Food Service Specialist - Executive Chef

Summary Are you seeking a better work-life balance? Join an exceptional organization that prioritizes Veterans for an outstanding career! With over 78 years of serving our nation's Veterans, the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) is currently seeking a dynamic General Manager for our Washington, DC, VA Medical Center Canteen. Join our fast-paced environment if you have a passion for our Veterans and their families, along with prior multi-unit experience. Duties DUTIES: Duties of this position include, but are not limited to: Culinary Standards & Quality Oversight: Serve as the technical and quality expert, ensuring food safety, sanitation, and customer service standards are consistently met across all food operations. Monitor compliance, conduct quality control, and implement improvements in menu execution, taste, and presentation. Leadership, Direction & Performance Oversight: Provides day-to-day leadership by assigning work, setting clear performance standards, and directing staff in accordance with established policies. Monitors work in progress and upon completion to ensure accuracy, timeliness, coordination, and accountability. Menu Development & Recipe Innovation: Develop and implement specialized recipes and menus that reflect seasonal, cultural, and dietary needs. Introduce modern techniques, equipment, and culinary trends to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction. Event Planning & Catering Execution: Plan, coordinate, and execute small- and large-scale catering events, including those for high-ranking officials. Ensure resources, staffing, and ingredients are managed to consistently deliver high-quality service. Staff Training & Development: Identify training needs, provide or arrange learning opportunities, and coach employees to improve culinary skills, food safety practices, and operational efficiency. Food Operations Management & Resource Planning: Coordinate and monitor all aspects of food production, including inventory forecasting, equipment, labor, and ingredient management. Provide long-range planning and budget input to optimize operations and support culinary program advancement. Customer Experience & Engagement: Ensure exceptional customer service by addressing concerns constructively, implementing feedback from focus groups, and adjusting operations to meet customer expectations while supporting organizational mission goals. Requirements Conditions of employment As a Condition of Employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: - Your performance and conduct - The needs and interests of the agency - Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government - Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Additional Conditions of Employment include: -Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. -Subject to background/security investigation. Qualifications QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Food Service Operations Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of food service operations, including the ability to oversee daily functions, improve processes, and resolve complex operational challenges in a regulated, high-volume environment. Culinary Knowledge and Continuous Learning: Working knowledge of formal culinary principles and procedures, typically gained through education or hands-on experience, with the ability to stay current on emerging culinary techniques, trends, and best practices. Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Proven knowledge and practical application of food safety standards, including food inspection methods, testing and measurement techniques, FDA Food Code requirements, and HACCP principles to ensure safe and compliant operations. Supply and Inventory Management: Strong understanding of supply management principles, including inventory control, storage, and distribution, to support efficient operations and minimize waste. Communication and Customer Service Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, build positive working relationships, deliver strong customer service, and utilize computer systems and common office technology effectively. Additional information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.