Summary:Executive ChefSummaryThe Executive Chef is the culinary leader for Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa and is responsible for the strategic leadership, innovation, and execution of all culinary operations. Reporting to the General Manager and partnering closely with the Assistant Director of Operations - Food & Beverage, this role leads a talented culinary team in delivering exceptional dining experiences that embody Miraval's philosophy of Conscious Nourishment in the Pursuit of Wellbeing.
Beyond operational excellence, the Executive Chef serves as a steward of Miraval's culinary philosophy, ensuring that every menu, experience, and interaction reflects the resort's commitment to wellness, mindfulness, sustainability, and discovery.
The Executive Chef also provides leadership for Miraval's signature Teaching Kitchen and culinary education programming, helping guests deepen their understanding of nutrition, cooking techniques, and the role food plays in creating a balanced life.
Our Culinary PhilosophyConscious Nourishment in the Pursuit of Wellbeing
Our VisionTo curate the most mindful culinary journeys for every guest by expanding their sense of wonder through unique nutrition, culinary, and cultivation experiences.
Our MissionTo empower every guest with tools, inspiration, education, and philosophies that support creating a life in balance through meaningful culinary experiences and discovery.
Essential FunctionsCulinary Leadership- Provide strategic leadership for all culinary operations including restaurants, in-room dining, banquets, wellness programming, special events, and the Teaching Kitchen.
- Develop seasonal menus that celebrate wellness, flavor, sustainability, and locally inspired ingredients while supporting Miraval's nutritional philosophy.
- Lead culinary innovation while ensuring consistency, quality, presentation, and execution across all dining experiences.
- Champion continuous improvement and cultivate a culture of creativity and excellence throughout the culinary team.
Teaching Kitchen & Wellness Programming- Lead the vision and execution of Miraval's Teaching Kitchen experience as a signature component of the guest journey.
- Collaborate with Nutritionists, Experience Guides, and Resort Leadership to develop engaging culinary education, demonstrations, workshops, and interactive guest programming.
- Ensure nutrition education is approachable, inspiring, and aligned with Miraval's wellness philosophy.
- Foster meaningful guest engagement through culinary storytelling, education, and hands-on experiences that empower guests beyond their stay.
Leadership & Talent Development- Recruit, mentor, coach, and develop culinary leaders and colleagues while fostering an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing kitchen culture.
- Build leadership bench strength through succession planning and professional development.
- Conduct performance evaluations, coaching conversations, recognition, and corrective action consistent with Hyatt policies.
- Promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning throughout the culinary organization.
Financial & Operational Leadership- Develop and manage annual culinary budgets and operating plans.
- Monitor food cost, labor productivity, purchasing, inventory, forecasting, and overall financial performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining exceptional quality and guest satisfaction.
- Partner with Procurement and local vendors to source high-quality, sustainable ingredients whenever possible.
Partnership & Collaboration- Partner closely with the Assistant Director of Operations - Food & Beverage to deliver a seamless guest experience through strong front and back-of-house collaboration.
- Work collaboratively with Spa, Programming, Engineering, Finance, Sales, and other resort departments to support resort initiatives and guest experiences.
- Participate as a member of the resort leadership team, contributing to strategic planning and organizational success.
Guest Experience- Create memorable culinary experiences that inspire guests to explore wellness through food.
- Engage with guests throughout the resort, participating in culinary demonstrations, special events, classes, and educational experiences.
- Resolve guest concerns professionally while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Ensure culinary offerings consistently reflect the luxury service expectations of Miraval and Hyatt.
Food Safety & Compliance- Maintain the highest standards of food quality, sanitation, safety, and cleanliness.
- Ensure compliance with all health department regulations, HACCP guidelines, ServSafe standards, and Hyatt operating procedures.
- Conduct regular quality assurance reviews and operational walkthroughs.
Benefits We offer excellent benefits: - Complimentary room nights*
- Unlimited discounted and Friends & Family Room Rates
- Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision Insurance on 30 th day of employment*
- 401K with company match*
- Generous Paid Time Off policy*
- Paid sick time
- Paid Family Bonding Time and Adoption Assistance*
- Tuition & Wellbeing Reimbursement*
- Free colleague meals during shift
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan*
- Access to resort facilities including spa services, programs, hiking trails and gym
* Exact benefit package is contingent on status
Qualifications:QualificationsTo perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
Experience- Minimum of 6 years of progressive culinary leadership experience within luxury hotels, resorts, or destination wellness properties.
- At least 4 years in an Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or equivalent senior culinary leadership role.
- Experience leading multiple culinary outlets, banquet operations, and large culinary teams.
- Experience developing wellness-focused, seasonal, or nutrition-conscious menus preferred.
- Luxury resort, Forbes-rated, Michelin-recognized, or wellness hospitality experience strongly preferred.
- Hyatt experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Passion for wellness, nutrition, and culinary education.
- Demonstrated ability to translate culinary excellence into meaningful guest experiences.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
- Excellent financial acumen with experience managing food cost, labor, forecasting, and budgeting.
- Exceptional communication and presentation skills with comfort teaching and interacting directly with guests.
- Creative, innovative, and collaborative leadership style.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced luxury resort environment.
- Strong organizational, administrative, and project management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and hospitality technology systems.
Education- Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training preferred.
- ServSafe Certification required.
- Additional nutrition or wellness-related education or certifications are a plus.
Leadership Competencies- Inspires through purpose and example.
- Champions Miraval's philosophy of conscious nourishment and wellbeing.
- Develops people and creates future culinary leaders.
- Builds collaborative partnerships across departments.
- Drives innovation while honoring operational excellence.
- Demonstrates financial stewardship and accountability.
- Creates memorable guest experiences through education, discovery, and hospitality.
- Embodies Hyatt's purpose of caring for people so they can be their best.
