Chef de Cuisine

Ready to turn up the heat (in the best way)? Aqua Bar & Grill at Villatel Orlando Resort is looking for a passionate, hands-on Chef de Cuisine to help lead our kitchen and keep the good vibes (and great food) flowing!

In this role, you’ll be right in the middle of the action—supporting the Director of Culinary and Beverage Operations, leading a rockstar kitchen team, and serving up fresh, flavorful dishes that wow guests enjoying resort life. From poolside bites to themed events and seasonal menus, you’ll help create culinary experiences guests can’t stop talking about.

If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, love leading a team, and have a flair for creativity, this is your moment.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Leading the Kitchen Crew

• Jump into daily operations and help keep the kitchen running like a well-oiled (and well-seasoned) machine
• Supervise and inspire cooks during service
• Take the lead when the Director of Food & Beverage is away
• Help hire, train, and develop an all-star culinary team
• Create a positive, high-energy, team-first environment

Getting Creative with Menus

• Ensure every dish looks amazing and tastes even better and meets our standards for taste, presentation, and consistency
• Keep portions, plating, and presentation on point
• Stay on top of ticket times—especially during those busy poolside rushes
• Run line checks to make sure everything is fresh, prepped, and ready to shine

Getting Creative with Menus

• Help design and execute menus that keep guests coming back for more
• Bring the fun with themed menus, holiday features, and waterpark promotions
• Support seasonal menu updates and costing coupled with recipe testing, and team training
• Assist with catering menus for private events and special occasions
• Use guest feedback and sales trends to keep things fresh and exciting

Owning Inventory & Costs

• Help manage inventory, ordering, and proper stock rotation (FIFO)
• Keep a close eye on food usage and minimize waste
• Support food cost control and accurate inventory tracking

Keeping It Clean & Safe

• Maintain top-notch food safety and sanitation standards
• Ensure the kitchen is always inspection-ready
• Train team members on proper food handling and safety practices

Keep Things Running Smoothly

• Ensure equipment is used properly and stays in great shape
• Report and help coordinate any maintenance needs
• Stay organized and keep kitchen flow efficient

Communicate Like a Pro

• Act as the bridge between the kitchen and Director of Food & Beverage
• Partner with front-of-house to deliver seamless service
• Share menu updates, event details, and daily needs clearly
• Step in to connect with guests when needed and resolve concerns quickly

WHAT YOU BRING

• 3+ years of Sous Chef or above leadership experience
• Strong skills in a high-volume bar & grill environment
• Experience with menu development, themed dining, or catering (a big plus!)
• Knowledge of food safety standards (SERV Safe is a bonus)
• A natural leader with great communication and organization skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand for long shifts (8–10+ hours)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-heat kitchen environment

Villatel is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected status.