Executive Chef

Kent Country Club is a prestigious private country club known for offering an exceptional dining experience and outstanding hospitality to its esteemed membership. Established as one of the premier social and recreational hubs in its community, the club boasts an inviting atmosphere tailored to members seeking quality leisure, fine dining, and social gatherings. With 402 members and an average member age of 55, Kent Country Club maintains a warm and exclusive environment where the traditions of classic club culture blend seamlessly with contemporary amenities. Annual gross volume for the club is approximately $8.1 million, with food and beverage accounting for a significant portion – $1.2 million in food sales and $557,000 in beverage sales respectively. The club features five distinct food and beverage outlets, including sophisticated dining rooms that accommodate both à la carte service and banquet-style events, with around 29,000 covers a year and an average of four weddings annually.

The Executive Chef (EC) role at Kent Country Club is pivotal in elevating the culinary offerings and overall dining experience for members and guests. This leadership position is charged with managing the entire culinary program across multiple kitchens, including Clubhouse, Poolside, and Half-Way House facilities. The EC is responsible for delivering consistently high-quality food in all outlets, balancing creative menu development with rigorous operational efficiency and cost control. With the à la carte service accounting for approximately 35% and banquets 65% of culinary operations, the Executive Chef must expertly navigate both demanding service styles and consistently uphold the highest food safety and sanitation standards.

The ideal Executive Chef is a dynamic and composed culinary leader who leads by example, maintaining a daily hands-on involvement in kitchen operations while fostering a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment. They champion a culture of accountability, open communication, and mutual respect, inspiring their team through mentorship and continuous development. A key component of the role involves close collaboration with the Club's leadership and front-of-house staff to create seamless dining experiences that delight members. The EC also engages strategically with the membership to understand and anticipate their culinary preferences and expectations, ensuring the club's menu offerings remain innovative yet approachable.

Operationally, the Executive Chef is accountable for staff hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations, ensuring the culinary team is motivated and well-equipped to deliver excellence. The role extends to active recruitment partnerships with local culinary education programs, emphasizing talent development and community involvement. Financial management is paramount, with responsibilities including menu pricing, cost controls, payroll oversight, inventory management, and vendor relationships to optimize both quality and profitability.

Initial priorities for the EC involve setting a culture of quality and pride, emphasizing consistency, and strengthening member relationships through attentive hospitality and menu creativity. This leadership role demands not only advanced culinary skills but also strong organizational, motivational, and interpersonal abilities to uphold Kent Country Club's reputation as a distinguished venue for exquisite dining and memorable events. This is a full-time leadership position where passion for food, professionalism, and dedication to service excellence converge.