
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Work Schedule
Standard Hours
Flexible
Benefits
Medical insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Health savings account
401(k) retirement plan
Paid vacation
paid sick days
Sonesta Hotel Discounts
educational assistance
Paid parental leave
Company paid life insurance
Short term disability insurance
long term disability insurance
Employee perks and discounts
Hospital Indemnity insurance
critical illness insurance
accident insurance
Job Description
Sonesta International Hotels is the 8th largest hotel company in the United States, and it's expanding rapidly. Known for its unique blend of full-service and focused hotels situated in major cities, Sonesta boasts a diverse portfolio of owned, managed, and franchised properties. This expansive presence across over 1000 properties in eight countries creates a dynamic work environment that embodies the spirit of hospitality. Passion, loyalty, and memorable guest experiences are at the core of Sonesta's business model. The company emphasizes a Culture of Caring, valuing both guest satisfaction and the growth and well-being of its employees. Sonesta is committed to delivering quality, value, and remarkable hospitality in every stay and experience they create.
The Executive Chef at Sonesta plays a pivotal role in shaping the heart of the culinary operations and overall guest experience within their property. This leadership position involves overseeing all aspects of the Culinary department, ensuring that daily kitchen operations run smoothly and meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The Executive Chef is entrusted with developing creative menus, testing new recipes, managing kitchen supplies and inventory, as well as collaborating with other departments like Catering to ensure seamless special event dining. A major focus is on maintaining strict adherence to safety and sanitation standards, while also fostering a positive environment for the culinary team.
Financial stewardship is another key responsibility for the Executive Chef, who manages payroll, approves timesheets, controls food and labor costs, and ensures the department adheres to its budget. The role demands proactive leadership to motivate, train, and retain culinary staff, aiming to reduce turnover and build a high-performing team. Driving guest satisfaction through excellent culinary offerings and attentive customer service is essential, including direct engagement with guests to gather feedback and resolve concerns promptly.
Success in this role means balancing strategic planning, operational management, financial controls, and passionate team leadership. The Executive Chef also contributes to broader property initiatives by participating in budget and forecasting activities and aligning kitchen operations with company goals. Sonesta values managers who demonstrate achievement orientation, guest focus, integrity, and respect, and empowers them to lead by example while fostering a trusting and inclusive workplace culture.
Salary for this role ranges from $95,000 to $110,000 per year with eligibility for bonuses, reflecting the importance of this leadership position within Sonesta. The company also provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and personal growth of its employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and various employee perks.
Sonesta is committed to equal opportunity employment, ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Employees at Sonesta are encouraged to complete a full application and submit a resume to be considered for this exciting opportunity. Joining Sonesta means becoming part of an inspired team dedicated to delivering amazing hospitality and growing together in a vibrant, supportive environment.
The Executive Chef at Sonesta plays a pivotal role in shaping the heart of the culinary operations and overall guest experience within their property. This leadership position involves overseeing all aspects of the Culinary department, ensuring that daily kitchen operations run smoothly and meet the highest standards of quality and safety. The Executive Chef is entrusted with developing creative menus, testing new recipes, managing kitchen supplies and inventory, as well as collaborating with other departments like Catering to ensure seamless special event dining. A major focus is on maintaining strict adherence to safety and sanitation standards, while also fostering a positive environment for the culinary team.
Financial stewardship is another key responsibility for the Executive Chef, who manages payroll, approves timesheets, controls food and labor costs, and ensures the department adheres to its budget. The role demands proactive leadership to motivate, train, and retain culinary staff, aiming to reduce turnover and build a high-performing team. Driving guest satisfaction through excellent culinary offerings and attentive customer service is essential, including direct engagement with guests to gather feedback and resolve concerns promptly.
Success in this role means balancing strategic planning, operational management, financial controls, and passionate team leadership. The Executive Chef also contributes to broader property initiatives by participating in budget and forecasting activities and aligning kitchen operations with company goals. Sonesta values managers who demonstrate achievement orientation, guest focus, integrity, and respect, and empowers them to lead by example while fostering a trusting and inclusive workplace culture.
Salary for this role ranges from $95,000 to $110,000 per year with eligibility for bonuses, reflecting the importance of this leadership position within Sonesta. The company also provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and personal growth of its employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and various employee perks.
Sonesta is committed to equal opportunity employment, ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Employees at Sonesta are encouraged to complete a full application and submit a resume to be considered for this exciting opportunity. Joining Sonesta means becoming part of an inspired team dedicated to delivering amazing hospitality and growing together in a vibrant, supportive environment.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in culinary arts, hospitality management, or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior culinary leadership role preferably within hotel or hospitality industry
- Proven ability to manage kitchen operations and staff effectively
- Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful menus and food programs
- Proficiency in budgeting, payroll, and cost control
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Strong leadership and team management capabilities
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Physical ability to work in fast-paced kitchen environment
- Availability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in culinary arts or hospitality
- Extensive experience leading kitchen teams in full-service hotels
- Demonstrated expertise in instructional recipe creation and menu development
- Strong skills in financial management including budgeting and cost control
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Ability to engage with guests and handle complaints professionally
- Advanced knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation standards
- Proven track record of motivating and coaching staff
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
- Knowledge of hotel and hospitality industry practices
Job Duties
- Provide the direction for all day-to-day operations of the Culinary department and ensure the quality and standards are meeting customer and employee expectations
- Write and test recipes, create menus and food displays, and provide guidelines for food presentation to kitchen staff
- Review Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), make notes, and assign production and preparation tasks accordingly
- Ensure that supplies are ordered, received, and properly stored and maintain an inventory of supplies and kitchen equipment
- Work with the Catering department to develop special menus for functions and meet with meeting planners as requested
- Meet with guests to seek feedback and ensure food production meets and exceeds guest expectations
- Respond to guest complaints and ensure proper follow-up is completed
- Monitor payroll, approve timesheets, and process payroll at the end of the pay period
- Interview, hire, train, and promote culinary staff
- provide constructive and consistent feedback and recommend disciplinary action when appropriate
- Ensure all Sonesta safety and sanitation standards are adhered to
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming
- Perform any other job-related duties as assigned
- Prepare weekly work schedules in accordance with staffing guidelines and labor forecasts and adjust schedules to meet business demands
- Analyze guest satisfaction data to develop and implement plans to achieve established goals related to guest satisfaction
- Coordinate projects requiring floor condensing and room inventory changes
- Conduct regular inventory of food items and equipment
- Manage department expenses and ensure food cost is reviewed daily
- Achieve budgeted revenues, control labor costs and expenses, and maximize profitability
- Manage staffing levels to ensure guest service, operational needs, and financial objectives are met
- Actively participate and advise in budget and forecasting processes
- Attract, retain, and motivate your team to uphold company standards and practices
- Ensure employees receive proper training in accordance with company policy and local laws
- Conduct pre-shift meetings and review daily business information with staff
- Monitor, measure, and recognize employee performance
- Conduct annual performance evaluations
- Coach team by providing specific feedback
- Ensure employees are treated fairly and equitably
- Handle employee issues professionally and timely
- Utilize and collaborate with resources across departments and corporate office
- Motivate employees to perform to their highest standard and establish a trusting environment
- Focus on the mission and well-being of the departments, hotel, and company
- Lead by example and operate with integrity and respect
- Inspire your team to embrace Sonesta's core values and guest service standards
Job Criteria
Experience
Expert Level (7+ years)
Job Location
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