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Job Description
Schulte Companies is seeking a dynamic, service-oriented Lead Culinary Associate to join our team! Schulte Companies is an organization whose success is rooted in its service culture. Our mission is to exude hospitality, be respectful and authentic, prioritize the needs of our internal and external stakeholders above our own, and continuously strive to make a positive impact in all we do. We are passionate hoteliers eager to add like-minded people to our rapidly growing team!
What's in it for you? When you join Schulte Companies you'll be part of a team committed to an inclusive, employee-focused workplace that is invested in your development. We want you to feel engaged, empowered, and excited to grow with us. After all, we believe our greatest and most valuable asset is our people! Schulte Companies provides a rewarding, fun and flexible work environment, exciting perks, an atmosphere designed to encourage and promote career growth within the company and a robust benefit package including, but not limited to:
- Work Today, Get Paid today, with Daily Pay!
- Free Telemedicine and Virtual Mental Health care access for All Associates starting day one!
- Multiple Health Insurance and Life Insurance options
- 401k Plan + Company Match
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday Pay
- Pet Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Schulte Savings Marketplace Discounts on event tickets, electronics, gym memberships + more!
Our Company: Schulte Companies is a leading third-party management company with deep, multi-generational experience in all facets of the hospitality industry. We are a diverse team of innovative hoteliers and restauranteurs operating more than 200 locations across 38 states and 3 countries. Our portfolio includes a wide array of reputable brands like Marriott, Hilton, IHG and Hyatt as well as many unique, independent, boutique and lifestyle properties and restaurants.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Autonomous Line Operation: Master and execute all culinary stations seamlessly on an independent, single-person cook line while maintaining speed, presentation, and quality control
- Solo Open & Close: Manage full accountability for opening and closing procedures, ensuring the kitchen is self-sufficiently set up for success or securely broken down and sanitized at the end of the day
- Independent Decision-Making: Exercise sound business judgment as a leader-operator to resolve operational bottlenecks, inventory shortages, or guest issues dynamically without oversight senior leadership
- Inventory & Cost Controls: Manage daily prep levels to minimize waste, monitor food rotation (FIFO), and make localized purchasing or substitute decisions to protect the bottom line
- Sanitation & Compliance: Maintain immaculate health and safety standards (ServSafe), upholding local food handling laws and company policies across all deployed kitchens
- Executive Feedback: Think like an owner – communicating operational challenges and process improvement strategies back to leadership
- Perform various other duties as assigned
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive culinary experience as a Line Cook, Lead Cook, or Kitchen Supervisor in high-volume hotels or fast-paced restaurants
- Solo Operations: Proven track record of operating a kitchen line independently and handling solo opening and closing procedures
- Certifications: ServSafe Manager
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Self-Direction: Exceptional work ethic with the ability to self-start, manage time efficiently, and drive results with zero on-site supervision
- Adaptability: The agility to walk into a brand-new kitchen layout, learn the menu rapidly, and maintain ticket times from day one
- Business Acumen: A strong understanding of food cost, portion control, and kitchen efficiency, allowing for smart operational decisions on the fly
*The hiring process may consist of a phone interview, manager(s) interview, drug screen, background check, reference checks, and potential employment assessment. This job description is only intended to provide a general description of the benefits and compensation applicable to this position. Paid Time Off (PTO) is available for eligible associates in accordance with the Company's Paid Time Off policy Specific compensation and benefit details will be discussed during the interview process.
* Schulte Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.