Executive Chef
Management Company: Midnight Auteur
Sector: Luxury Independent Hotel
Property Description: 44-rooms, a restaurant, two bars a pool and delicious cocktails from the founders of Death & Co and The Ramble Hotel
Reports to: Director of Food and Beverage
About Midnight Auteur
Midnight Auteur was born from the successful partnership between The Ramble Hotel in Denver and Death & Co, which began almost six years ago when the storied bar opened its second location in the lobby of The Ramble Hotel. With a shared intention among founders to build and operate hotels that immerse guests fully and seamlessly between social spaces and retreat – offering a setting fit for both celebration and sanctuary – our new hospitality company was created. The cocktail anchored experience at The Ramble Hotel, one in which the lobby is interchangeable with the bar, resulted in numerous accolades and awards, including Esquire’s Best Bars in America in 2019, North America’s 50 Best Bars in 2022 and noted by Condé Nast Traveler as ‘the hotel for people who are sick of other hotels.’
As a company we hold a deep, and slightly obsessive, reverence for the all-day lobby bar, which is really the foundation of Midnight Auteur. We love the idea of immersing our team and our guests in a vibrant, celebratory experience that only a hotel lobby bar can appropriately capture. The community created and hospitality shared over a coffee or cocktail is something we’re passionate about, while remaining equally committed to providing a luxury respite for our hotel guests.
Altogether, the Midnight Auteur team is passionate about actively evolving hotel, cocktail and culinary culture, being a progressive and forward-thinking operator, and making a positive impact on its communities. We look forward to hearing from you!
Cheers!
Our Purpose
We create meaningful experiences and connect people through modern classic hotels, anchored by vibrant bars and restaurants.
Our Niche
We operate luxury, independent hotels. We aim to attract guests (and employees) who appreciate great design, food and drink – hosted within a vibrant environment, rich with local culture and accompanied by warm hospitality.
Position Summary
The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and performance of the culinary operations at The Municipal Grand. This includes menu development, team leadership, financial performance, food safety compliance, and daily kitchen execution across all outlets, including the restaurant, in room dining, and events.
This role requires a balance of creativity, operational discipline, and strong financial acumen. The Executive Chef is expected to maintain high standards of quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction while achieving established cost and labor targets.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Team Development
Recruit, hire, train, and develop kitchen staff at all levels
Provide ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and annual evaluations
Foster a professional, respectful, and inclusive work environment
Ensure proper staffing levels based on business needs
Address employee relations matters in partnership with Human Resources
Culinary Operations
Develop and maintain seasonal menus aligned with the property’s concept and brand standards
Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation of all food produced
Oversee daily kitchen operations including prep, service, and sanitation
Maintain recipe standards, portion controls, and plating guidelines
Support special events, group business, and activations with customized menus
Financial Management
Manage and be accountable for food cost, labor cost, and kitchen-related expenses
Monitor inventory levels and conduct regular inventory counts
Establish purchasing procedures and maintain vendor relationships
Analyze financial reports and adjust operations to meet budgeted targets
Minimize waste through proper planning, ordering, and storage practices
Health, Safety, and Compliance
Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal food safety regulations
Maintain kitchen cleanliness and organization in accordance with health department standards
Enforce proper food handling, storage, and sanitation procedures
Ensure all team members are trained and certified as required
Maintain compliance with company policies, OSHA guidelines, and workplace safety standards
Operational Systems and Standards
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for all kitchen functions
Implement systems to ensure efficiency, consistency, and accountability
Collaborate with front of house leadership to ensure seamless service
Maintain equipment and coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance
Qualifications
Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high quality restaurant or hotel environment
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
Proven experience managing food cost, labor cost, and kitchen financial performance
Knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance requirements
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays
ServSafe certification or equivalent preferred
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Ability to work in a fast paced kitchen environment with exposure to heat, cold, and noise
Work Environment
This role operates in a professional kitchen environment within a luxury boutique hotel. The position requires a hands-on presence during service and the ability to respond to the dynamic needs of the operation.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary based on experience
Performance based incentives
Health and wellness benefits (Company pays 50% of health, dental and vision fro employee only)
Ample paid time off
Opportunities for growth within Midnight Auteur
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Municipal Grand is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
