Chief Steward

Gaylord Hotels, a leading hospitality brand under Marriott International, specializes in delivering exceptional guest experiences through unique meetings, events, and accommodations. Situated at 2800 Opryland Drive in Nashville, Tennessee, Gaylord Hotels combines creative and entrepreneurial spirit with big-hearted service, creating an environment where associates, known as STARs, thrive. These STARs not only provide thoughtful service but also enjoy extensive career growth opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Marriott International, the parent company, upholds a strong equal opportunity employment stance, championing a workplace culture where all backgrounds are valued and celebrated, ensuring non-discrimination on any protected basis including disability and veteran status.

The Kitchen Utility Manager role at Gaylord Hotels is a full-time management position with an annual salary range of $65,000 to $88,000, including bonus eligibility. This position is pivotal in managing the daily kitchen utility operations and staff, focusing on supporting the culinary team's effectiveness by overseeing dish room operations, night cleaning, back dock cleaning, maintenance, banquet plating, and food running. The role ensures that all kitchen employees who are not actively cooking, such as dishwashers and kitchen helpers, are supervised effectively to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and operational efficiency.

The Kitchen Utility Manager is responsible for continuous improvement in both guest and employee satisfaction while maintaining adherence to budgets. This involves ordering and managing supplies, ensuring employees are equipped with the necessary tools and uniforms, and scheduling events and staff workflow to meet operational demands. Inventory control is a vital aspect of the role, including conducting inventories of china, glass, silver, food, equipment, smallware, and liquor, as well as investigating and addressing any shortages. The manager must inspect work areas and equipment regularly, enforce compliance with food handling, sanitation standards, and safety regulations, and maintain effective communication with executives, peers, and subordinates to relay relevant operational information promptly.

Leadership is at the core of this role. The Kitchen Utility Manager must utilize strong interpersonal and communication skills to motivate and direct staff. They serve as a role model, promoting honesty, integrity, and sound financial decision-making. Managing day-to-day operations also includes understanding employee functions deeply enough to step in as needed, conducting performance evaluations, fostering teamwork, celebrating successes, and building a culture of mutual trust and respect. This position also collaborates closely with human resources functions such as recruiting, hiring, training, enforcing disciplinary procedures, and ensuring all team members adhere to property policies and safety procedures.

Ultimately, the Kitchen Utility Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring exceptional customer service by emphasizing guest satisfaction in all operational activities and striving for continuous improvement in service quality. This role is ideal for an individual with a background in food and beverage or culinary management who is passionate about leading a team, maintaining high standards, and contributing to a vibrant work culture within a prestigious hospitality brand.