Culinary Director, Atlanta Area

HOSPITALITY STARTS HERE...

Welcome to the heart of hospitality! At The Indigo Road Hospitality Group (IRHG), we're on a mission to redefine the hospitality industry, and it all begins with our exceptional team. Founded in 2009 by Steve Palmer, our philosophy is simple: by taking care of our team, we ensure they naturally provide exceptional care to our cherished guests.

Role Summary

This is a hands-on role for a "working chef." As the Culinary Director for the Atlanta Market, you will provide culinary leadership and operational oversight for our diverse portfolio of restaurants, including our Italian, Japanese, and Steakhouse concepts. You will be responsible for upholding IRHG's culinary standards, fostering innovation, and ensuring an efficient and profitable food service across all assigned locations. This role demands daily creativity, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to inspire and lead multiple culinary teams.

What We Will Ask Of You

• Multi-Concept Leadership: Provide comprehensive culinary direction and oversight for Italian, Japanese, and Steakhouse concepts within the Atlanta market, ensuring distinct culinary identities while maintaining overall brand consistency.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee all culinary and restaurant operations, including menu engineering, cost control, vendor relationships, and quality assurance.
• Market Trend Analysis: Stay abreast of local and national culinary trends, adapting menus and offerings to remain competitive and innovative within the Atlanta dining scene.
• Team Leadership & Development: Function as a dynamic team member, leader, and supervisor, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culinary environment.
• Training & Mentorship: Train and mentor culinary teams across different concepts to execute each dish with accuracy, timeliness, consistency, and a deep understanding of the cuisine's integrity.
• Resource Management: Effectively manage culinary resources, including labor, inventory, and equipment, to ensure efficient and profitable operations without compromising quality.
• Standards Implementation: Implement and enforce IRHG's established policies, procedures, recipes, and culinary methodologies across all kitchens.
• Performance Monitoring: Develop and communicate shift assignments, monitor job performance, and provide constructive feedback to culinary staff.
• Hands-On Management: Maintain quality food services through active, hands-on management, which includes cooking, tasting, seasoning, and serving food.
• Interdepartmental Communication: Collaborate effectively with ancillary departments and culinary staff during shift changes to ensure seamless operations and address any needs or concerns.
• Emergency Coverage: Possess the ability to fill in at last-minute notice to cover kitchen teams, provide culinary support during leadership gaps, and stay on-site for potential few weeks at a time to stabilize operations.

What You Need:

• Flexibility: Your schedule may vary (days, nights, weekends, holidays) based on seasonality, covers, and hours of operation. In general, you can anticipate working 55 to 60 hours a week.
• Experience: 7+ years of Culinary Leadership experience, including at least 3+ years of experience in multi-unit restaurant operations, with a strong background in Italian, Japanese, and/or Steakhouse cuisines [Scratch-Kitchen management is a MUST]
• Servant Leadership: Dedicated to serving others, both internally (team members) and guests, fostering a culture of respect and support.
• Scratch Kitchen Expertise: Proven experience working in scratch kitchens, with a commitment to sourcing fresh, local products and serving high-quality, authentic dishes.
• Accountability: Strong sense of financial acumen, labor management, quality control, and a proven ability to "get the job done."
• Location: Based in Atlanta, GA, with the ability to travel between local concepts as needed.

IRHG PERKS

• Competitive Compensation: Competitive base pay, performance-based bonuses (paid quarterly), and PTO benefits after 90 days.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical, dental, vision, and more.
• Financial Planning: Access to a 401K plan with a 50% match on your first 6% investment, along with Roth options.
• Home Loan Program: We offer a zero-interest housing loan program to help you achieve your dream of home ownership.
• Employee Discounts: Enjoy discounts at our 15 restaurant concepts and growing boutique hotels division.
• Family Time: Benefit from 4 weeks of PTO for maternity/paternity leave.

The Indigo Road Hospitality Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we celebrate diversity in all aspects of our workplace. Everyone has a seat at our table.Note: The above job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.