Executive Chef

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Work Schedule

Rotating Shifts
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Benefits

401(k)
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Health Insurance
Life insurance
Paid Time Off
room discounts
Employee Food and Beverage Discounts

Job Description

Driftwood Hospitality Management is a distinguished leader in the hospitality industry, known for its fully integrated approach to delivering exceptional services across its portfolio of hotels. With a culture that empowers associates to take initiative, be proactive, and contribute meaningfully to the success of each property, Driftwood prioritizes well-defined strategies and objectives to achieve outstanding client service. The company’s team is composed of top talent at every level, from entry positions to senior management, ensuring that each hotel operates efficiently and with excellence. Driftwood Hospitality Management emphasizes a collaborative work environment where innovation and dedication are valued, making it a premier employer within the hospitality sector.

This role is for a highly skilled and dynamic Culinary Leader who will oversee the operations of the kitchen department in the hotel. The position requires leading a culinary team to consistently perform at a high level, creatively developing and implementing innovative menus for dining outlets and catering services that prioritize driving revenue. The ideal candidate will focus on using local and seasonal ingredients where appropriate, delivering thoughtful food presentations that impress guests and enhance dining experiences. As a Culinary Manager, responsibilities include mentoring kitchen staff, overseeing procurement, food production, preparation, and presentation, and ensuring a safe and sanitary work environment that complies with all health regulations and standards.

The role demands a strategic approach to managing recipes, cost controls, plating specifications, line checks, production schedules, and cleanliness duties. In addition to operational leadership, this position requires proactive involvement in the hotel’s strategic planning related to culinary services, maintaining high food and beverage standards, and optimizing profitability through careful inventory and cost monitoring. The candidate will also be instrumental in labor management, staffing, and recruitment, ensuring the kitchen operates smoothly and meets productivity targets without compromising service quality. Active participation in departmental meetings and collaboration with other hotel departments is essential to promote teamwork and maintain service excellence.

This full-time position operates within a 24/7 hotel environment, which may require varied shift schedules. Ideal candidates will have experience in high-volume catering, fine dining, and working with top hotel brands. Expertise in modern culinary trends, leadership skills that foster colleague growth, and a strong commitment to customer service superbly suit this role. Candidates should be familiar with financial planning, data analysis, and media interaction to promote the hotel’s food and beverage offerings. The environment is fast-paced and demands energy, creativity, and a passion for excellence in hospitality culinary services.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • significant experience in culinary management especially in high volume hotel and catering environments
  • strong leadership capabilities
  • understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations
  • financial acumen related to food cost and budgeting
  • excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • ability to work varied shift schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • physical capability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and perform job duties over an eight plus hour shift
  • proactive recruiting and staff management experience

Job Qualifications

  • Experienced in high volume catering with hotel top brands and fine dining
  • proven leadership and managerial skills supporting colleague growth and development
  • up to date with culinary trends and committed to continuing culinary development
  • extremely creative with strong service skills
  • demonstrated ability to energize a diverse team of culinary professionals
  • proven financial planning and data analysis skills
  • fully supportive and cognizant of corporate programs
  • comfortable with television and other media promotional venues
  • computer literate

Job Duties

  • Lead culinary team to consistently execute at a high level
  • develop and implement creative menus for outlets and catering focusing on driving revenues using local and seasonal inspired items when appropriate
  • create thoughtful presentations showcasing foods
  • develop and mentor kitchen team
  • oversee all kitchen operations including procurement, production, preparation, and presentation
  • develop recipes and cost controls
  • manage plating specifications, line checks, production schedules, and cleaning duties
  • ensure all kitchen operations follow safe and sanitary work environment standards
  • monitor inventory levels and food cost controls
  • optimize profitability through strategic and innovative promotional initiatives
  • use labor management tools to set and monitor staffing levels and productivity targets
  • prepare weekly schedules to maximize productivity
  • maintain staffing levels through proactive recruiting
  • ensure performance management and colleague training occur timely
  • participate in the development and implementation of kitchen and restaurant capital projects
  • contribute to weekly operational and banquet event review meetings
  • ensure compliance with hotel operating controls and health and safety laws
  • oversee menu creation for staff restaurant
  • promote teamwork within the kitchen department and maintain strong interdepartmental relationships
  • participate in media and community opportunities to showcase food and beverage products
  • respond to food-related feedback and ensure proper reporting
  • maintain kitchen equipment in good working order
  • actively participate in department head and food and beverage meetings
  • support colleague participation in hotel committees

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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