Executive Chef

ZBest BBQ
Pittsburgh, PA

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Job Details

Part-time

Benefits

Opportunities for advancement

Qualifications

Vendor relationship building
Kitchen health and safety standards
Customer communication
Food service purchasing
Food service health code compliance
Team supervision
Operational management
Kitchen cost control
Food safety sanitizing procedures
Inventory tracking for food cost management
Materials management in food and beverage
Managing kitchen staff
Restaurant cost management
Managing hospitality operations budgets
Restaurant supply ordering
Senior leadership
Customer complaint resolution

Full Job Description

Executive Chef – Part-Time (Opportunity for Full-Time)

ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs

Position Title: Executive Chef

Position Type: Part-Time (with opportunity to transition into a Full-Time leadership role)

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Reports To: Owner / Operations Leadership

Position Summary:

ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs is seeking an experienced, passionate, and highly organized Executive Chef to lead kitchen operations and support the continued growth of one of Pittsburgh’s respected community-based food establishments.

The Executive Chef will oversee all back-of-house operations including food preparation, kitchen management, staff supervision, inventory control, quality assurance, scheduling, customer satisfaction, and fiscal accountability. This individual must be able to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the high-quality food and customer experience ZBest is known for.

This position is currently part-time with strong opportunity for advancement into a full-time executive leadership role as business operations expand.

About ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs:

ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs is a family-operated restaurant with deep roots in the Pittsburgh community and a strong, loyal customer base that has supported the business for years. Known for its flavorful barbeque, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to serving the community, ZBest has built a reputation as a trusted neighborhood destination for great food and authentic hospitality. The restaurant takes pride in creating a family-oriented environment for both customers and staff while continuing to grow its brand through quality service, catering opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Kitchen & Culinary Operations:

Lead all food preparation and kitchen production activities.
Ensure consistency, quality, taste, and presentation of all menu items.
Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness.
Monitor portion control and minimize food waste.
Assist with menu planning, specials, and recipe standardization.
Ensure kitchen operations meet local health department regulations.

Staff Leadership & Management:

Train, schedule, and motivate kitchen staff.
Create a positive, team-oriented work environment.
Support employee performance and productivity.
Assist with hiring, onboarding, and disciplinary actions when necessary.
Ensure staff adhere to company policies and kitchen procedures.

Inventory & Purchasing:

Manage food inventory levels and kitchen supplies.
Conduct regular inventory counts and maintain accurate records.
Coordinate purchasing and vendor relationships.
Monitor food costs and control kitchen expenses.
Ensure timely ordering to meet operational demands.

Sales Growth & Business Development:

Support the growth and profitability of ZBest Barbeque Chicken & Ribs through strategic sales and promotional efforts.
Assist with identifying and promoting catering opportunities for corporate events, family gatherings, community events, and special occasions.
Help develop and promote catering packages, family meal packages, and seasonal menu offerings.
Encourage upsell opportunities including side dishes, desserts, beverages, sauces, and specialty items.
Collaborate with ownership on special promotions and revenue-generating initiatives.
Assist with creating high-margin menu items and customer incentive offerings.
Support customer retention efforts by helping maintain high-quality food and service standards.
Contribute ideas that increase repeat business, customer engagement, and brand visibility.
Participate in community events and promotional activities when needed to help expand the ZBest brand.
Help position the restaurant for long-term growth and expanded business opportunities throughout the Pittsburgh region.

Fiscal & Operational Oversight:

Understand and manage restaurant cost controls.
Monitor labor costs, food costs, and operational efficiency.
Assist ownership with budgeting and profitability goals.
Meet production deadlines and service timelines.
Support operational planning for catering and special events.

Customer Service & Brand Representation:

Maintain high customer satisfaction standards.
Address customer concerns professionally and promptly.
Support the restaurant’s reputation for quality and community engagement.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

Minimum of 4 years of kitchen management or Executive Chef experience.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Experience managing inventory, purchasing, and food costs.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Knowledge of restaurant operations and fiscal responsibilities.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in BBQ, Soul Food, Catering, or High-Volume Restaurant Operations
ServSafe Certification or equivalent food safety certification.
Experience with scheduling systems and restaurant POS systems.
Catering and event production experience.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Compensation & Benefits:

Competitive compensation based on experience.
Opportunity for growth into a full-time leadership position.
Flexible scheduling.
Opportunity to help shape and grow an established community brand.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate is a strong culinary leader who understands both the art of cooking and the business of running a successful restaurant. This individual should be dependable, solution-oriented, fiscally responsible, and committed to excellence in food quality, staff leadership, and customer service.

Candidates who value community engagement, mentorship, and helping grow a respected local brand are strongly encouraged to apply.

How To Apply:

Interested candidates should submit:

Resume.
Brief cover letter.
References.
Certifications (if available).

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