Job Description

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Executive Chef is responsible for providing the highest quality food and overall experience at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. This role oversees the culinary operation of 25 plus outlets and revenues in excess of $50 million. The role includes developing unique cuisine/menus to align with the current culinary trends. The Executive Chef is responsible for identifying, introducing, and training new culinary techniques of preparation and delivery. The Chef will collaborate with the San Diego Zoo Safari Park's Executive Chef in culinary visioning, mentoring and development of culinary leaders, focusing on building and retaining a cohesive and productive team. Calm under pressure, thrives in dynamic, high-volume environments. Excellent communication and collaboration across departments. Strong sense of hospitality, presentation, and brand storytelling. This position reports to the Director of Retail Operations and has an indirect report to the Assoc. Retail Director overseeing Banquets/Full-Service Operations.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
• Responsible for menu creation, planning and banquet/full-service dining execution. Ensure quality standards are upheld at all Banquet and full-service restaurant and provides culinary guidance to all Quick Service restaurants. Collaborates with CEO office, Event Sales, Philanthropy and Operations teams for optimal culinary experiences including menu creation for VIP events. Creates and executes innovative menus, reflecting the theme or goal of the event.
• Manages budget for all banquet and commissary operations and provides culinary guidance for full service kitchens relative to menu development, cost of goods, and inventory management. Responsible for setting menu pricing against food and operating expense to ensure desired margins are met. Develops and implements food production plans to improve operations, maintain quality, and increase profitability.
• Responsible for management of culinary team, including, but not limited to, interviewing, hiring, scheduling, training, cooking techniques and skills, mentoring, payroll, record keeping and performance management. Ensuring efficient operations in the kitchen for all personnel matters. Ensuring staff development, recognition, team building, and a healthy work culture in alignment with organizational values.
• Ensure that all food is prepared, stored and served according to organizational standards and with state and local health code requirements. Responsible for daily food safety best practices in the catering kitchens and full-service dining restaurant. Ensure safe working conditions including maintaining high levels of safety and sanitation. Provides food safety guidance for all quick service restaurants.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

JOB EXPERIENCE
• 7+ years progressive culinary leadership experience required.
• 5+ Years experience as Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a large, multi-unit environment required.
• Experience in fine dining, catering, high volume quick service preferred.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's Degree Graduate and certification from an accredited culinary program or equivalent specialized training preferred.
• Culinary degree preferred.
• ServSafe Certificate within 90 Days required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
• Strong working knowledge of food quality and profitability best practices.
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines with a high level organization and professionalism.
• Demonstrated ability to handle highly complex situations with a high level of tact and diplomacy.
• Able to communicate effectively (verbal and written).
• Strong working knowledge of industry trends and best practices.
• Knowledge of kitchen equipment and kitchen tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead highly effective and diverse teams.
• Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.

SOME OF THE REWARDS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER
• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Free Parking at the San Diego Zoo & San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
IMPORTANT DETAILS
• Location: Escondido, CA
• Position Type: Full-Time Salaried Exempt Position
• Salary Range: $130,421 to $146,724
About The Salary Ranges
The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.
Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.