Executive Chef

Hilton Des Moines Downtown is seeking an Executive Chef to lead a dynamic culinary operation at the city's premier convention hotel. Connected to the Iowa Events Center and located in the heart of downtown, this role oversees restaurant and banquet operations serving a diverse mix of guests, from local diners to large-scale conferences and special events. The ideal leader brings a passion for culinary excellence, team development, and operational execution, with the ability to deliver exceptional experiences across every touchpoint. This is an outstanding opportunity to make a visible impact at a high-profile property that plays a central role in Des Moines’ hospitality scene.

Exceptional Hospitality Starts with You

Picture yourself brightening someone’s day. When you join our Hotels team, that’s exactly what you’ll do every time you come to work! As an Executive Chef, and success of all hotel culinary operations – you’re spreading the light and warmth of hospitality by delivering memorable experiences that make the stay for every guest.

What It Takes to Make the Stay

At Hilton, our core values define what it takes to succeed here and guide the qualities we look for in every team member:

A passion for spreading the light and warmth of Hospitality. Acting with Integrity and always doing the right thing. Inspiring others through Leadership. A belief that Teamwork drives the best outcomes. A sense of Ownership and accountability. And a focus on the Now, bringing urgency and discipline to every moment, knowing it can make a lasting impact.

Here's what you'll do during a typical day:

• Direct culinary operations: Oversee the preparation and production of hotel meals, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, cost controls, and overall profitability
• Enhance menu offerings: Partner with the Food and Beverage Director to develop new menus and individual menu items based on current food trends and regional tastes
• Delight our guests: Engage with guests and clients to assess satisfaction, address concerns, and implement improvements to elevate the dining experience
• Monitor financial performance: Oversee budget management, forecasting, and reporting to ensure financial targets are met and culinary operations are aligned with the hotel’s goals
• Optimize kitchen operations: Oversee and streamline kitchen systems, processes, and workflows to ensure smooth and efficient operations
• Cultivate a high-performing team: Drive engagement and retention through performance management, professional development, and recognition programs
• Ensure regulatory excellence: Uphold compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and alcohol awareness regulations, fostering a culture committed to the highest standards of guest and team member wellbeing #LI-JP2