Assistant Culinary Leader

Des Moines, IA, USA|Travel

Job Overview

Employment Type

Temporary

Full-time

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Day Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plan

Travel opportunities

Training and Development

Employee Discounts

Meal allowance

Job Description

Disney Cruise Line is a world-renowned cruise company known for delivering magical vacation experiences inspired by Disney's beloved stories and characters. As a leader in the cruise industry, Disney Cruise Line combines exceptional service, imaginative entertainment, and exquisite dining to create memorable journeys for families and guests of all ages. The company emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where employees can grow both personally and professionally while contributing to creating cherished moments for guests worldwide. Recognized for setting the gold standard in maritime hospitality, Disney Cruise Line operates a fleet of modern ships that sail to a variety of destinations across the globe, ensuring every voyage offers premium amenities and outstanding guest satisfaction.

The Assistant Culinary Leader role at Disney Cruise Line is an exciting and dynamic position designed for highly skilled culinary professionals who thrive in fast-paced, multicultural kitchens. Reporting directly to the Chef de Cuisine, the Assistant Culinary Leader collaborates closely with kitchen staff to ensure all food preparation and presentation meet Disney's exceptional quality standards. The role demands a passion for culinary excellence, safety, and teamwork, requiring the ability to lead, motivate, and manage a diverse culinary team. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining compliance with health regulations, implementing recipe guidelines, and overseeing all aspects of the kitchen’s daily operation aboard a cruise ship.

This full-time, shipboard position offers a unique opportunity to live and work at sea, combining a culinary career with the adventure of travel. The Assistant Culinary Leader will prepare menus catering to special dietary needs and food allergies, conduct weekly internal inspections to exceed the Vessel Sanitation Program's standards, and organize daily food presentations and tastings. The role also demands proactive communication across the culinary team and collaboration with management to continuously enhance food quality and service. Given the immersive nature of life onboard, candidates must be prepared to work within a multicultural, confined environment and uphold stringent safety protocols. This position offers not only a chance to advance your culinary skills but also to be part of the legendary Disney experience that impacts guests' lives worldwide.

Job Requirements

Ship experience is required
Proven ability to lead and motivate a culinary team
A demonstrated initiative to undertake tasks with minimal supervision
Able to work within tight timeframes and budget targets
Three years of formal culinary training from an accredited school or recognized apprenticeship
Minimum of three years of experience including at least two years as Chef de Partie in a high-volume kitchen
Knowledge of safe food handling and HACCP / USPH practices
Ability to follow standardized recipes and proficient in recipe conversions
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Basic computer knowledge
Be genuinely interested in a career at sea and be willing to live and work onboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel
Be prepared to perform safety roles and responsibilities as specified in the ship Assembly Plan
Uphold general safety management responsibilities according to the Safety Management System
Be willing to share a confined cabin with other crew members appreciating a multicultural work environment with strict rules and regulations
Have a valid passport and C1/D Seaman's visa (DCL will provide documents for this process)
Complete a pre-employment medical examination
Obtain a criminal background check
Bring approved work shoes
Disney Cruise Line is a drug-free workplace
All new hires must undergo drug/alcohol testing within the first week onboard and throughout their contracts
Failure to pass testing will result in immediate termination

Job Qualifications

Three years of formal culinary training from an accredited school or recognized apprenticeship
Minimum of three years of experience including at least two years as Chef de Partie in a high-volume kitchen
Proven ability to lead and motivate a culinary team
Experience in managing diverse and multi-functional teams
Proficient in all kitchen stations
Knowledge of safe food handling and HACCP / USPH practices
Ability to follow standardized recipes and proficient in recipe conversions
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Basic computer knowledge

Job Duties

Prepare menus that cater to allergy and special dietary needs adhering strictly to company guidelines
Exceed the Disney Cruise Line and Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) standards lead the culinary team in weekly internal inspections
Implement recipe guidelines including recipe booklets and plate presentations
Provide valuable feedback on recipe formulations to the Chef de Cuisine and Manager Food Operations
Facilitate effective communication within the galley team and between the Chef de Cuisine and Manager Food Operations
Alongside the Chef de Cuisine maintain food quality standards during all stages of preparation and service
Understand and oversee the opening and closing procedures for all assigned kitchens and production areas