Executive Chef of Life Cafe

Position Summary

We are seeking a strategic and innovative Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision at our Eden Prairie Athletic Life Cafe and Rare Restaurant. This role extends beyond traditional kitchen leadership, driving culinary innovation, operational excellence, and brand differentiation on a national scale. The Executive Chef will shape menu strategy, oversee multi-unit execution, and enhance the guest experience through forward-thinking leadership.  With a focus on quality, consistency, and efficiency, this role requires strong business acumen, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to lead large-scale initiatives.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Culinary Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and execute a regional culinary strategy that aligns with brand identity, business goals, and evolving consumer trends.
• Lead menu innovation efforts, ensuring offerings are creative, high-quality, and adaptable to diverse regional markets.
• Stay ahead of industry trends to introduce cutting-edge flavors, techniques, and sustainability practices.

Operational Excellence & Standardization

• Establish and enforce brand-wide culinary standards for quality, presentation, and consistency across all regional locations.
• Implement best practices in kitchen operations, food safety, and cost management to drive efficiency and profitability.
• Partner with procurement teams to optimize sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with operations, marketing, and procurement teams to ensure seamless execution of culinary initiatives.
• Support regional culinary leaders, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Menu Performance & Business Impact

• Utilize data analytics and customer insights to evaluate menu performance and make strategic refinements.
• Work with finance teams to optimize food costs, inventory management, and revenue-driving opportunities.

Training & Development

• Design and implement comprehensive culinary training programs to enhance team expertise and consistency.
• Mentor and develop regional chefs and kitchen leadership to build a strong pipeline of culinary talent.

Brand & Guest Experience Enhancement

• Ensure culinary initiatives align with and enhance the overall brand experience and guest satisfaction.
• Represent the brand as a culinary ambassador at industry events and media opportunities as needed.

Minimum Required Qualifications   

• Proven success in developing and executing large-scale culinary strategies.
• Strong business acumen, with experience in menu profitability analysis and operational efficiencies.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to inspire, mentor, and drive excellence within a multi-location culinary team.

Education:

• Culinary degree or equivalent industry experience preferred

Years of Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a high-volume, multi-unit culinary role.

Licenses / Certifications / Registrations:

• n/a

Pay

This is a salaried position starting at $64,000.00 and pays up to $88,000.00, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

All team members receive the following benefits while working for Life Time:

• A fully subsidized membership

• Discounts on Life Time products and services

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company discretionary match (21 years of age and older)

• Training and professional development

• Paid sick leave where required by law

Full-time Team Members are eligible for additional benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage 

• Short term and long term disability insurance

• Life insurance

• Pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care plans

• Parental leave and adoption assistance

• Paid time off, including 5 to 20 vacation days per calendar year (based on tenure) and paid sick leave

• Deferred compensation plan, if the team member meets the required income threshold

Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that respects and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual while ensuring we remain an equal opportu