Description The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for the daily leadership, execution, and continuous evolution of all culinary operations within the resort's restaurant, lounge, in-room dining, pool dining, and banquet operations. This hands-on leadership position partners closely with the Executive Chef to deliver exceptional cuisine while fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and operational excellence.
The ideal candidate is an accomplished culinary professional with a passion for refined cuisine, exceptional guest experiences, and developing high-performing teams. This individual will possess strong business acumen while maintaining an uncompromising commitment to quality, consistency, innovation, and elevated luxury service.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Operational Culinary & Financial Excellence
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, including production, inventory, purchasing, scheduling, and quality assurance.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations while maintaining a clean and organized kitchen environment.
- Support departmental financial objectives through effective labor management, food cost control, waste reduction, and inventory management.
- Monitor equipment maintenance and operational readiness to ensure efficient and uninterrupted kitchen operations.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining exceptional quality and guest satisfaction.
Cross Functional Partnership
- Partner with Food & Beverage, Banquets, Catering, Front Office, Engineering, and Human Resources to support resort-wide operational excellence.
- Collaborate on special events, seasonal programming, and unique guest experiences.
- Communicate effectively with resort leadership to support strategic initiatives and operational priorities.
- Serve as a visible leader who promotes collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to exceptional hospitality.
- Represent El Encanto with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine passion for luxury service.
Team Leadership & Culture
- Recruit, train, coach, and mentor culinary team members to foster engagement, accountability, and professional growth.
- Lead by example, promoting a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
- Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing coaching, and support succession planning initiatives.
- Ensure consistent training on culinary techniques, food safety, sanitation, and operational standards.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and excellence throughout the culinary operation.
Culinary Leadership & Guest Experience
- Lead the daily culinary operation across all food and beverage outlets, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency, and presentation.
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef to develop seasonal menus, specialty offerings, and innovative culinary experiences.
- Maintain elevated culinary and service standards that reflect the expectations of a luxury resort.
- Ensure guest preferences, dietary restrictions, and special requests are executed with precision and professionalism.
- Continuously evaluate and enhance the overall dining experience through creativity, attention to detail, and guest feedback.
Position Requirements OTHER:
- Minimum five (5) years of progressive culinary leadership experience within luxury hotels, destination resorts, fine dining restaurants, or comparable high-end hospitality environments.
- Previous experience as a Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or comparable culinary leadership role preferred.
- Demonstrated expertise in contemporary California cuisine, seasonal menu development, and refined culinary techniques.
- Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to coach, mentor, and inspire high-performing culinary teams.
- Experience managing labor costs, food costs, purchasing, inventory, and departmental budgets.
- Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, service-driven luxury hospitality environment.
- ServSafe Manager Certification required or ability to obtain within established timeframes.
- Culinary degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and professional culinary experience.
Full-Time/Part-Time Full-Time
Salary Range $115,000 Annually
Exempt/Non-Exempt Exempt
This position is currently accepting applications. 
