Executive Chef & Operations Manager

Executive Chef & Operations Manager

Björk Café & Bistro is an award-winning Scandinavian restaurant located in Midtown Manhattan, recognized for its commitment to Nordic hospitality, seasonal cuisine, and exceptional guest experiences.

As we continue to grow, we are launching Another Story, a café, restaurant, marketplace, catering, and event venue located on the 14th floor of the D&D Building in Manhattan.

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Executive Chef & Operations Manager to oversee culinary operations across multiple concepts and play a key leadership role in the next phase of our company's growth.

Position Overview

The Executive Chef & Operations Manager will oversee all culinary and kitchen operations for:

• Björk Café & Bistro
• Another Story Café & Marketplace
• Catering & Events
• Production & Grab-and-Go Operations

This position reports directly to ownership and is responsible for leading kitchen teams, maintaining food quality standards, controlling costs, developing systems, and supporting operational growth.

This is not a corporate office position. The successful candidate will be actively involved in daily kitchen operations, production, catering execution, staff development, and service while helping build systems and support company growth.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Lead and oversee daily kitchen operations across multiple outlets
• Maintain food quality, consistency, presentation, and execution standards
• Develop and update recipes, production systems, and kitchen procedures
• Ensure successful execution of catering and private events
• Oversee purchasing, receiving, inventory, and product quality

Operations Management

• Manage labor budgets and staff scheduling
• Monitor food cost, labor cost, and operational performance
• Develop and implement SOPs, training programs, and accountability systems
• Improve kitchen efficiency, organization, and workflow
• Assist with openings, new initiatives, and future growth projects

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop culinary team members
• Conduct performance evaluations and coaching conversations
• Foster a positive, professional, and team-oriented culture
• Collaborate closely with front-of-house leadership

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all NYC Department of Health regulations
• Maintain food safety and sanitation standards
• Oversee equipment maintenance and kitchen safety practices
• Ensure company policies and procedures are consistently followed

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or Senior Kitchen Management experience
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Experience managing food costs, labor costs, and inventory controls
• Catering and events experience preferred
• Excellent organizational and administrative abilities
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• ServSafe Certification preferred
• Experience with restaurant management systems, scheduling, and inventory platforms

Ideal Candidate

You are:

• A hands-on leader who enjoys being in the kitchen and leading by example
• Highly organized, accountable, and detail-oriented
• Comfortable balancing culinary excellence with financial performance
• Passionate about hospitality, coaching teams, and building systems
• Excited about helping grow a dynamic and expanding hospitality company

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Performance bonus opportunity
• Paid Time Off
• Growth opportunities within an expanding company
• Opportunity to shape and lead multiple hospitality concepts

To Apply

Please submit your resume along with a brief introduction describing your leadership experience, management style, and what interests you about joining our team.

We look forward to meeting talented hospitality professionals who are excited to help build the next chapter of Björk Café & Bistro and Another Story.