Executive Chef, Customer Experience Center

As Executive Chef for our Welbilt Customer Experience Center (WEC) in Coppell, Texas - you will lead culinary operations and oversee the development of new initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Hospitality and Training, Hospitality and Training Coordinator, and Facilities Manager. This role works closely with Welbilt’s culinary team and brand leads to enhance existing programming, drive innovation, and ensure alignment with brand-specific culinary objectives.

Combining culinary expertise, customer engagement, equipment knowledge, and team management, the Executive Chef will deliver impactful demonstrations, training sessions, and customer-focused events that highlight Welbilt brands. Key responsibilities include designing and executing menus for events and fine-dining, supporting sales presentations, and offering strategic menu consultation.

The Executive Chef will engage with customers, sales representatives, corporate chefs, and other internal teams to drive collaboration, share best practices, and ensure the success of both brand-specific and multi-branded initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Culinary Operations Leadership: Lead and manage designated culinary functions at the WEC, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Oversee menu development, from concept through execution, for events and hosting spaces. Ensure the culinary offerings align with Welbilt’s brand standards, meet customer expectations, and leverage Welbilt’s equipment capabilities.

• Team Management & Development: Oversee and mentor the back-of-house (BOH) temporary staffing, ensuring proper training, coordination, and execution of culinary operations. Foster an environment of teamwork and high standards by continuously mentoring the team on culinary excellence, food safety, and customer service. Manage staff scheduling, performance evaluations, and cross-training initiatives to enhance team flexibility and adaptability.

• Culinary Demonstrations & Innovation: Conduct engaging, dynamic cooking demonstrations that showcase Welbilt’s equipment and culinary solutions for fine-dining and entertainment. Create hands-on, interactive experiences that allow guests to actively engage in the cooking process. Stay ahead of food trends and customer preferences, continuously innovating menus to incorporate sustainable practices, new techniques, and creative solutions to culinary challenges.

• Event Support: Assist in the planning and execution of culinary aspects for various events and VIP visits. Collaborate with internal teams and customers to develop customized menus and experiences that align with specific event goals. Oversee planning and execution of the evening guest experiences for customers, sales teams, and dealers, focusing on the optimal use of Welbilt’s culinary equipment and best practices.

• Customer & Brand Engagement: Act as a Welbilt brand ambassador, representing the company during customer interactions and events at the WEC. Build relationships with customers, brand representatives, and industry professionals. Support sales teams by demonstrating how culinary advantages can provide practical business solutions for potential buyers. Ensure VIP guests receive top-tier service and personalized culinary experiences during visits to the WEC.

• Facility and Equipment Management: Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring all equipment and supplies are maintained in excellent working condition. Regularly inspect and ensure the kitchen is compliant with health and safety regulations. Manage inventory, ensuring supplies such as utensils, cookware, and presentation materials are available and in good condition. Work with the facilities team to support equipment trials and product testing when needed, providing valuable feedback to improve product offerings.

• Expense & Budget Management: Monitor and manage culinary-related expenses, including food, beverage, and supplies. Work with the Director of Hospitality and Training to ensure budget adherence and provide documentation for chargebacks to Welbilt brands as required.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in culinary arts or relevant field is preferred.
• Must have a minimum of 8+ years of culinary experience as an Executive Chef or Corporate Chef with food manufacturing industry experience. Will consider 12+ years of relevant culinary experience in lieu of degree.
• CCC certification or Certified Executive Chef is a plus.
• Experience working with a wide-range of commercial foodservice equipment is required.

• Proven culinary background in restaurant, catering, or commercial kitchen environments.
• Demonstrated experience in food presentation, menu development, and live culinary demonstrations.

Skills & Abilities:

• Skilled in adapting recipes and techniques to various commercial kitchen equipment applications.
• Strong understanding of wine, beer and spirits; including wine-pairing is required.
• Strong understanding of authentic Italian cuisine.
• Expert knowledge of culinary techniques, food presentation, and live cooking demonstrations.
• Strong background in commercial kitchen operations and equipment. Ability to adapt and utilize various types of culinary equipment in real-world foodservice settings across all industry segments.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication and customer service skills. Ability to interact confidently with a wide range of stakeholders, including customers, internal teams, and vendors.
• Proven ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments, managing multiple events and tasks simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Comprehensive understanding of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Strong presentation skills - ability to effectively explain and demonstrate equipment in front of large audiences.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing situations. Ability to work independently through strong organizational skills and thoughtful decision making.
• Fluent in speaking, writing and interpreting English language is required. Spanish proficiency is a plus.
• Ability to align with Company core values.

Working Conditions:

• Work schedule will be Monday through Friday. Must be able to work flexible hours and scheduling, as needed.
• Ability to travel up to 15% domestically, with a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time in an office environment or commercial kitchen. Must be able to lift/move up to 50 lbs.

Our Benefits

We believe that our people our one of our most valuable assets. That’s why we provide our employees with a competitive benefits package that helps protect their health, income and lifestyle. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location, and can include the following:

• Competitive wage
• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) savings plan
• Wellness Program
• Supplemental Health Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training and Development
• Tuition Assistance
• Holiday Pay opportunities
• Employee discounts
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• On-the-job training and skills development
• Basic Life Insurance
• Leave Program
• Employee Events and more…

Welbilt, Inc., an Ali Group company, provides the world’s top chefs, premier chain operators and growing independents with industry-leading equipment and solutions. Our innovative products and solutions are powered by our deep knowledge, operator insights, and culinary expertise. Welbilt’s portfolio of best-in-class brands include Cleveland™, Coffee Queen®, Convotherm®, Crem®, Crystal Tips®, Dean®, Delfield®, Expobar®, Fabristeel®, Frymaster®, Garland®, Inducs®, Koldtech®, Kolpak®, Lincoln®, McCann’s™, Merco®, Merrychef®, Multiplex®, RDI®, SerVend™, Spengler®, SunFire® and U.S. Range™. These product brands are supported by three service brands: KitchenCare®, our aftermarket parts and service brand, FitKitchen®, our fully-integrated kitchen systems brand, and KitchenConnect®, our cloud-based digital platform brand. Headquartered in the Tampa Bay region of Florida and operating manufacturing facilities throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia, we sell through a global network of over 5,000 distributors, dealers, buying groups, and manufacturers' representatives in over 100 countries.

For more company information, visit www.welbilt.com.

Welbilt, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity in the workplace.  All applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, marital status, familial status, medical condition, or any other status protected by law. All recruitment, hiring, placements, transfers and promotions will be on the basis of individual skills, knowledge, abilities, and business need.

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