Executive Chef

Description

Who We Are

White Lodging develops and operates a portfolio of award-winning premium hotels, rooftop bars, and restaurants in some of the country's most dynamic cities. We know that the hospitality business, like life, is about how you make people feel. That's where you come in.

We are seeking a visionary Executive Chef to lead the culinary program at The Westin Austin Downtown. This is a rare opportunity in Austin, Texas — your chance to lead the kitchen team, shape the menu identity, and set the culinary standard for the entire hotel. If you're an Executive Chef or senior Sous Chef ready to step up — with a passion for coastal cuisine, seafood-forward menus, and hotel restaurant leadership in a downtown Austin, TX environment — we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Own all culinary operations for the Westin Austin Downtown, including Skipjack Oyster, Azul Rooftop, Banquets and In-Room Dining — including recipe execution, menu development, financial profitability, staffing, and compliance with White Lodging SOPs and all local and federal guidelines
• Serve as a hands-on culinary Subject Matter Expert, setting the standard for safe, high-quality food handling, preparation, and presentation across the entire hotel kitchen team
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop all culinary associates to drive high engagement, a strong internal promotion rate, and low turnover — executing the White Lodging Way FOH & BOH Systems
• Foster productive relationships with Sales & Marketing, Event Management, front-of-house leadership, hotel departments, owners, business partners, and vendors at this Marriott Autograph Collection Austin property
• Oversee all ordering, preparation, marketing, and execution of recipes and USE Records, managing all costs associated with culinary department profitability at a high-volume Austin restaurant
• Actively participate in property-specific month-end and year-end processes and reporting

What You'll Bring

• Proven Executive Chef or senior culinary leadership experience in a fine dining, upscale seafood, or hotel restaurant environment — experience in the Austin, Texas market a plus
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing kitchen team in a fast-paced downtown Austin restaurant setting
• A natural inclination to problem-solve complex operational challenges and arrive at creative, guest-focused culinary solutions
• High proficiency in culinary financial management, menu creation, and attention to detail — with a hands-on approach to all kitchen systems and processes
• Sharp observational and walk-through skills — consistently gauging food quality and quantity, service readiness, inventory levels, cleanliness, safety, and sanitation standards
• Pre-opening restaurant or hotel culinary experience strongly preferred — this is a ground-up launch of one of Austin's most anticipated new seafood restaurants
• Background in le seafood, coastal cuisine, or Marriott-brand hotel culinary operations strongly preferred

What You Can Look Forward To

• Benefits — starting day 1
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• DailyPay — get paid when you need it
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (PTO) with rollover
• Complimentary wellness tools
• Unlimited employee referral bonuses
• Leadership development & tuition reimbursement
• Discounts on hotel rooms, dining, and travel
• Growth opportunities across multiple hotel properties

White Lodging is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.