • Must be able to lift, push, pull and carry moderate weight. Must be able to walk/stand for extended periods of time, with frequent bending and twisting. Must be able to utilize culinary tools (knives, commercial equipment, etc.) and taste/smell.
  • Requirements…
  • Bachelor’s Degree in related field is ideal; 5 – 7 years of prior Food and Beverage experience in a management role.
  • Must be properly certified in Food/Safety 
  • Extensive food and wine knowledge and creativity.
  • Must be creative and up to speed on new concepts and food trends.
  • Computer literate and detail orientated is a must.

Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel with 290 Rooms

A historic base where presidents stayed

A favorite among presidents and celebrities including Elvis and Johnny Cash, our restored 1919 hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. We're in the center of downtown Des Moines, a mile from the Wells Fargo Arena. The Iowa State Capitol is less than 10 minutes away, and we're 15 minutes from the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

Proudfoot & Bird

Fine Dining in every aspect. Proudfoot & Bird, named after the original Hotel Fort Des Moines architects, pays homage to the glamorous days of years past with every detail. Adorned with stunning marble tables, intricate gold ceiling inlay, plush soft seating, and grand circular bar we have recreated a time that was filled with elegance, extravagance, and indulgence. Housed in the historic Hotel Fort Des Moines, we have taken every step possible to protect a valued piece of Des Moines’ cherished history. Two semi-private dining rooms are available, seating eight and 10 guests, respectively. Comprised of handmade pastas, humanely raised poultry, waterfowl, prime cuts of beef, sustainably caught seafood and locally sourced produce, Proudfoot & Bird’s menu consists of world class fare. Timeless cocktails, local/regional beer selections, and a carefully curated list of award-winning wines have been chosen to pair perfectly with our culinary vision. We look forward to serving you


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