Executive Chef

Job Description

Job Description

EXECUTIVE CHEF

DALTON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
DALTON, GEORGIA

EXECUTIVE CHEF OPPORTUNITY AT DALTON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Dalton Golf & Country Club (DGCC) in Dalton, GA, invites accomplished, passionate culinary professionals to apply for the role of Executive Chef . This is a rare opportunity to lead the culinary program at an established, member-owned, 600+ member private club with a respected reputation, a vibrant and social membership culture, and a tradition of excellence celebrated for more than seven decades.

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, DGCC offers scenic beauty, a warm Southern spirit, and a strong commitment to elevated hospitality. With a retiring Executive Chef after an impressive 18-year tenure, the Club seeks its next culinary leader to steward the kitchen into a new era of quality, innovation, and member-driven satisfaction.

This is an ideal position for a hands-on, team-focused leader who loves creating memorable dining experiences across multiple venues—ranging from casual family dining to refined, chef-driven events—and who thrives in an active, community-centered private club environment.

ABOUT DALTON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

Founded in 1915, DGCC is Dalton’s premier private club, known for its welcoming atmosphere, high-quality golf and amenities, and exceptional social programming. The Club has recently served as host site for the Georgia Open and the NAIA Men’s Golf Championship , raising its profile across the region.

Facilities and amenities include:

• An 18-hole championship golf course with active member leagues & tournaments
• A beautiful clubhouse with multiple dining areas
• Pool complex
• Pickleball & tennis programs
• Robust social calendar including holiday events, themed dinners, wine pairings, poolside parties, and family events

DGCC’s culinary philosophy combines creativity, consistency, and a respect for classic club favorites—delivered in a warm, hospitable environment that members proudly call their “home away from home.”

DALTON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB BY THE NUMBERS

• Multiple dining outlets including casual dining, mixed grill, bar, pool café, and banquet spaces
• A la carte and banquet operations with year-round and seasonal venues
• Stable, long-tenured culinary team ready for leadership and growth
• Location: Dalton, GA – growing community, excellent schools, outdoor recreation, 30 minutes to Chattanooga and 90 minutes to Atlanta

The next Executive Chef will have the support and freedom to:

• Refresh and modernize menus
• Introduce creative culinary experiences
• Elevate presentation and consistency
• Mentor and develop kitchen staff
• Maintain and enhance a strong culture of hospitality in the back-of-house

EXECUTIVE CHEF – POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Chef at DGCC is responsible for leading all aspects of the Club’s culinary operations, including menu development, a la carte dining, banquet production, staff leadership, food quality, sanitation, and financial performance. The Chef serves as a visible, approachable ambassador of the dining program and a key partner to the Food & Beverage and Club leadership teams.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build positive relationships with a committed, long-tenured kitchen team; lead with empathy, consistency, and high expectations.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
• Be a visible and engaged leader—teaching, coaching, and developing future culinary talent.
• Participate in recruiting, training, and retaining culinary staff, including seasonal and full-time employees.
• Create a workplace environment where staff take pride in their work and enjoy coming to the Club each day.

Operations & Culinary Excellence

• Oversee daily food production for all dining outlets and events.
• Develop innovative, seasonal menus that balance creativity with member preferences.
• Maintain high culinary standards—flavor, presentation, consistency, and execution.
• Maintain exceptional sanitation, cleanliness, safety, and equipment care.
• Ensure timely and efficient service during peak a la carte periods and banquet events.
• Maintain standard recipes, portion controls, and production systems.

·         Lead and support pastry, baking, and dessert production, ensuring desserts are crafted with the same creativity, quality, and consistency as all other menu offerings.

• Manage multiple events and dining outlets simultaneously.

Financial Management

• Manage and achieve food and labor cost goals.
• Participate in budgeting for food, labor, and kitchen operations.
• Conduct monthly inventory and maintain accurate ordering and receiving procedures.
• Build strong partnerships with quality vendors; negotiate pricing and drive value purchasing.
• Use technology (POS, inventory systems, ordering platforms) to support consistent operations.

Member Engagement

• Serve as a visible, personable presence—visiting tables, accepting feedback, and building relationships.
• Elevate member events, theme dinners, tasting experiences, and holiday programs.
• Uphold and enhance the Club’s traditional favorites while introducing creative new offerings.

INITIAL PRIORITIES

• Build relationships and trust with members, staff, and management.
• Evaluate existing menus, standards, systems, and staff capabilities.
• Refresh à la carte offerings to align with member preferences.
• Strengthen team communication—daily stand-ups, weekly planning, and consistent feedback.
• Improve efficiencies in ordering, production, scheduling, and cost control.
• Enhance culinary presence at member events and special occasions.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Minimum 5 years of progressive culinary leadership , preferably in private clubs, resorts, or upscale multi-outlet dining.
• Experience managing a la carte and banquet operations simultaneously.
• Strong leadership presence with proven ability to mentor and retain teams.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen management.
• Ability to balance creativity with consistency and member preferences.
• Strong financial acumen including food/labor cost control.

Preferred

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional kitchen experience.
• ACF certification (CEC) or progress toward certification.
• Experience in private clubs or similar member-focused environments.
• Proficiency in multiple cuisines and modern cooking techniques.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary , commensurate with experience
• Annual performance-based bonus eligibility
• Relocation assistance
• Health insurance – Club covers employee premium
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid vacation & holidays
• Continuing education & professional development support
• Full access to premier products, vendors, and a supportive management team

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should submit the following documents in a single PDF file :

1. Cover Letter outlining:
2. • Your interest in the Executive Chef position at DGCC
   • How your experience aligns with the Club’s needs
   • Your leadership and culinary philosophy
   • Why Dalton, GA and this opportunity fit your career goals
3. Professional Resume