Executive Chef - Resort Culinary

Executive Chef at Cheeca Lodge & Spa: Lead Our Culinary Excellence

Join Our Culinary Leadership Team: Cheeca Lodge & Spa, a premier luxury resort in Islamorada, FL, seeks an innovative and organized Executive Chef to lead our kitchen team. This role requires a strong leader with a passion for culinary excellence, team empowerment, and guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

Vision and Strategy:

• Collaborate with the Director of F&B to design menus to control costs, maximize profits, and provide unique culinary experiences.
• Establish the resort restaurant’s competitive market position.
• Analyze monthly performance, identify issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Act as an ambassador for Cheeca, participating in special events and maintaining a high profile.
• Stay current with industry trends and implement beneficial suggestions.
• Attend meetings and training courses to continually improve professional skills.
• Enforce the highest standards of safety, sanitation, hygiene, and food preparation according to State Board of Health.

Guest Management:

• Ensure guest satisfaction with high-quality and beautifully presented menu items.
• Regularly engage with dining patrons and review guest feedback.
• Train wait staff on menu details.

Staff Management:

• Recruit, hire, train, evaluate, and manage kitchen staff following resort policies.
• Conduct disciplinary actions and team briefings.
• Coach staff to reinforce positive behavior and improve performance.
• Conduct performance evaluations and develop staff improvement plans.
• Maintain a productive relationship with Human Resources.

Culinary Management/Production:

• Supervise food production to meet cultural and core standards.
• Coordinate with the sales department for upcoming events.
• Ensure proper preparation, presentation, and sanitation of all food items.
• Manage kitchen mise en place and effective purchasing of quality produce.
• Ensure accurate delivery and storage of fresh food, dry goods, and cleaning materials.

Financial Management:

• Control labor and operating expenses through effective scheduling, budgeting, and inventory control.
• Maintain quality and portion consistency; monitor food shipments to meet purchasing specifications.
• Train staff on the economic impact of portion controls and proper food preparation.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• High school diploma and culinary degree required; college degree preferred.
• Proven experience in a 5-star/5-diamond establishment.
• Strong leadership experience.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• In-depth knowledge of culinary trends, techniques, and business management.

Benefits Include:

• Bass Pro Shops 50% Discount Card
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Dental, health, and vision insurance.
• Employee discounts.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Life insurance.
• Paid time off.

Why Join Cheeca Lodge & Spa: As an Executive Chef at Cheeca Lodge & Spa, you will lead a talented team in a renowned luxury setting. This role offers the opportunity to innovate and elevate our culinary offerings while fostering a collaborative and high-performance kitchen environment. Join us to create exceptional dining experiences and drive culinary excellence.

Education
* Culinary degree required

Skills and Experience (Essential)
* At least 18 years of age
* Five or more years previous experience as a chef in a reputable restaurant
* Must be able to read, communicate effectively and have superb interpersonal skills
* Must be able to work well under pressure while retaining tact and composure when resolving employee or guest complaints

Skills and Experience (Preferred)
* Communication in other languages is helpful