Chef de Cuisine

Position Objective:

The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for the overall success of the culinary operation within a luxury hotel environment. This role leads the kitchen team in delivering exceptional, world-class cuisine while upholding the highest standards of quality, presentation, and service. The Chef de Cuisine drives innovation, ensures operational excellence, and creates memorable dining experiences aligned with the hotel's brand, vision, and core values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Culinary Leadership & Kitchen Operations

• Direct and oversee all culinary operations to ensure flawless execution of service
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality, taste, and presentation
• Lead by example during service, ensuring precision, consistency, and attention to detail
• Personally engage in food preparation and expediting during peak service periods
• Ensure all kitchen areas are maintained to luxury-level cleanliness and organization standards
• Uphold and enforce all cultural and core standards, policies, and standard operating procedures

Guest Experience & Brand Excellence

• Create exceptional and memorable dining experiences that reflect the hotel's luxury brand
• Interact with guests to ensure satisfaction, handle special requests, and personalize experiences
• Anticipate guest needs and respond proactively to feedback
• Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to deliver seamless, elevated service

Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and develop a high-performing culinary team
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching and development
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a positive work environment
• Lead daily briefings and participate in executive and operational meetings

Menu Innovation & Culinary Strategy

• Design and execute innovative, seasonally driven menus aligned with the hotel's concept
• Ensure all recipes are standardized, documented, and executed consistently
• Incorporate global trends, local ingredients, and guest preferences into menu development
• Drive creativity while maintaining profitability and operational efficiency
• Partner with executive leadership on long-term culinary strategy

Financial & Operational Management

• Manage food, labor, and operating costs in alignment with budget goals
• Oversee purchasing, inventory control, and vendor relationships
• Implement strategies to minimize waste and maximize profitability
• Analyze financial performance and adjust operations accordingly

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure strict compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations
• Maintain required certifications (e.g., ServSafe)
• Enforce safe food handling, storage, and hygiene practices
• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and operated safely

Technology & Systems

• Utilize culinary, inventory, and labor management systems effectively
• Maintain accurate records related to staffing, inventory, and compliance
• Leverage technology to improve operational efficiency

Qualifications:

• Proven experience as a Chef de Cuisine, Executive Sous Chef, or similar leadership role in a luxury hotel or fine dining environment
• Strong foundation in classical and contemporary culinary techniques
• Demonstrated leadership, team development, and organizational skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Strong financial acumen and cost-control experience
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods (entire shift)
• Frequent bending, reaching, and lifting (up to 50 lbs)
• Ability to work in extreme temperatures (hot kitchens, cold storage areas)
• Manual dexterity to operate kitchen equipment
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

Work Environment:

• Luxury hotel or resort setting
• High-volume, fast-paced, and guest-focused environment
• Requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

Salamander Collection is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. Salamander is a drug-free workplace and participant in E-Verify.