Executive Chef

Company Summary  

ELIA Group is a multi-faceted, fully integrated real estate and hospitality company that acquires, develops, and manages commercial properties in landmark locations throughout the United States. In Real Estate & Development and Hospitality, we don’t sit back and let things happen, we make things happen! Whether we’re crafting deals or cocktails, our unparalleled attention to detail leads to award-winning real estate development and hospitality projects. 

Come join our expanding team that’s headquarters is in Detroit and has a growing presence in Nashville and play a meaningful role in continuing ELIA’s legacy of creating unique opportunities and iconic experiences! 

Job Summary  

Our newest concept, Experience Zuzu, a cutting-edge fine dining Asian concept will be opening its second location in Nashville in early 2025. We are seeking an Executive Chef to lead its culinary team. Zuzu offers an experience-driven approach to modern Asian cuisine. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional to be part of a growing, Detroit-based hospitality group and to play a key role in the expansion of this landmark brand. 

What You’ll Be Doing (Key Responsibilities) 

1. Culinary Creativity and Excellence: 

• Lead the development of innovative, high-quality menus that showcase modern Asian cuisine. 

• Ensure each dish meets the highest standards of taste, presentation, and creativity. 

1. Kitchen Management: 

• Oversee all kitchen operations, maintaining efficiency and excellence in food preparation and presentation. 

• Manage food purchasing, procurement, and inventory with a focus on quality and cost-effectiveness. 

1. Team Leadership: 

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of culinary professionals. 

• Foster a collaborative and motivating environment conducive to high performance and culinary innovation. 

1. Operational Efficiency: 

• Efficiently manage kitchen operations, ensuring smooth service delivery. 

• Implement systems and processes for efficient kitchen operation. 

1. Guest Experience: 

• Uphold exceptional standards of guest service and satisfaction. 

• Innovate and refine the dining experience to keep it exciting and engaging. 

1. Financial Management: 

• Oversee the kitchen’s budget, managing food and labor costs to maximize profitability. 

1. Compliance and Safety: 

• Ensure adherence to health and safety standards in the kitchen. 

• Maintain a clean and safe working environment. 

What We Expect of You 

At ELIA, we use our unique experience and contributions to deliver more than value – we set new standards! We seek someone that is looking for more than a job – we want to work with someone who is as passionate as us about what we do and how we go about doing it. 

Your success with us requires these qualifications: 

• Extensive experience in Asian cuisine, preferably in a fine dining setting. 

• Proven ability as an Executive Chef with strong leadership and team management skills. 

• Creative culinary skills with a passion for modern Asian cooking techniques and trends. 

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills. 

• Knowledge of the latest trends in Asian culinary arts and fine dining. 

• Strong understanding of cost and labor management. 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  

Competitive Salary and Great Benefits 

At ELIA, base pay is one part of our total compensation package. Your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. 

You’ll also receive competitive benefits, including comprehensive medical and dental coverage, participation in our 401(k) program, and a generous paid time off policy. Additionally, this role will be eligible for a bonus based on performance and specific metrics.  

Work Environment 

We’re a bold and imaginative team with a proven record. Our robust team has extensive subject matter expertise and cohesive team chemistry in every facet of our business. We’re strategic-planners and boundary-pushers in the best possible way. It’s important to our culture to have fun while also exceeding everyone’s expectations.  

This is a full-time position working in F&B venue settings. Your work schedule is determined based on business needs and will include day and night shifts along with weekends.  

Physical Requirements 

At ELIA, we are all about setting you up for success! The physical demands described here are representative of those you must possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this role.  

You must be able to stand and walk for extended periods, often for 8-12 hours a day, and lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds, including food supplies, pots, and pans. The role requires frequent bending, stooping, and reaching to access equipment and ingredients, along with a high level of manual dexterity for chopping, slicing, and other food preparation tasks. The chef must be able to work in a hot, humid, and sometimes noisy environment typical of a commercial kitchen, with good close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus for various cooking and presentation tasks. Efficient mobility around the kitchen and storage areas is essential for timely preparation and delivery of meals. Effective verbal communication is required for coordinating with kitchen staff and other team members, and a strong sense of taste and smell is crucial to ensure the quality and consistency of dishes. You must also have the endurance to maintain energy and focus throughout long shifts, especially during peak dining hours. 

Travel Requirements 

This position requires travel to our headquarters in Detroit for initial training and periodic team meetings.