Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Since 1946, the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) has delivered the VCS benefits to millions of Veterans enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare system, the largest Healthcare system in the United States. VCS is a Veteran-facing program office in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) that provides reasonably priced goods and services to support the comfort and well-being of America's Veterans.

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS), within the Department of Veterans Affairs Central Office campus in City, ST, is seeking a Food Service Specialist - Executive Chef. This position reports to the Canteen Chief and is responsible for ensuring the quality and efficiency of the Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) Food Operations.

Duties:

• 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.

VCS offers competitive benefits, including:

• Opportunities for career advancement.
• Childcare Subsidy Program.
• No nights.
• Major Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance & Life Insurance.
• Vacation & Sick Leave to include 11 (paid) Federal Holidays.
• Federal Retirement, Pension.
• Public Transportation Benefits (Bus Pass).
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  for more information about the Veterans Canteen Service.

Qualification Requirements:

**A current, valid REAL ID is required to work with the Veterans Canteen Service.**

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.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary 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; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment. It is a requirement that all HCP receive the annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons.

Full Benefits