Full Job Description
As Chef de Cuisine at Hale Kai, you will lead the exciting multi-million-dollar renovation of Hale Kai "House of the Sea" - redefining luxury coastal dining. Working alongside a talented culinary team, you will oversee daily kitchen operations while inspiring excellence through leadership, creativity, and precision.
Hale Kai is Fairmont Orchid's casual, beachfront all-day dining venue, offering fresh island-inspired cuisine, tropical beverages, and warm Hawaiian hospitality in a relaxed oceanfront setting.
In this role, you will lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of culinary professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence. Your passion for outstanding cuisine, quality, and guest satisfaction will ensure every dish contributes to memorable experiences that Make Special Happen.
What you will be doing:
Reporting to the Executive Sous Chef, responsibilities and essential job functions include, but are not limited to:
- Lead the day-to-day culinary operations of Hale Kai, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, and presentation in every dish.
- Inspire, mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing culinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Create unforgettable dining experiences by consistently delivering exceptional cuisine and personalized guest experiences.
- Consistently offer professional, friendly, and proactive guest service while supporting our colleagues
- Partner with the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef to develop innovative menus, seasonal features, and specialty offerings that showcase creativity and premium ingredients.
- Ensure all culinary brand standards, recipes, preparation methods, and presentation guidelines are executed with precision.
- Conduct daily culinary briefings and communicate service expectations, menu changes, and operational priorities with the kitchen team.
- Collaborate closely with restaurant leadership to maintain open communication regarding guest feedback, service flow, and operational excellence.
- Monitor food quality, purchasing, inventory, ordering, and cost controls to achieve financial and operational goals.
- Develop schedules and manage labor productivity while maintaining an engaged, high-performing team.
- Ensure all kitchen areas, equipment, and food storage meet the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, food safety, and sanitation.
- Champion a safe workplace by ensuring compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Your experience and skills include:
- Previous leadership experience in the Culinary field, required
- Diploma Certification in a Culinary discipline, preferred
- Natural leader to keep the team engaged and focused
- Organized with solid time management skills
- Team player with a collaborative approach
- Ability to coordinate a team, work well under a fast paced & high-pressure environment, driven to remain calm & courteous at all times, and hold the needs of a guest with high priority.
Additional Information
Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 USD
Visa Requirements: Must be legally eligible to work in the United States. The hotel is unable to assist candidates in obtaining U.S. work authorization.
Your team and working environment: Join a collaborative team dedicated to delivering exceptional luxury experiences. You will work alongside passionate Heartists who support one another, anticipate guest needs, and bring our commitment to Make Special Happen to life every day.
Videos To Watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeUUyYLbNGw