Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Benefits
Major medical coverage
short-term disability
long-term disability
Life insurance
Retirement savings plan option
Job Description
Disney Cruise Line is a renowned entertainment and hospitality brand under The Walt Disney Company, globally recognized for delivering exceptional and magical cruise experiences. The company operates a fleet of cruise ships that sail to a variety of exciting destinations worldwide. Known for its commitment to excellence and family-friendly environment, Disney Cruise Line offers immersive experiences with a high standard of customer service and safety. Crew members join a professional community where diversity, inclusion, and a shared passion for creating memorable moments for guests are emphasized. The work environment on board is both supportive and challenging, encouraging personal and professional growth while maintaining the highest safety protocols and Disney values.
The role of Chef de Cuisine (CDC) at Disney Cruise Line is a key leadership position within the food operations team, responsible for managing and directing culinary activities on board. This shipboard position demands an experienced culinary professional who excels in overseeing high-volume food production and ensuring outstanding culinary standards across various dining outlets. The CDC is entrusted with coordinating all food offerings, including specialized group requests, managing galley operations, monitoring inventory and cost controls, and leading a team of culinary staff. This role requires a deep understanding of food and beverage operations, a hands-on approach to quality control, and the ability to inspire and develop a multicultural team. Reporting to the Assistant Manager of Food Operations, the CDC plays an essential part in maintaining seamless operations that delight guests while adhering to budget and safety guidelines.
Team leadership is a core aspect of the CDC position, involving staff meetings, training, performance reviews, and ensuring compliance with maritime labor conventions. The CDC must be adept at managing personnel files, conducting progressive discipline, and fostering crew development and morale. Technical responsibilities include handling inventory systems such as the Materials Management System (MMS) for ordering and stock taking, coordinating buffet and a la carte production, and ensuring the maintenance of kitchen equipment through appropriate channels. Culinary creativity combined with operational efficiency is critical, as the CDC works within the framework of themed menus and seasonal availability, crafting menus and recipes that meet Disney’s exacting standards. This role offers a unique career opportunity for chefs who are passionate about working at sea and who aspire to deliver memorable culinary experiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The position comes with numerous comprehensive benefits, including major medical coverage, disability insurance, life insurance, and retirement options. Applicants should be prepared for the challenges of living and working on a cruise ship, including shared cabin accommodations and adherence to safety protocols. This is an excellent opportunity to advance a culinary career within one of the world’s most respected entertainment brands.
The role of Chef de Cuisine (CDC) at Disney Cruise Line is a key leadership position within the food operations team, responsible for managing and directing culinary activities on board. This shipboard position demands an experienced culinary professional who excels in overseeing high-volume food production and ensuring outstanding culinary standards across various dining outlets. The CDC is entrusted with coordinating all food offerings, including specialized group requests, managing galley operations, monitoring inventory and cost controls, and leading a team of culinary staff. This role requires a deep understanding of food and beverage operations, a hands-on approach to quality control, and the ability to inspire and develop a multicultural team. Reporting to the Assistant Manager of Food Operations, the CDC plays an essential part in maintaining seamless operations that delight guests while adhering to budget and safety guidelines.
Team leadership is a core aspect of the CDC position, involving staff meetings, training, performance reviews, and ensuring compliance with maritime labor conventions. The CDC must be adept at managing personnel files, conducting progressive discipline, and fostering crew development and morale. Technical responsibilities include handling inventory systems such as the Materials Management System (MMS) for ordering and stock taking, coordinating buffet and a la carte production, and ensuring the maintenance of kitchen equipment through appropriate channels. Culinary creativity combined with operational efficiency is critical, as the CDC works within the framework of themed menus and seasonal availability, crafting menus and recipes that meet Disney’s exacting standards. This role offers a unique career opportunity for chefs who are passionate about working at sea and who aspire to deliver memorable culinary experiences in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The position comes with numerous comprehensive benefits, including major medical coverage, disability insurance, life insurance, and retirement options. Applicants should be prepared for the challenges of living and working on a cruise ship, including shared cabin accommodations and adherence to safety protocols. This is an excellent opportunity to advance a culinary career within one of the world’s most respected entertainment brands.
Job Requirements
- Be genuinely interested in a career at sea and willing to live and work onboard a Disney Cruise Line vessel
- Be willing to follow and perform safety role, emergency responsibilities and associated responsibilities as specified in the ship assembly plan
- Be willing to uphold the general safety management responsibilities as specified in the Safety Management System in areas and operations under their control
- If applicable, be willing to share a confined cabin with other crew members and be appreciative of working and living in a multicultural environment that has strict rules and regulations
- Have a valid passport and C1/D Seaman's visa (DCL will provide you with documents to obtain this)
- Complete a pre-employment medical
- Obtain a criminal background check
- Bring approved work shoes
- Disney Cruise Line is a drug-free workplace and all new hires are required to undergo drug/alcohol testing within the first week onboard and throughout their contracts. Failure to pass the testing will result in immediate termination
Job Qualifications
- 4+ years of experience working as a leader within a high level hotel or restaurant, overseeing a high volume culinary operation
- Certified working Chef or equivalent degree in Culinary Arts
- Shipboard experience required
- Demonstrated career progression within the culinary field
- Working knowledge of food and beverage products, services, and equipment
- Calculate and control cost potentials/projections and understand the impact of the overall budget
- Write and implement high-quality menus based on themed and seasonal availability
- Write and cost recipes, and train the team to implement them at the highest standards
- Lead culinary team within assigned responsibilities
- Demonstrate natural initiative to undertake or continue a task or activity
- Proven leadership skills and ability to manage multi-functional and diverse areas
- Able to work under pressure of tight timeframes, deadlines and financial goals
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- College degree in Culinary Arts, preferred
Job Duties
- Follow company recipe guidelines for assigned responsibilities using recipe booklets, plate presentation and audits
- Meet food cost budgets and targets as set by the Food Manager onboard
- Order stores for assigned responsibilities by using the Materials Management System (MMS), an online electronic ordering system, for up to 3,000 meals daily
- Inventory control (par levels, turnover and replenishment)
- Monitor handling and maintenance of operating equipment
- Organize staff meetings
- Provide leadership for all direct reports including managing personnel files, conducting performance reviews, ensuring MLC compliance, monitoring timekeeping system, onboard training, crew development, and crew recognition and communication
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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